dei/viper; is 200ma really the limit?

I just completed my most complicated installation to date. A 9-relay array starter/PCM interrupt into a F250 Super Duty Diesel. It was complicated by the necessity of having to defeat the system when a remote start is requested. Upon completion (about 25 hours) it all worked as intended, and I was pleased. But I've realized I made a mistake:

I am driving two relay coils with the remote status output. Directed has a 200ma limit. My relay coils are 92 Ohms, for 130ma each. I'm 60ma, or 30% over the limit. While I don't frequently use the remote start, I don't want to damage my alarm module. It's about 6 years old, and is probably no longer available, and would require an all-new installation. I know I should add a relay to drive the two relays. This truck is a royal pain to open back up. Plus everything is done, documented, and gorgeous.

What are my chances of "getting away with it" for perhaps 50-ish incidences of <2 minutes duration per event for the next 10 years?

TIA,
Dave

I decided not to risk it. And I can't stand to leave things "not right". I was able to add a booster relay without opening up the dash again. So this problem is solved. The right way.

Thanks for reading.

You may have gotten away with it - it depends a lot on the Directed circuit - but IMO you made the right choice. It's not worth risking damage, nor arguments from suppliers (if something else blows etc) that the overdrive cause it.

It's probably a good application for a MOSFET, but since we all understand and can easily get robust resistors...


BTW - thanks for posting and adding your decision. You sound very compatible with the12volt!