The starter relay is a critical part of starting the vehicle normally, but you probably don’t think about it until it stops working.
If you’re having issues with starting your car, this component may be the issue. This article will discuss the symptoms of a failing starter relay, what it does, its location, and replacement cost. First, let’s do a quick overview of the signs that you need to look for.
Symptoms Of A Bad Starter Relay
A bad starting relay will usually present itself as your car does not start at all, or it has intermittent starting problems.
In some instances of a bad ignition relay, your starter motor will stay on until the engine is running. You may also hear a clicking noise when you turn your key.
Here’s a more comprehensive overview of the signs of a bad or failing starter relay:
#1. Vehicle Won’t Start.
When the starter relay fails, you’ll have the most evident failure by the car not starting. Even with electronic keys, the starter relay could still be the issue.
Even though the electronic key does not use a manual ignition switch, pushing the button activates the starter relay.
It does not matter if you are turning a key or pushing a button; when the vehicle will not start, the starter relay could be to blame. Often, it is due to a failed circuit and the ignition system not turning on.
#2. Starter Remains On With the Engine Running.
When you turn on the ignition, you physically release the key, or stop pushing the button. During this time the circuit is supposed to close, and everything should now run normally. The closed circuit eliminates electrical power to the starter motor.
However, the main contacts of the starter relay can also weld together, and the contacts stay stuck closed.
You will know that has happened because the starter remains engaged with the engine already running. You will know you have a problem based on the whining noise you will hear.
If the starter relay is stuck on this will cause other parts and components to fail as well. The relay will be damaged, as will the circuit, starter, and transmission, flywheel.
#3. Intermittent Starting Issues.
When the starter relay works as intended, it will send power to the starter every time you turn it on. However, this part may become dirty, or saturated with debris or heat- and be forced to operate intermittently.
If you start the car and it does not “click” immediately, but then you try again, and it works- it may be the relay going bad. Luckily, you are getting some warning that the starter relay is bad, and time for patience to receive that part before you are stranded somewhere.
If the relay itself is not rusty, it could be replacing a wire that is bad or rusty, may still be something new under the hood.
#4. Clicking Sounds.
When the car battery is low on amperage, you may hear a clicking sound, which could also indicate a bad starter relay. This happens when the relay is unable to send a complete signal.
Usually, the relay operates as all or nothing. When it sends a complete electrical current, the vehicle will crank. If it isn’t able to do that, nothing happens.
But when the starter relay has a break or damaged circuit inside the relay, it may, or may not send a partial signal, which is what causes the clicking when you turn the key.
Function of Starter Relays
A starter relay provides an electrical circuit connection (or circuit break) between the battery and starter motor. It helps generate a battery current so that the ignition current can be lower. In this way it serves as a switch between starter solenoid and starter motor.
When you turn the key or push the start button in your vehicle, it allows a large current to flow. The starter motor needs a lot of current, which the ignition switch cannot withstand, and it (the ignition switch) would burn out without a relay.
While a failed starter relay could result in the vehicle not starting, there are many reasons that this part could fail, which we will discuss further. These things result in various needs for treatment depending on the type of damage and severity. Some can be repaired, or some require a new relay.
How does a starter relay work with others?
Your ignition key starts this process by engaging a starter relay to send minor electric power to the starter solenoid, which pulls in a substantial amount of currents from the car batteries.
Once the solenoid is engaged, it sends high electric power into the starter motor to engage and spin the flywheel.
This process is the accepted method that all modern starters will engage by activating a starter relay to send electric power to engage a starter solenoid that sends electric power to the starter motor to turn the flywheel to start a vehicle.
An ignition relay is important in this process as it plays a role in allowing electrical power to engage the starter solenoid to engage the starter motor to spin the flywheel to start your vehicle.
Location of Starter Relays
The location of the starter relay depends on the vehicle type and model. Potential locations include a fuse box (also called a power box), a fuse panel under the dashboard, or a bolted starter relay on the right fender.
In most cars, it will be under the hood in the big black box, or fuse box. This box is where the fuses/relays of a vehicle are located, which is also known as the fuse box. This box is typically mounted on the driver’s side of the vehicle.
The starter relay has wires going in and out of it. There are many similar other relays in the car. If the starter relay is inside the fuse box under the dashboard, it may be hard to locate and could be very difficult to remove.
It is not very difficult to locate starter relays that are bolted to the fender wall. It is usually of cylinder design and has mounting posts as well as leads. If you are unsure which one is the starter relay, refer to your repair manual.
Starter Relay Replacement Cost
Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $75 for an average starter relay replacement based on the particular model of your vehicle and the expense of labor. Expect to pay around $20 for starter relay parts, plus about $30 to $55 labor fee for the job.
Replacing the starter relay is relatively easy, and you won’t need any special tools for it. If you are inclined or able, you may want to make the job yourself and save a little money by changing it yourself.
Can you jump-start a car with a bad starter relay?
It is possible to jump-start a car with a bad starter relay, but the jump-starting of the battery will most likely be of no help at all, unless the jumper cables are helping to run the starter motor manually.
How do you check if a starter relay is working?
The easiest way to check if a starter relay is working is to use a multimeter and a wiring diagram to determine which pin will send power to the starter motor, then measure the voltage on that pin when the ignition switch is turned to the start position.
How do you bypass a starter relay?
To bypass a starter relay, you need to bridge the power input to power output pins to the relay, but you will need to use a wiring diagram and a multimeter to check to be sure you’re doing this properly.
Are a starter relay and a starter solenoid the same thing?
No. The starter solenoid is found on the starter motor itself, whereas in most cases, a starter relay is located in the fuse box in the engine compartment, serving two very different purposes.