Last Updated on March 19, 2023
A car relay is an electrical component that allows current to flow through a circuit by switching between two other circuits. When used in a car, it will enable the starter motor to be powered by the battery and then hit the alternator once the engine is running.
If your car relay is not working correctly, you may experience problems starting your car, or the engine may not run at all. In order to determine if the problem is with the relay, you will need to pull it out and test it. In this article, we will show you how to pull a car relay and test it.
Symptoms of a Bad Or Failing Car Relay
Here are a few symptoms that may indicate your car relay is not working properly:
- Car not starting
- The engine is not running
- Rattling noise when the engine is running
- Weird smell
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, your car relay likely needs to be replaced.
How to Pull a Car Relay: Step-By-Step?
Listed below is a step-by-step guide that explains how you can pull a car relay:
1. Locate The Car Relay:
The relay is usually located in the engine bay, near the battery. It may be in a black or grey box, or it may be attached to the battery.
2. Disconnect the Battery Terminals:
This will prevent any accidental sparks from occurring while you are working on the relay.
3. Remove the Relay:
There may be a few screws or bolts that need to be removed in order to take the relay out.
4. Test the Relay:
Once the relay is out, you can test it to see if it is working properly. There are a few ways to do this, but one of the most common methods is to use a millimeter.
5. Replace the Relay:
If the relay is wrong, you will need to replace it with a new one. Make sure to match the replacement relay with the exact specifications of the original relay.
6. Reconnect the Battery Terminals:
Once the relay is replaced, make sure to reconnect the battery terminals and reattach any screws or bolts that were removed in Step 3.
7. Start the Engine:
Once everything is reconnected, try starting the engine to see if it is running properly. If it is not, then the relay may need to be replaced again.
How to Determine If the Problem is With the Relay?
If you are experiencing problems starting your car or the engine is not running, the problem is likely with the relay. However, there are a few other things that you can check before replacing the relay.
Check the Battery
Ensure the battery is charged and has enough power to start the car. If it does not, then the battery may need to be replaced.
Check the Alternator
The alternator is responsible for providing power to the car once the engine runs. If the alternator is not working correctly, it may be causing the problems that you are experiencing.
Check the Fuse
A fuse in the car is responsible for providing power to the relay. If the fuse is blown, it will cause the problems that you are experiencing. You can use a millimeter or a test light to test the fuse.
Check the Wiring
The wiring in the car can also cause problems with the relay. If there is a problem with the wiring, it will need to be fixed before replacing the relay.
Check the Switch
The switch that activates the relay may also be the problem. If the switch is not working properly, it will need to be replaced.If you have tried all of these things and still cannot determine the cause of the problem, the problem is likely with the relay. In this case, you will need to replace the relay.
Mistakes to Avoid When Replacing a Car Relay
There are a few mistakes that you should avoid when replacing a car relay:
Replacing the Faulty Relay
Make sure to match the replacement relay with the exact specifications of the original relay. If you do not, it may cause more problems.
Not testing the Relay before Replacing It
It is essential to test the relay before replacing it. This will help determine if the problem is with the relay.
Misconnecting the Battery Terminals
Make sure to reconnect the battery terminals correctly. If they are not connected properly, it could cause a spark and start a fire.
Not Tightening the Screws or Bolts
If the screws or bolts are not tightened, it could cause the relay to come loose and fall out.
Putting too Much Pressure on The Relay
If you are not careful, you could damage the relay by putting too much pressure on it. Try to be gentle when replacing the relay.
If you are careful and avoid these mistakes, you should be able to replace a car relay without any problems.
FAQ’s
What Does a Car Relay Do?
A car relay is responsible for activating the starter solenoid. The starter solenoid is what starts the engine. If the relay is not working properly, it will cause problems starting the car or engine.
How Do I Remove a Starter Relay?
There are a few ways that you can remove a starter relay. The most common way is to remove the cover of the relay and then remove the wires. You can also use a wrench to loosen the bolts that hold the relay in place.
Can I Replace a Car Relay Myself?
Yes, you can replace a car relay yourself. However, you should be careful not to make any mistakes. It is also important to test the relay before replacing it.
Conclusion
Replacing a car relay can be a daunting task, but if you are careful and follow the instructions, you should be able to do it without any problems. Make sure to test the relay before replacing it and avoid making any mistakes. If you are successful, you will have fixed the problem with your car.