What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of A Bad Starter Relay

By Author: Many Autos
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You can avoid being stranded in the middle of nowhere if you recognise the signs of a malfunctioning starter relay. The starter relay is one of the most important and underappreciated parts of the ignition system.
This important ignition component is responsible for directing power from the vehicle battery to the starter solenoid, which then activates the starter motor, which turns the engine. This implies it acts as a switch between a vehicle's starter motor and starter solenoid.
Problems with starter relays are uncommon. It only happens once in a while, but when it does, you may find yourself stranded because your car won't start. A starter relay, on the other hand, can fail due to a variety of circumstances. Poor circuits, corroded circuits, bridged contacts, moist relays, and even over-aged relays are examples. When your starter relay breaks or begins to malfunction, you'll notice various warning indications that should prompt you to repair it as soon as possible.
This can also cause an issue when a MOT test is being carried out as it will restrict the MOT tester to carry out the necessary checks. To avoid ...
... being in such a situation, check MOT status of your vehicle and have this issue rectified by scheduling an appointment with your local mechanic or searching online for car service in Reading garages.
This post will go over these warning flags in detail and show you how to identify if your starter relay is bad. We'll also talk about the functions, why they fail, and how to repair or replace them.
What is the purpose of a starter relay?
A starter relay is a component of the ignition system that transfers electricity from the car battery to the starter solenoid. It's a switch between the starter solenoid and the starter motor, according to this description.
Its main purpose is to appropriately transport current from the car battery to the starter. The majority of car owners mix up the term's starter relay and starter solenoid. These are two different parts of the ignition system.
The starter solenoid functions as an actuation coil for a connector that transports electrical current from the starter solenoid to the starter motor. Starter solenoids are used to connect the starter pinion to the engine's ring gear.
So, what is the relationship between the starter relay, starter solenoid, and starter motor? When you turn on the ignition, your key activates the starter relay, which sends power to the starter solenoid, which then sends power to the starter motor.
When you switch on the ignition key, a starter relay transmits a little amount of electricity to the starter solenoid, while the solenoid pulls a big current straight from the car batteries. This activates the solenoid, which sends electricity to the starter motor, which spins the flywheel.
This procedure is followed by all modern starters. The starter relay is responsible for sending electricity to the solenoid, which engages the starter and turns the flywheel. When it comes to starting your car, the starter relay is crucial. This is the reason why it should be in perfect working order all the time. If you are experiencing any issues, before booking your next MOT testing service, have this issue repaired by looking online for car garages in Reading and scheduling an appointment with a professional mechanic to avoid a MOT test failure.
Symptoms of a Faulty Starter Relay
The starting relay, like every other mechanical and electrical component in your vehicle, shows indicators of failure before finally stopping. Some of these symptoms are similar to those of a faulty starter solenoid, while others suggest a faulty starter motor. It is therefore difficult to locate. Take a look at the following signs and symptoms:
Car will not start - When you try to start your vehicle, it won't start. This is the most prevalent indicator of a faulty or failed starting relay. If you try to start your vehicle and get no response or even a click, but your inside lights are bright, it could be due to a faulty starter relay. The problem might be that your car starter relay fuse is blown. Regardless of how many times you try, the car will not start. However, if you hear a clicking sound when trying to start the vehicle, it could mean your starter relay has not gone bad completely. In either case, you have to diagnose your ignition system, if you know your way around it. If not, contact a professional mechanic by looking for garages in Reading for a full diagnostic check.
Even after the engine has started, the starter relay remains on - When you turn on your ignition, an electrical current is sent to the starting relay, which then passes it on to the starter solenoid. The starter motor rotates the flex plate to start the engine, and the solenoid supplies power to it. The starter solenoid and the motor should both stop working when the ignition switch is turned off. You have a defective or failed starter relay if it doesn't work in this sequence and the relay stays on even after the engine has started. It's possible that the relay is sending a constant current. This usually happens when the relay comes into contact with anything or is exposed to a lot of electricity. Because this problem has the potential to harm the entire starting system, you must diagnose and fix it right away.
The starter makes a succession of fast clicks - The starter relay clicks, but the engine does not turn, indicating that the starter motor is not receiving enough electrical current from the relay. This can also be an indication of a low or dead battery. Only when it transmits enough electric current to the starter is the relay functioning. Lesser high power may harm the entire starter mechanism or cause the vehicle to not start, accompanied by an obnoxious clicking sound. Check MOT expiry date of your vehicle and resolve this issue before the next MOT test is due. The reason for this is because if this happens during the MOT test, this will result in a MOT failure. Both could be caused by a corroded or ageing relay with damaged contact points. Cleaning the contact points to guarantee correct flow or replacing an old relay are the only two options for repair. Scrape the rusted surface with sandpaper or a sand scraper to clean a corroded relay. For improved output, you might want to consider replacing the relay.
Having trouble starting the vehicle intermittently - The engine will sometimes not start unless you turn the ignition key on and off a few times. It's a sign of a defective starter relay, which might be caused by corrosion, dirt, debris, or prolonged heat exposure. The corrosion and residue in the circuit will limit the flow of electrical current. A starting relay is a straightforward ignition system component with few moving elements, which is why it rarely fails. When it occurs, though, it is due to electrical conductivity issues.
When a starter relay fails, what causes it to do so?
The failure of your car relay can be caused by a number of circumstances, including:
Corrosion: Corroded leads or connections are incapable of carrying the appropriate current. It will result in the onset of problems. It could be a sporadic start, a relay clicking noise, or an idle car that won't start.
Dirt and debris: This component is normally placed under the dashboard or hood to protect it from dirt, debris, and grime. Debris and grime will accumulate over time, affecting the relay's functionality. The dirt will clump and prevent appropriate current passage, resulting in a succession of buzzing or clicking sounds from the relay.
Bad connectors: A faulty or broken connector is a common cause of relay failure. If the needed quantity of electricity does not travel through, the relay will not function properly. It will make a succession of faint clicking sounds and will be unable to carry the beginning circuits. The vehicle may refuse to start despite a series of mild clicks.
Excess heat: If a high voltage is continuously applied to the relay, it will generate too much heat, which will burn or melt the contacts, causing them to stay together. Even if the ignition is turned off, this will close the starter circuit. This effect needs to be addressed right now because it has the potential to damage the entire starting system.
Relay that is too old: problems with starter relays could be caused by a variety of factors. It could be a relay that has been running for hundreds of miles. An old relay could have a deteriorated element that prevents it from working properly. If this is the case, you just need to replace the relay.
How do you fix a faulty starter relay now that you know the symptoms and causes? The answer is dependent on the reason for the failure. If the problem is caused by dirt or debris, the best solution is to clean them. If it's due to too much heat or faulty connectors, consider replacing them.