You'll need to do some searching:
1. Under the Hood: The most common location for relays in vehicles of that era is in a fuse box or relay center located under the hood. This is usually a plastic box with multiple fuses and relays. Look carefully at the diagrams on the fuse box cover itself. It might be labeled "starter," "ignition," or simply show a symbol representing a starter motor.
2. Power Distribution Center (PDC): Some Dodge vans of this year used a Power Distribution Center, which is a more sophisticated fuse and relay box. This might be located under the hood or even inside the passenger compartment, often under the dashboard. Again, check the diagrams.
3. Wiring Diagram: The most reliable way to pinpoint the location is to consult a wiring diagram specific to your 1988 Dodge van's year, engine, and options. You can find these diagrams online (through sites selling repair manuals or specialized automotive forums) or in a Haynes or Chilton repair manual for your vehicle. These diagrams will show you the relay's location and how it's wired.
Important Note: Before working on electrical components, disconnect the negative terminal of your battery to avoid short circuits and electrical shocks.
