How does a starter relay work in a car?
The relay is essentially a remote switch that controls a high-current circuit. In motor vehicles, a starter relay uses the small ignition switch current to close the much heavy-duty starter circuit. In some automotive applications, the starter relay works together with the starter solenoid to operate the starting system.
Can a bad ignition switch cause a starter relay to fail?
Although it’s unlikely that you’ll ever experience a problem with the starter relay, it is prone to mechanical failure and will need to be replaced by a professional mechanic if it wears out. Most of today’s modern cars and trucks have an electronic ignition switch that is activated by remote key.
How do you check a relay switch in a car?
Check that a supply wire has not become detached from a terminal. Check each terminal for corrosion, especially the thin wire from one terminal which goes to earth on the car body — probably fastened under a screw or bolt near by.
Do you need a manual ignition switch to start a car?
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.
The relay is essentially a remote switch that controls a high-current circuit. In motor vehicles, a starter relay uses the small ignition switch current to close the much heavy-duty starter circuit. In some automotive applications, the starter relay works together with the starter solenoid to operate the starting system.
Although it’s unlikely that you’ll ever experience a problem with the starter relay, it is prone to mechanical failure and will need to be replaced by a professional mechanic if it wears out. Most of today’s modern cars and trucks have an electronic ignition switch that is activated by remote key.
Check that a supply wire has not become detached from a terminal. Check each terminal for corrosion, especially the thin wire from one terminal which goes to earth on the car body — probably fastened under a screw or bolt near by.
How does a relay and solenoid work together?
Both a relay and a solenoid are devices that receive a low-power signal as a trigger to close (or sometimes open) a much larger circuit with more power. In the case of a starter, the ignition switch signals the relay/solenoid (possibly by way of a computer) and the relay/solenoid switches on the starter circuit to engage the starter.