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That module is home to nothing more than five relays that supply switched power (under command, primarily, of the ignition switch) to the fuel pump, secondary air injection pump, horn, traction control system and the Power Train Control Module (PTCM/ECM).
The relays themselves can fail, but most often, the issue is fractured solder connections on the board where external connector pins attach.
I notice everybody talks about cleaning and soldering their RCM, but is there a source for a replacement anywhere? I've not found one yet.
I ODB scanned the Crossfire I bought last Monday and found a stale P0410 code. Makes me think the occasional stalling might not be the CPS after all but maybe the RCM.
I don't mind paying the extra few bucks for the OEM Benz part.
It might be difficult to find something worse than the OEM part.
Would anyone happen to know if there are any other manufacturers of the RCM other than AFL Stribel Production GmbH? I have not noticed any by looking at the stock photos that sellers are using. All stock photos I have seen of RCMs for sale either don't show the front (printed) side of the cover, or, if they do, the Stribel logo is always present. I'm guessing that Standard Motor Products, Airtex/Wells, BWD, etc. , are simply distributing the Stribel relay? If so, why not just buy the least expensive one you can find?
I notice everybody talks about cleaning and soldering their RCM, but is there a source for a replacement anywhere? I've not found one yet.
OE Discount Parts lists the M-B RCM (1705450305) for our Crossfires at $151.50 (MSRP = $202.00). OE Discount Parts has the Chrysler P/N also, but it costs more than M-B part. Somewhat typical.
The RCMs listed on RockAuto.com are shown to be a Standard product, whether you look up the Chrysler P/N or M-B P/N. Not sure using a Standard product is an issue here, as they manufacture a lot of electrical/electronic OEM replacement parts. Maybe others can clarify.
I always say if the original OEM parts are of a sub standard as they using low grade solder in manufacturing process, you might just be buying another RCM that will need (again) a reflow down the road. The guy that 'fixes' the solder job here on the forum is the best deal around! Try him!
This reminds me of my Shelby-Dodge days, solder job here, solder job there, replace the switches for the traveller..done it all. I guess this car won't be any different.
Just to add to this, I ordered the RCM from an SLK230 and it worked fine. IT was built by some oddball manufacturer. What is important, is they built it heavier where the two boards are not held together with flimsy solder connections, they are held in place by SUBSTANTIAL 'rods" that solder to both boards.
That module is home to nothing more than five relays that supply switched power (under command, primarily, of the ignition switch) to the fuel pump, secondary air injection pump, horn, traction control system and the Power Train Control Module (PTCM/ECM).
The relays themselves can fail, but most often, the issue is fractured solder connections on the board where external connector pins attach.
Thanks Pizzaguy! That's a great informative picture of the relays and what they control!
Thanks Pizzaguy! That's a great informative picture of the relays and what they control!
That photo is obsolete.
I would say that the relays are causing the most problems these days.
Nineteen more posts and I reach 25,000, do I get a prize?
Current RCM photo.
Last edited by onehundred80; Jan 25, 2023 at 08:18 PM.
What is a (n) RCM ?
Re: What is a (n) RCM ?
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I always say if the original OEM parts are of a sub standard as they using low grade solder in manufacturing process, you might just be buying another RCM that will need (again) a reflow down the road. The guy that 'fixes' the solder job here on the forum is the best deal around! Try him! 
