A starter relay is a small but essential part of your car’s electrical system. If it goes bad, your car may not start. This blog post will discuss the symptoms of a bad starter relay, how to test it, and how to replace it. We will also answer some of the most frequently asked questions about starter relays!
One of the most common signs of a bad starter relay is when the engine fails to crank or start. Other symptoms of a bad starter relay include the engine stalling or running rough, the starter relay not coming on, and clicking noise from the engine area.
Table of Contents
What is a Starter Relay?
A starter relay is an electrical component used to control your car’s starter motor and starter solenoid circuit. It is a high-current switch that is used to provide power to the starter motor of your car. The ignition switch circuit usually controls it.
When you turn the key in the ignition key, a small amount of current from the battery is sent to the starter relay. This activates the relay, which then allows a much larger amount of current to flow from the battery to the starter motor. The starter motor then turns over the engine, and your car starts.
A fully functional starter relay is an important safety feature in your starter circuit. If the starter relay fails, the car will not start. This prevents the car from starting if there is a problem with the starter motor or any other electrical system component.
How Does a Starter Relay Work? How Does it Work With Starter Solenoid and Starter Motor?
A starter relay is used to send a signal from the ignition to the starter solenoid, which in turn activates the starter motor. The starter relay typically has four terminals: one for the battery, one for the ground, one for the ignition switch input, and one for the output to the starter solenoid.
When the key is turned to the “start” position, current flows through the coil, activating the electromagnet inside. This attracts a switch arm or plunger, closing a circuit and allowing current to flow to the starter solenoid. The solenoid then activates the starter motor, which turns over the engine.
Similarly, when the key is turned to the “off” position, the current stops flowing to the coil, which deactivates the electromagnet. This releases the switch arm or plunger, opening the circuit and cutting off the current flow to the starter solenoid.
So, you can see that without a properly functioning starter relay, a vehicle will not be able to start. If you suspect that your starter relay may be faulty, it is essential to have it checked by a professional as soon as possible.
Where is Starter Relay Located?
Based on the make and model of your car, you can find the starter relay in several places. It is usually located in the fuse box located under the hood, near the battery. However, some cars have fuse boxes in the trunk or under the dashboard. If you cannot find the starter relay in either of these places, consult your car’s owner’s manual for its exact location.
Symptoms of a Bad Starter Relay
Now that we know what a starter relay is and how it works let’s discuss the symptoms of a failed starter relay. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it is essential to have your car checked by a professional as soon as possible.
- Car Won’t Start
- Clicking Sound
- Intermittent Starting Problems
- Starter Stays On
Let us explain these symptoms one by one:
1. Car Won’t Start:
One of the most common reasons why a car won’t start is because of a defective starter relay. The starter relay is responsible for sending power to the starter motor; if it fails, the engine won’t turn over. There are a few signs that can indicate a bad starter relay, such as the engine not cranking when you turn the key or the starter staying on after you remove the key.
There are a few reasons why a starter relay may fail, but the most common is simply due to age or wear and tear. In some cases, a bad starter relay can be caused by a faulty ignition switch, but this is relatively rare.
2. Clicking Sound:
If your starter relay has gone bad, you may hear a clicking sound when you turn the key in the ignition. This is because the starter relay is responsible for sending power to the starter motor. Failed starter relay means, it can cause the starter motor to receive less power than it needs to function properly.
As a result, you may hear a clicking sound when you turn the key in the vehicle’s ignition system as the starter motor tries to engage but doesn’t have enough power to do so.
3. Intermittent Starting Problems:
If your starter relay is going bad, you may notice that your car has intermittent starting problems. This means it may start fine one day but have difficulty starting the next day.
One of the most common reasons why a car might have intermittent starting problems is due to a bad starter relay. The starter relay is responsible for supplying power to the starter motor; if it fails, the engine will not turn over. In some cases, the starter relay can become corroded or damaged, which can cause it to fail intermittently.
4. Starter Stays On:
If your starter relay has gone bad, you may notice that the starter motor stays on even after the engine is started. One of the most common reasons a starter relay would stay on after the engine has started is a problem with the ignition switch. If the ignition switch is not working properly, it can cause the starter relay to stay on.
Another possibility is that there is a short circuit somewhere in the starting system. This can be caused by several things, including a faulty starter relay or a damaged wire.
How to Test a Bad Starter Relay?
A bad starter relay can cause your car to have a hard time starting or not starting at all. Here is the list of all the equipment and supplies you need to test a bad starter relay:
- Safety gear
- Digital voltmeter
- Charged car battery
- Jumper Cables
- Wire Brush
- Water and Baking soda
Now, let us see the detailed procedure for testing a bad starter relay:
1. Park Your Car Properly:
You must park your vehicle on level ground before starting the testing process. This will help you avoid accidents while working on the car.
2. Put On Your Safety Gear:
Make sure you wear all the necessary safety gear before working on the car. This includes gloves, goggles, and ear protection.
3. Disconnect The Negative Battery Cable:
The first thing you need to do is to disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery. This will prevent any electrical shocks while you are working on the starter relay.
4. Gather Supplies:
Now, you must gather all the supplies you will need to test the starter relay. This includes a charged battery, jumper cables, baking soda, water, and a wire brush.
5. Check The Battery Connections:
Now, you need to check the battery connections to make sure they are clean and tight. This can be done using a wire brush to clean any corrosion off the terminals. Once they are clean, you need to use a voltmeter to test the voltage of the battery. It should be around 12 volts. If it is not, then you will need to replace the battery.
6. Locate the Starter Relay:
After ensuring that you have a strong enough battery, the next step is to locate the starter relay. It is usually located in the fuse box under the hood of the car. Once you have found it, you need to remove its wiring. But make sure to tag each wire upon removal. This way, you will not forget the sequence when you put them back.
7. Test the Starter Relay:
Now, it is time to test the starter relay itself. You can do this by following this procedure here:
- Locate four terminals on the relay. One of these is the ground terminal (85), another one is the input terminal from the ignition switch (86), one provides power from the battery (30), and the last one is the output towards the starter solenoid (87).
- Once you’ve established which terminal is which, now start the process of testing the relay.
- Energize the relay by providing power to the terminal connected to the battery. You can use a jumper wire for this.
- Using another jumper cable, you must connect the ground terminal of the starter relay to the chassis of the car.
- With the help of a digital voltmeter, measure the resistance value between terminal 30 and 87.
- The expected value should be around 0.5 ohms. If the value is not as expected, then the relay is bad and needs to be replaced.
8. Clean The Terminals:
Once you have tested the starter relay, you need to clean the terminals on the relay using a wire brush. This will help to prevent any corrosion in the future.
9. Put Everything Back Together:
The last step is to put everything back together in the reverse order you took apart. Make sure to tighten all bolts and put the wires back in the correct sequence. Once everything is back together, you can try starting the car to see if the problem has been fixed.
If you follow these steps, you should be able to test a bad fuse box starter relay and fix any problems that you may find. But, if you are still having trouble starting your car, you may need to take it to a mechanic for further diagnosis.
How to Replace a Bad Starter Relay?
If your car is having trouble starting, it may be time to replace the starter relay. A bad starter relay can cause all sorts of starting issues, so diagnosing and fixing the problem as soon as possible is important. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to replace a bad starter relay:
1. Identify the starter relay:
In most cars, the starter relay is located near the battery or in the fuse box. Consult your car’s owner’s manual if you’re having trouble finding it.
2. Disconnect the battery:
Before working on any electrical components in your car, it’s important to disconnect the battery to avoid any accidents.
3. Loosen the terminals of the old starter relay:
Once you’ve found the starter relay, use a wrench to loosen the terminals that connect it to the battery and other electrical components.
4. Disconnect the wiring:
Carefully disconnect the ignition switch wiring from the old starter relay. Tag every wire you disconnect, so you know where to reconnect them later.
5. Remove the old starter relay:
Once you’ve located the starter relay, use a screwdriver or wrench to remove it.
6. Install the new starter relay:
Simply reverse the process to install the new starter relay. Be sure to tighten all connection points securely.
7. Reconnect the battery and test the new starter relay:
Once you’ve reconnected the battery, start the car to see if the new starter relay is working properly. If not, consult a mechanic or your car’s owner’s manual for further troubleshooting steps.
Starter Relay Replacement Cost
The average cost for a starter relay replacement is between $40 and $60. Labor costs are estimated between $25 and $40, while parts are priced at around $20. This range does not include taxes and fees, and therefore the total price may be higher. Prices will vary depending on your vehicle’s make, model, and year.
Conclusion
The starter relay is an important component in a car. It helps to provide the initial power to the starter motor, which in turn starts the engine. Without a starter relay, the starter motor would not be able to function properly, and the engine would not start.
In some cases, a starter relay can also help to protect the starter motor from damage. By following the steps above, you can replace a bad starter relay and get your car back on the road. However, if you’re still having trouble starting your car, it’s best to consult a mechanic for further diagnosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens when a starter relay goes bad?
When a starter relay goes bad, the car may not start, or it may start and then stall. The starter relay is responsible for sending power to the starter motor, so if it goes bad, the starter motor will not receive power and will not be able to start the car. Sometimes, a starter relay can go bad without causing any problems at all. However, if the starter relay does go bad and cause problems, it is usually because the contacts inside the relay have worn out or become corroded.
Can you jump-start a car with a bad starter relay?
The answer is no; you cannot jump-start a car with a bad starter relay. In order to jump-start a car, the starter relay must be in good working condition. If the starter relay is not working properly, it will not provide the necessary power to the starter motor, and the car will not start. Jump-start will only boost the battery power long enough to start the engine; it will not fix a bad starter relay. If you have a bad starter relay, you will need to replace it with a new one.
How long can you drive with bad starter relay symptoms?
If you’re experiencing bad starter relay symptoms, it’s best to replace the starter relay as soon as possible. Continuing to drive with a bad starter relay can cause further damage to the starter motor or other electrical components in your car. In some cases, a bad starter relay can even cause your car to stall while you’re driving.
What does a bad starter relay sound like?
A bad starter relay can sound like a clicking noise when you try to start the engine, or it may cause the engine to turn over slowly. If the starter relay is completely damaged, it may not make any noise at all.
What is the average lifespan of a starter relay?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as starter relays can vary significantly in terms of quality and durability. However, many experts believe that the average lifespan of a starter relay is somewhere between 50,000 and 100,000 miles. This means that your starter relay should last between 5 to 8 years. Of course, this is just an estimate, and your mileage may vary.
Is it a starter or starter relay?
Most people get confused between the terms starter, starter relay, and starter solenoid. For your information, the starter is the electrical motor that helps start the engine, while the starter relay is responsible for sending power to the starter. The starter solenoid is a coil of wire that sits on top of the starter and helps engage the starter. In short, if your car won’t start, it could be either a problem with the starter, starter relay, or starter solenoid.
What are some components of the ignition system?
The major components of the ignition system include an ignition switch, starter motor, starter relay, starter solenoid, and battery. The ignition system is responsible for providing the spark that ignites the air-fuel mixture in the engine’s cylinders. The starter motor cranks the engine to get it started, while the starter relay and solenoid provide power to the starter motor. The battery supplies electrical power to all of the other components in the system.
