How To Test and Replace A Starter Relay

Today we're going over the steps on how to locate, remove and test the starter relay. Testing the starter is simple and straight forward.
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. It essentially comprises a magnetic core with a wire wound around it. On one end of the core is an armature or plunger that closes contacts to work a switch.
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Any attempt to repair automotive parts and/or systems carries risk of personal injury. Always adhere and follow safe practices when working on vehicles. Such as, safety glasses, jack stands, no loose clothing, etc. No guarantee or warranty is implied. Use the information in this video at your own risk. Carsntoys is a member of the Amazon Influencer Program.
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#starterrelay

[@cj_sed5775]

Can’t thank you enough for taking the time to make these vids, walk viewers through in simple terms how to do all this! Truly a life saver as I try my best to fumble through trying to diagnose and fix my vehicle with only basic knowledge of mechanics 😂 I really appreciate you, Sir!!

[@laman8914]

I wanted to test my starter relay today and watched a bunch of clips on YT. This one is the best I have seen. Simple, step by step from beginning to end, very methodical. A one time explanation and one time understanding.

[@lindagolden9892]

Thank you so much for your easy to follow and understand video as I’m having just such a problem on my 1996 FourWinds, Class A, motorhome. I’m hoping to learn some basics before a mechanic starts replacing one part after another as I’m a senior citizen female. I believe I’ve an honest mechanic but I feel better having some knowledge of how things work even though I’m not comfortable doing any such repairs. I did opt to pick up (2) new batteries as the deep cycle marine battery was 12 years old and wasn’t charging on a trickle charger. The engine battery was a 5 year battery with only 7 months left on it’s warranty and I don’t want to get stuck somewhere along my travels. So those have been installed but still no turn over. I asked about the possibility of the ignition switch but after he attempted several tries of starting and removing the doghouse cover he next went to the starter relay. Just waiting for part to be ordered in the morning and installed. But before he installs the new part I’ll ask him to test the old one.

[@elieli8368]

Thank you, nice and easy and thorough and complete. I was going to buy a relay for $50 not knowing if it was good or bad. But now I can test it and see if it is good or bad.

[@oscarlarancuent488]

congratulations on the fine job you do explaining things.

[@clusa3721]

Many, many thanks for your well made video on how to use meters to check electrical parts. I really appreciate that. You went even beyond ... for us to lose the fear of doing something wrong. Many regards from Florida

[@joegriggs9562]

)t

[@roninman4101]

Thanks a million for showing the trim removal! So many other vides show the relay with the trim already removed.

[@edmundbrosnan707]

Thanks for the info. Its a great help for me as novice in the Automotive. It enhances my knowledge on this field of industry.

[@doobyboy21]

I actually searched for a non-working snowmobile electric starter and got this video ! I actually pulled out nearly the same relay from my sled's electric starter that wasn't working ! I just ordred the relay hopefully it will work and turn over !

[@duckninja9349]

Dude - this was a great video. Yes, have the problem you outlined and I feel confident I know how to do the test.

[@kylewilliams2463]

You are really good at explaining. Well done.

[@khiemdo5527]

Very easy to understand. Thanks a lot

[@macca462]

Great video mate, I do lots of mechanical work, but know very little about electronics, this may prove to be an invaluable piece of info for me. Thank you!

[@NightWear21]

Good video bro! Saved me time. I used stranded copper speaker wire to wire it to my car battery. Super ghetto but i got it done. Relay is functional, and has continuity when live. I've also tested my motorcycle relay months ago before this video, but it was way more straight forward. the power and ground were obvious, this relay it wasn't. relays good, my starter motor isn't. Need a new one. rofl hardest part was when i realized.. (bulky jumper cables) aren't the best way to put power on it.. haha, so i swapped to speaker wire. worked will, i tied it on and it was functional. Keep up the great work! We appreciate it.

[@CarsNToys]

Thank you! Appreciate the feedback

[@jacedecker5997]

Thank you for taking you’re time on this video

[@heatherrhodge2588]

With Denso 4 prong relays the copper prongs are the ones that connect to components, or load (terminals 87 & 30)& usually they're a little larger as well, so the ones you connect to power will be the smaller, less coppery colored ones..#s 85&86

[@richardgarcia9560]

I say it all the time you learn something new everyday no matter how old you are good job thank you

[@CarsNToys]

Thank you. Appreciate the feedback.!

[@clementkaiman6133]

Thanks for step by step making it simple while others go fast in explaining and we ended up with confused ❤👍

[@pappy9892]

Thank you. Going to check started relay on my 1981 BMW R80/GS.

[@estegueydijo....]

Wow this was so explainable and easy to understand, Thank you.

[@JustAnotherHappyGuy]

Thank you very much for the video! I tested the ignition coil and starter relay and both show (sound) continuity but neither click. Could this be because they are both stuck in the closed position?

[@goodmcmorning5169]

10/10 video! Very well done!

[@thatdaddyguy2307]

Love that you took the time to be detailed and show step by step. Keep up the great videos. Used your channel for multiple things now.

[@willietaylor6469]

Thanks for the information. I will check it out now.

[@gracesondomei1423]

Learn alot thanks for the video

[@BhupinderSingh-dj1em]

Well done mate good explanation.

[@JusticeAlways]

Relays usually have markings on top denoting pin functions. A "ww" represents a resistive load - that of the relay's coil. A "NO" is normally open contacts...a "NC" being normally closed. Hope this helps.

[@anthonymerc220]

You know how to teach and make a video. Great A+++

[@joshkulynych6454]

Good video. Not too long and to the point. 👍

[@eddym5532]

Excellent explanation, I learned a lot. Thanks you so much.

[@hyim3104]

Thank you for the useful video.

[@wolfkeke566]

Great job indeed thanks a lot 🛠

[@supersmoote]

Thanks man for making a good video 👍 no ramble ... you got right to the point ...I fixed my issue within 10 mins I was back rolling again

[@CarsNToys]

Glad it helped

[@Africanrealitynewscom]

Can this affect modern 2017 till date car also?

[@teju1908]

One word ultimate explanation

[@1-1sapper87]

Great video

[@cjcoombes8337]

Nice concise presentation. Thanks.

[@CarsNToys]

Glad it was helpful!

[@O.BeMindful]

GREAT VIDEO DUDE THANK YOU FOR SHARING, Rock on

[@CarsNToys]

Rock on!

[@o.c.stiggs5377]

As always, a thorough, very well-organized, very well presented tutorial. I

[@abuabdoalwaheed9967]

I agree with the guys very good video. Thanks alot

[@paulfellner9431]

Nice job my friend!

[@heribertoreynoso711]

Great job , thank you......way to go

[@donellstovell6381]

Great video clear instructions very helpful

[@donellstovell6381]

Thank you

[@QuocNguyen-hu9vl]

Cool, it saved me a fuel pump :))) Thanks a lot.

[@MasterJENNY.]

Nice work man 👍🏿😘

[@frankpavia732]

The best video for the problem

[@Ehisus]

Can a loose wire affect my car relay as it won’t start and when scan not connecting with ECM and anti theft system was displaying on the dash as it all happens when I was trying to fixed my seatbelt and got the airbag wire ripped

[@brunoperezsr.7356]

Hi, I have a problem with my Honda CRV 2007, 4 cyl. When I started the car looks like my battery is low Volts or my starter is heavy to turn. I change the battery and starter but still doing the same, the motor start but on winter season is more slow to start and some times I run out the battery power. Thanks for you cooperation.

[@PeterFeltersnatch852]

Excellent video thank you!! 👍

[@strong_man.]

Very informative

[@venoscorpion5889]

Thx. Great vid. I was starting to work on my 2010 Sequoia 5.7L and that will take me days. So I found your vid and did what you said. My starter relay is bad. You saved me $200+ and days of labor. Thx. again.

[@kimberlykinch5896]

Y

[@johndough2624]

What symptoms was it showing ?

[@miltonnegron65]

Great video !!!

[@CarlosGarcia-ls4hn]

When checking for continuity on the horizontal prongs, as a final test, can you also check them with either a test light or the multi meter set at 12 volts?

[@bagguexhammeh8348]

thank you brother

[@xanderwaters83]

I have a situation where my tractor is starting, but the starter stays engaged after i let go of the key. If I turn off the ground (my tractor has a ground disconnect) then the starter disengages. Is there an electrical test I can do to make sure the relay is not at fault?

[@Africanrealitynewscom]

Hello, can this affect also a 2017 vehicle? With a push start button?

[@jackbalitok3910]

I get it now, thank you.

[@tti4919]

Keeep rocking,,,

[@rentontarona967]

Nice tutorial sir...

[@Kyle_Butterfield81]

Thanks so much!

[@samanthagames1023]

Thanks for the video. If you had an intermittent no crank fault and carried out this check, would it only show a fault some of the time? My 2008 Mercedes CLK fails to send power to the starter motor occasionally and I think it's either this relay or the electronic ignition switch but because the fault comes and goes as it pleases I'm not sure how to test. Any ideas?

[@dwrs92026]

Very useful video. Like!!

[@koshnaranek2317]

Since it is for the starter would it be a solid state relay for high current draw ?

[@teedee9903]

Excellent

[@AngieMusicArt]

Excellent!! How do you check using the battery?

[@littlebaby1309]

smart presentation

[@temirtaragay8932]

Thank you

[@silicontrips]

Thank you.

[@strxwberry4766]

That's what I call a PERFECT VIDEO.

[@juanrafaeltosado1812]

👍 GREAT , THANKS, NEED TO BUY THE TOOLS, TRIM REMOVER & 12 VOLTS DEVICE .

[@minebusiness82]

So at the multitester is it using am which the red color cable insert?

[@darylneri3868]

Very helpfull god bless

[@natureandrandomstuff]

I have a 1996 dodge ram. And it starts most of the time, but there's sometimes that won't do anything. We got a switch adapted to it that would get it started. Any idea what it can be. Thanks.

[@clusa3721]

When I pulled my toyota corolla starter relay out, I saw something creamy sticked to the contacts of what seemed to be grease? Where that peanut butter could come from? Even the base of the relay has the same things and contacts are almost covered with that. Will I have to purchase the whole box where this relay and fuses live? Can I wash it down with alcohol? Is the sunny Florida also melting the electronic components of our cars, besides al the rest of the plastic components? My car with a 12.7V battery just gives me a "click" but it does not crank or start when I want but much later ...

[@sunmarallah9935]

Thanks A lot for the info, did it and my mdx started right up. This was Supremely helpful

[@sergioquintanilla6683]

Hi ik this is a old video but can anyone help me out on checking why my toyota tundra 2008 is not turning on like it turns on AFTER u put only the red wire to give it a jump start after that it runs great and no problems but when u turn it off it those not start back up

[@funkywhite]

Overall good video, however, towards the end, you zoomed into the prongs on the relay itself, and you should have zoomed in on the tester to show what will happen to the display when you have them touching the correct ends... what does the LCD do? Overall, good, but that could have really solidified the explanation.

[@yemchanny9264]

Thanks

[@imarsh6952]

Life saver man this fixed my problem. I replaced my battery for nothing but at least its new now lol

[@LicoInvestments]

do i have to disconnect the battery to remove the starter relay? is it required?

[@Skinnyorangemusic]

Ah, a nerd. Thank you very much for this video

[@firebossmusic6535]

Nice

[@AlvinHanson1708]

Cool!

[@romellmapp7897]

Nice video ..what is wrong if the engine check light does not come on when ignition is on?

[@rambor1497]

What if it cranks on a push start but it's not your battery or starter ? Your explanations are nicely detailed btw.

[@imrnkxi9554]

Check the fuel pump/lines, spark plugs and ignition. Cars need combustion to operate and most times you’ll have a clogged fuel pump

[@guillaumeboutet5964]

Tank you

[@CLifemusic]

So if the relay is bad the vehicle won't start? Does a qx56 have a relay switch?

[@user-be1zo5dg3m]

Will a relay stick close so that it drains the battery I’ve got no power to my fuel pump brand new I had power when I put it in

[@ridehead8771]

Hi will a relay fault throw a warning light on the dash?

[@amwalonline]

Does this test help when a starter motor is just spinning continuously? Even when key 🔑 is out of the ignition I have Mercedes Benz b class cdi 180 2010, Manuell, diesel.

[@CarsNToys]

I'm afraid not. This is simply if the starter is not cranking.

[@YAnngo0]

This shows when it is working, but if it is going bad, the relay would be giving continuity but be jumping in ohms up and down correct? Therefore in need to be replaced

[@adamsmovies79]

I just wanna say thank u so much ,,, boom my realay was fucked ,,, wouldn’t av none this if it wasn’t for your brilliant explanation of testing ,,, thank u 🙏 Adam

[@CarsNToys]

Glad it helped!

[@dropas4136]

Got this clicking starter overnight without earlier warning..new battery now..still same thing..naybe contacts to solenoid?

[@scottmoola2311]

Awesome

[@Is-ub2gw]

Thank you so much...🙏

[@tonymalkiewicz1517]

What about a Chrysler Sebring convertible 2005¿, first while driving you could hear click n crank, the gas was low but I was close to home so I decided to try n get home. The car died out 2 miles away. So the battery has power. Light sensor etc works. But turning the key itll click n Yeah, then nothing . What is your opinion???

[@Glenn_123]

Another great job with the video!

[@nickromano8851]

When I push my ignition start button I hear a click & not a cranking noise it is intermittent. The car may start after pushing button once or 5 times or anything in between. Do you think it is the starter relay?

[@Mrbingles9]

Same issue here, did you get it resolved?

[@HotRod4God72]

So when this relay goes out is it permanently shot or maybe sometimes works sometimes don't ?😂. My car it's random no start but🤔 I do hear a single click from I think the ignition switch Great video, and much appreciated .🙂

[@CHUDHUCKER]

Thank you for the help.

[@ProfessorM]

and if it is a normally closed relay contact you blow your power supply... or at least the fuse in the ps if it has one.