How Relays Work, Why They're Used, & How They Fail (Disassembled Relay Explained)

Relays are electronically controlled switches that control high amperage components so that normal switches don't have to. How relays work in cars is basically the same as any other relay, automotive relays just have standardized pin layouts that differ from those found in structures and circuit boards.
A relay is an electrically operated switch. It consists of a set of input terminals for a single or multiple control signals, and a set of operating contact terminals. The switch may have any number of contacts in multiple contact forms, such as make contacts, break contacts, or combinations of any of these. Relays are used where it is necessary to control a circuit by an independent low-power signal, or where several circuits must be controlled by one signal. Relays were first used in long-distance telegraph circuits as signal repeaters: they refresh the signal coming in from one circuit by transmitting it on another transmitter circuit. Relays were used extensively in telephone exchanges, and early computers to perform logical operations before solid state options became available/affordable.
• Why use a relay instead of a switch?
Relays are able to handle a lot of amperage/current, so a smaller switch can be made for the driver or a passenger to use. Relays are also easier to replace than most switches.
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[@stevenwarrener8533]

Dude I love this guy! Thank you so much I have learned a lot already from your videos. I appreciate you doing them!

[@SalemDoyle]

great video. Also, thanks to relays, it's possible for a single switch to simultaneously turn off and on multiple circuits. oh the joys of technology.

[@CarsSimplified]

Thanks! It is indeed! I also forgot about the fact that on board computers can control or override components, too.

[@kw0060]

thanks for the straight to the point video loaded with information!

[@CarsSimplified]

Thank you for watching! That's my favorite kind of video to make!

[@silvervortex2441]

Amazing Explanation! Thank you

[@CarsSimplified]

Thanks!

[@silvervortex2441]

​@@CarsSimplified looking forward for more automotive electronic explanations ;)

[@CarsSimplified]

They won't be every week's topic but I will definitely keep making them fairly often!

[@davebwilliams]

Super helpful. Thank you.

[@davemcguigan218]

Fascinating stuff, great explanation!

[@CarsSimplified]

Thanks!

[@robertferraiuolo3675]

Great explanation. Thanks!!!

[@Coastal0]

Would love to see a simple explanation for solid state relays, now that you've mentioned it!

[@CarsSimplified]

I'll have to do some more research on those, but I already have a solid state flasher relay ready to film, so I'll put it on the to-do list!

[@rawr7502]

Great video thank you!

[@revmatchtv]

Great explainer!

[@CarsSimplified]

Thanks!

[@tonyswagz]

Great video, does relays need to have specific numbers like fuses to be replaced or can any relay work as long as the pins are the same?

[@wyrzarkin6050]

Hi. Thanks for the clear information. I did subscribe. Before I watched your video I watched one where the guy slopped the dielectric grease all over the metal contacts on a trailer connection he was installing; both the male and female sides. Is he just totally misinformed?

[@kiran-wh9wg]

My car horns are perfect ground is good wiring everything is good but it sounds weak sometimes .. can this because of a bad relay

[@CarsSimplified]

If carbon builds up on those contacts, it can add resistance which can alter the pitch and/or volume of the horn. On a dual horn system (the harmonic horn tone many cars have) a loose connector/wire near one of the horns could make one work intermittently. A relay seems like the more likely issue, and really easy to test if there is an identical relay that can be swapped out that isn't vital to the car/safety while testing.

[@guckertott]

My parents named my oldest brother load number one.