What happens when a starter relay does not work?
Testing a starter relay helps you to diagnose the problem that’s making the car not to start. Starter relays do fail. They’re small components but make the primary circuit that supplies power to the main starter system. If they don’t work properly, your car cannot start.
Where do you test a car starter relay?
Testing a starter relay is fairly simple because of its position in the engine bay. You do not need to lift the car or to dismount many parts. And, you only need a few tools. Before you begin with the tests, find a working battery that’s fully charged.
What causes a car starter to not turn over?
However, when powered, it should send a signal to the starter relay once the key is turned or the starter button is pressed. If you press this button or if you turn the key on a manual ignition switch and the vehicle does not turn over, it may be caused by a problem with the starter relay.
What should the voltage drop be on a starter relay?
Place the red probe of your multimeter on the terminal connection of the red wire from the battery. Place the other probe on the connection leading to the ignition switch circuit (the black and thin wire) Ask your helper to turn on the ignition as you read the multimeter. The voltage drop should be no more than 0.2V.
How can you tell if your starter relay is bad?
The most obvious warning sign that a problem with the starter relay exists is when the vehicle won’t start when you engage the ignition process. As stated above, electronic keys do not have a manual ignition switch. However, when powered, it should send a signal to the starter relay once the key is turned or the starter button is pressed.
What kind of vehicle can use a starter relay?
These are usually the small vehicles whose starter motors do not require large amounts of current to work. Apart from cars and trucks, starter relays can be found in many other applications where electric motors are involved. These include motorcycles, refrigerators, lawnmowers, and more.
However, when powered, it should send a signal to the starter relay once the key is turned or the starter button is pressed. If you press this button or if you turn the key on a manual ignition switch and the vehicle does not turn over, it may be caused by a problem with the starter relay.
What’s the difference between a starter relay and a solenoid?
Most often, a true starter relay is a small black cube plugged into an electrical fuse/relay box in the engine compartment, whereas a starter solenoid is (in most cases) attached directly to the starter on the engine (although it is sometimes located elsewhere in the engine compartment).