Does the main relay control the starter?

Main Relay Function When you turn your vehicle on, it shifts the relay to a new position, which allows you to start your vehicle by sending power to the necessary components.

What happens when a starter relay goes bad?

If you have a failing or bad starter relay, it will not provide adequate electrical current to power the starter motor. As a result, regardless of how many times you revolve the engine, it’ll not start. A defective starter relay will produce a click sound when you turn on the ignition.

Will a car start with a bad relay?

2. Car not starting. Another symptom of a faulty ignition relay is a no power condition. If the relay fails it will cut off power to fuel pump and ignition system, which will result in a no power, and therefore no start condition.

Where is my starter relay located?

The starter relay location may vary depending on the vehicle type and model. It can be in the fuse box (also called a power box), the fuse panel under the dash, or on the right fender. Most cars will have it located under the hood, inside the long box with a black cover.

How does the starter relay work on a car?

The starter relay functions as a switch. It relays the small current from the ignition circuit to cause a much larger current from the battery to operate the starter solenoid and the starter motor. In this way, the relay works like a remote switch, or as the connection between the ignition key at the driver’s seat and the starter system.

Which is the ground terminal on a fuse box starter relay?

The “S” terminal (or 85 terminal in some relays) receives a 12-volt signal from the car’s battery. A small current, usually less than 10 amperes, passes down the terminal and through the coil windings and through to ground. In the fender-mounted relays, this is the “I” terminal. In fuse box starter relays, the ground is terminal 86.

What should I do if I have a bad main relay?

You should still rule out other more likely problems like a dead battery or bad starter before jumping straight to a bad main relay. If you’ve verified that your battery has enough power, you can turn the key to different ignition spots and listen for a click from the fuse box.

How to check the Honda main relay in your car?

Attach the battery positive terminal to the No. 4 terminal and the battery negative terminal to the No. 8 terminal of the main relay. Then check for continuity, using a circuit tester or multimeter, between the No. 5 terminal and No. 7 terminal of the main relay. If there is continuity, go on to Step 3.

What causes a starter relay to go bad?

Several things can cause a starter relay to fail, including corroded contacts, a faulty circuit, contacts that weld together, or just a relay that’s too old. A bad starter relay will show 4 common symptoms.

What does a starter relay do?

A starter relay is a small, electrical device found in the starting circuit of high-current motors. 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.

What is a bad starter relay?

A bad starter relay on your Ford vehicle will prevent the necessary electrical power from reaching the starter motor; fail to cut off power; or keep the motor from starting at all. Fortunately, all Ford models have a remote relay near the battery, which makes it easy and convenient for troubleshooting.

How do I check the starter relay?

Have a helper turn on the ignition switch while you listen to the noise the starter relay makes. If turn on the ignition switch, there’s a single or a series of weak clicks, you will have to test it for electrical resistance. If the sound is a single strong click, you should check the starter relay for voltage drop.