"So....where is it that there is still a need for maintaining a current flow someplace. I can see it in the case for inputs to your electronics gadget that are still being driven by contact closures out on the car frame someplace, but not for these outputs that drive the stuff the relays used to drive."

Michael,

Perhaps my meaning got jumbled somewhere. The contacts that I am concerned about are the switch contacts distributed throughout the car like you mentioned, such as the thermostat switch, ignition switch, etc. I am not concerned about the contacts inside the high-side switches. Infineon managed to get some magical contact grease inside the TO-220 packages so the contacts never wear out. It is in the vapor phase so if it is ever let out the switch will stop working.

- Lee