How Automotive RELAYS work and how to FIX them

[@christinelapointe7437]

Thanks, it's running again like a brand new !!! We need more guys like you helping. I really appreciate it.

[@guesswhomartin9249]

I agree .. very good.

[@MattyJones]

This is the best thing I've ever seen. Stupid relay on my board for my RV AC malfunctioning and it's going to take weeks to get a replacement. Going to open it up and clean it so it's working again. Thanks!

[@reeplugit]

"Sixtyfiveford" ....Don't ever go away, buddy. Thank you for such a thorough and easy to follow lesson on the Relay. Excellent video for the 'learning-stage' (like me), and for that matter, for the 'Pros' (the big boys)....given at a delivery speed easy to follow and so very user/learner pace friendly. In my opinion, your 'Relay' video exhibits outstanding instructor skills. Thanks again so much. Warm regards, Raymond Morgan.

[@vivecanstan5926]

This is the best fixes to relays especially in euro car's electrical problems Beetle, Audi, Porsche, Benz -- all go thru same relay problem as soon as they pass 150,000 miles so great fix!!! VW dealership was about to rip me off by replacing alternator and starter for tiny relay problem and quoted me 4785.00 $$ for parts and labor and I fixed it with nail filer for free. Nail filer works pretty much as good as sand paper infact nail filer made contact plates inside relay almost new and shiny which were burnt and black!! Great help

[@littlewolfandbear]

Thanks for explaining how everything works. For auto electrical illiterates like myself, you video was extremely helpful!

[@sixtyfiveford]

Awesome, I'm glad you liked it.

[@sixtyfiveford]

I have fixed 2 or 3 washers that had bad lid switches. You can just tie the wires together as it is just a safety feature so you dont fall in while its moving.

[@sixtyfiveford]

You're very welcome. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks -Moe

[@darryls8066]

please keep in mind that if you sand the contact surfaces of a relay it is only a temporary fix. The factory applied silver or gold coating is destroyed when you do this and it will only last a short while before pitting again. I would suggest doing an internet search for a new relay at your price if the relay price is to high at your local auto parts store or stop by your local pull a part salvage yard you can get a bucket full of relays for a couple of bucks there

[@morsteen]

yeah it's sort of like how you could get by for a month or so by sanding your points contacts down in your distributor, so the pitting went away for a while. But it doesn't last as long as a new one. It would be nice if there was a way we could plate the contacts again with something ourselves.

[@vazzayzf750]

Thanks sixty five ford, got a 1998 vauxhall frontera with the same problem. cheep fix now. :-) also just sorted a sticking headlight on high beam after watching this video. raining here at the moment in liverpool england. 19:12 pm 3rd november 2014. thumbs up.

[@sixtyfiveford]

vazzayzf750 Thanks for watching. I hope you're able to get it sorted out.

[@rotvarotva]

Thanks for the video. But if we don't hear a click, how to fix it?

[@JS-qs2bf]

dude great video, thanks for including the technical break down and saving people money. i was just whacking the top it when it was acting up with a pair of pliers.

[@s.delfino7483]

Here i go. GREAT INFO! Its given me the boost or courage to do it myself. Thank you! & keep those videos going. You're mine...youtube i mean😊 ... Ive never ventured past jumping a car. Knowing nothing about engine relays etc. ;anything under the hood im about to venture out n check the relays and hope it is the corrosion problem. Hindsight: i think EVERY GAL should take auto class in high school, I WISH I HAD! I Im going to clean the relay. Wish me luck!

[@s.delfino7483]

sixtyfiveford.... Bless you for all the utube info!

[@sixtyfiveford]

Yes. Thanks for watchin

[@trealwilliams1563]

Awww man... You are so cool for that one👍 You deserve 5 Star wrenches 🛠️🛠️🛠️🛠️🛠️ The best description with diagnosis and repair on basic relay!!!

[@bizboomer]

Outstanding video once again! It must be written somewhere that these utube videos must have background music? You do a much better job than virtually everyone else in that you keep the volume just about perfect. I still find the music distracting, since the info you deliver is so content rich and informative. thanks!!!!!! GB

[@logisticamaral6309]

Thanks a million Its a wonderful explanation, I have to put a switch directo to connect the fan system, thanks to you I will fix my automático system and yes those relay are tooooooooo expensive thanks a million and take care

[@andipelbacan244]

Im from phillipines maraming maraming salamat sayo....

[@rashellyohn5128]

can you fix a relay that is not clicking. I need to fix a relay that wont close on the contact.

[@dustyanderson1]

Very well done!!! Took me back quite a few years to college electronic classes when you were drawing on the white board. Hard to believe I had classes on vacuum tubes.... guess that dates me a bit huh. lol

[@rautierautenbach6621]

Thanks -yoiu have really taught me crucial info -going to check if I can fix my relay

[@sixtyfiveford]

No more expensive relays :).. I hope it helps. Thanks

[@JGO749]

Hey I appreciate you taking the time to make your videos! This is some good info!!

[@sixtyfiveford]

Let me know what you come up with on your fan.

[@JGO749]

What is a pain is a recall maybe 1.5-2 years ago the vehicle had fan problems and we replaced the radiator/fan. I am starting to consider the 2 relays in under the air box or the one in the video may be the issue. I'll investigate into integrity check

[@sixtyfiveford]

Note where my fan relay is. Ford has it mislabeled at least in 1996. You can see in the video I wrote FAN in orange marker on the top cover.

[@greenbeelandscapes3175]

Thanks Dude...just fixed my glow plugs relay !! it works.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Awesome.

[@pJarhead64]

What causes a relay to emit a constant buzzing sound when the car is turned off?

[@rajivjadhav1584]

Very good video with very good information to solve relay problems in cars. Appreciate you taking time to share this information. Thanks

[@sixtyfiveford]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.

[@sixtyfiveford]

When the AC is on the fan should be on as well. If it gets too hot before the fan kicks on then the Temperature sensor for the fan is shot. Yes you could just jump pins to have it kick on always. You would have to use a tester to figure out which pins.

[@trealwilliams1563]

Do 5 point relay now bro!!! Grrreat video... Highest recommendations 👍🛠️🛠️🛠️🛠️🛠️

[@sixtyfiveford]

5 port is exactly the same except the 5th port is always connected to the power source unless the relay is activated then it disconnects this port and connects the power to the other port. So the relay is used to disconnect something from getting power. This is a rarely used function.

[@kyleanderson2542]

I have not needed to u any or ur info yet but wanted to know this stuff for long time. Love ur vids man. Keep it up.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Thanks..

[@sixtyfiveford]

Most relays in a vehicle are located under the hood. Sometimes they are under the driver side dash and I have also seen them on the passenger side under the glove box.

[@michaelpattemore5273]

Thank you mate, just saved me a bucket load of money!

[@bctruck]

when i think of all the money i spent on relays on this old freightliner i had, sheesh!!!! i coulda saved big bucks if i had known this.

[@drakeo7594]

This video saved me a shit load of money. Thanks!

[@sixtyfiveford]

This is a 96 Ford Escort 1.9l. I hope this video helps.

[@MickeyMishra]

it's strange when I'm reading the comments section. This video was released seven years ago and as I'm looking through the comment section there are a lot of comments here that are the people that are no longer on KZbin anymore and there's quite a few. it's almost like if KZbin is erasing history. good video by the way

[@sixtyfiveford]

Hey Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.

[@oscaresquivel3625]

Thank you man!! You just safe me over 60 dollars,

[@sixtyfiveford]

Awesome.

[@OpenSesame001]

Nice!. Excellent video. I happen to drive a 93 ford escort LX wagon with the 1.9L engine (looks identical your engine) the Fan relay happens to not trigger the fan. I ended up hard-wiring a switch to the cab but it is getting really hot. I'm gonna try your suggestion hoping it will fix my problem.. thanks for the motivation

[@scottjones7118]

My mom has a 02 grand am with a 3100 eng. The fan works but on dash hand goes well above half way b for fan kicks on, what i want to do is fix it when u got key on that fan is running n keeps running after start n stays on untill u turn key off? That way mom can hear it b for she starts n she will know fan is running!!! Shes had trouble n past over heating got that fixed!! But she wants to here fan, n having a.c. pump on running all the time is not very efishent way, can i jump pins n relay??

[@dustyanderson1]

That is so funny, I do recall using a slide rule in school. Should have kept it, it's probably worth something today as a souvenir... lol.

[@tommurphy5757]

Good stuff, especially your explanation of the generic nature of relays.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.

[@magicmikeinc]

Lose music please , nice bideo you dont need the music brother 👍😁

[@masonsmowinglandscaping2298]

Don’t tell him what to do

[@magicmikeinc]

@@masonsmowinglandscaping2298 idiot no one likes the music dont tell me not to tell him what not to do

[@zacharypayne5417]

❤

[@chrisgooi]

Very unselfish, valuable tips. Thanks alot. You are awesome. Suscribed

[@sixtyfiveford]

Thanks for the sub!

[@VanillaKye]

My main relay is visibly dirty on the actual pegs that stick into the fuse box, and also on the fuse box itself. It’s a gooey substance. Could I use wd40 or some type of spray to get it off or would it ruin the fuse box?

[@mikeyboy2154]

Excellent just like all of your videos . Love 'em.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Thanks Man.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Thanks...

[@frostireland]

thank you, that was really well-explained!

[@sixtyfiveford]

+Mike Cahn Thanks.

[@thomasmclaurin7036]

Could you explain what is seen at the relay terminals of the relay socket? What signals the coil side to energize? Can it be measured with a multimeter and what meter scale on it should be used? My ford windstar cooling fans run only when I connect the battery straight to them, just to know they work.

[@sixtyfiveford]

A 12 volt positive signal will trigger the solenoid to kick on. You can measure this on your multimeter with any DC voltage higher than 12 volt(example:20v 200v etc). Listen for a click when you put the solenoid in and pull it out. You can also grab a different same size solenoid from the horn, headlights or similar and try that. The fan should kick on anytime the AC compressor is cycling no matter the vehicle temperature.

[@misermikemodifies3827]

Awesome white board and relay repair

[@sixtyfiveford]

Thanks for watching and commenting. I hope it was a help.

[@patriciahibbert6139]

Just like doing the filing job on them old points system trucks and cars that had the point setup.Hell that save me a trip to the garage.I did not about the points in the relays.Now I'll DIY my relay for my hi-beams... ;-)

[@hermanusignatiushoaeb6339]

Well explained and that's what I wanted to learn. Thanks.

[@richiewilliamsthesingingco1156]

Will this work on a 4weller to. Need help

[@AdhiAndy]

This video help me out so much!! Thank you!

[@sixtyfiveford]

Glad it helped!

[@VanillaKye]

This is the best video ever

[@theaxsys21]

I subscribed after thr CV axle video. (I have a 1996 ford escort lx 1.9 5spd, also purple) successful repair there. Now my car won't start. Did it once, cranked and got it home, now no start. The starter tries to turn over, which lead me to the relay which is clicking loudly as you turn the key to start. (I did get some help this time, we all know that's hard to find, haha). Where is the starter on the 1996 escort? The pics show it by driver side CV

[@theaxsys21]

To clarify there is a no crank situation now, so no movement at all even with a jump box.

[@theaxsys21]

Every now and again it'll given a weak attempt, I stopped trying when it didn't turn over like it did to get me home.

[@sixtyfiveford]

The starter is on the backside of the engine. If you take off the air intake hose it's pretty easy to get the two bolts out that hold it. There are two wires also connected to it.

[@peterdimitrieski566]

I have a relay with a 5 normal size pins and another 2 pins which are smaller size. Do you know for what the 2 smaller size pins are ? Relay is (according to wiring diagram) for- fuel pump .

[@sixtyfiveford]

+Peter Dimitrieski The smaller ones should be your triggering device that turns the relay on/off. So one is pos and the other is neg. You can confirm this by using a multimeter and touching them. There should be a higher number of resistance than just touching the probes together.

[@JMLRecording]

Whats it mean if you do this a couple times and it keeps getting stuck? At what point is the relay just junk? Each time I clean it it works fine.... for a month or two. Thanks

[@sixtyfiveford]

They put a layer of silver nickle onto the contacts. That can get burnt away and the contacts will want weld themselves together. When this happens I generally replace the relay with a cheap Universal Style.

[@ampload]

Awesome great job..I think it might even be easyer to use a thin metal finger nail file to file off the Carbon and Corrosion off the points on the old relay? should work.

[@kylefuerst7939]

Is there relay for lights have a 2008 Ford explorer keeps lights on knob doesn't turn light off.

[@lucitovixama4927]

What if it the relay holes from the fuse box it's self not working meaning in the fuse box where you plug the relay do I need to buy a whole new fuse box

[@ampload]

Have you ever soldered the copper coil if it is broke or Separated.

[@sixtyfiveford]

I've played around with this but found it tedious and easier/more reliable to swap in a generic $5 30amp lighting relay.

[@guesswhomartin9249]

Thank you for your video. It was very useful. Ok... I have a problem. Tested the relay, it's good. Fans don't come on. Applied direct power to the fan, fan comes on. Replaced the engine coolant temperature sensor, still no fans. Tested for power where the relay sits, power is good. When I short out the ports where the replay sits, fans comes on. So wire is good from relay box to fan. I'm lost, what's my problem ? Any ideas ?

[@sixtyfiveford]

Sounds like you're on the right track. It's not uncommon for the computer itself to not tell the fan to kick on. Try turning on the AC and see if the fan kicks on.

[@gerardocastaneda5141]

Would connector sprays work? Like crc or deoxit

[@sixtyfiveford]

Yes and no. Generally the failed points are from arcing. I don't think CRC or Deoxit will touch that. If it's from corrosion/moisture ingress, then yes.

[@cesarrodriguez9597]

@ sixtyfiveford, what gauge wire did you use on that relay?

[@sixtyfiveford]

I generally use 12awg with relays from the positive to the device being powered. The switching contacts can be as small as 18 or even 20 gauge

[@sixtyfiveford]

Thanks

[@utah133]

Car relays are overpriced. It's a simple device invented a couple hundred years ago. But... If you have an older, common American vehicle, after-market parts prices are more reasonable. That's why I drive those!

[@Daniel_Antonio_Arellano782]

I do that too. But I also drive these older ones because the brand new ones are way too expensive. I also know a lot more about the older cars.

[@kathleennorton6108]

@@Daniel_Antonio_Arellano782 When you say "older", how old do you mean?

[@tikonc]

my outside mirrors motors that move them on my rx330 sometimes work and sometimes don't. Vould this also be the relays?

[@sixtyfiveford]

+tikonc Relays shouldn't be involved in the mirror system. More than likely it is the motors that operate the system.

[@tylergage5719]

I have a 2007 Dodge Caliber SXT and my High beams will not work. Does this have anything to do with the Relay or TIPM?

[@sixtyfiveford]

Your car should have its own relay for high beams. I would pull it and swap it with the regular headlight beam relay to test if the relay is bad.

[@applespirit8071]

Great vid. Thanks for sharing some wisdom.

[@julianmartinez4479]

Thank you bro ..neither auto zone or the other auto store carries the one I need and they cant even order it ..

[@sixtyfiveford]

I'm glad the video was helpful.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Awesome... Glad I could help.

[@gee3883]

Great vid mate I will try this tomorrow thanks.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.

[@aaronmoritz9878]

How do I make the contact stick longer. Do I change a capacitor? Why does the contact shut off in the first place?

[@sixtyfiveford]

The relay stays engaged as long as power is flowing through the coil. Disconnect power and the coil de-energizes and allows it open.

[@aaronmoritz9878]

@@sixtyfiveford just to be clear though. If I add a bigger farad on the circuit will it make the electromagnet stay on longer? Thanks in advance.

[@sixtyfiveford]

@@aaronmoritz9878 if you added a bigger farad capacitor it would stay on for maybe a half a second, second longer after you remove power.

[@aaronmoritz9878]

@@sixtyfiveford very good. Just wanted to follow up on the concept of a bigger capacitor.

[@whytellmewhy]

WOW gonna try it and i hope it fixes my relay

[@amberwilliams1571]

Can u please help me my fuel relay one of prongs broke off in side how do I get out

[@colleenUN]

Excellent. So helpful...on a budget

[@sixtyfiveford]

Thanks for watching.

[@jasonnolan7512]

Excellent video!

[@thedarkstar]

do you know where of it there is a day time running light relay?

[@kimalonzo2145]

It is the day before Thanksgiving and i have a stuck relay. No one is open. I have a 1998 acura 3CL. HELP

[@sixtyfiveford]

Thanks, I'll take a note on the music.

[@emiljano313]

my car low beams work random ... they sometime work sometime dont but the normal headlights work only with low beams this problem ,, any help?

[@sixtyfiveford]

***** You have a short somewhere, it's just a matter of narrowing it down. I would start with the light switch itself. Turn the lights to the "on" position and wiggle the switch without moving it to another switch location to see if it changes(lights flicker on/off). If no change is noticed then we can move to the relays. Your vehicle should have 2, high and low beams. Find their location in the owners manual and swap them, low for high and high for low. Now test and to see if the problem reverses.

[@emiljano313]

thank you for your reply , i will try that.

[@emiljano313]

sixtyfiveford i got them fixed it was the switch , thank you again

[@sixtyfiveford]

You're welcome. I'm glad you were able to get it fixed. Take care.

[@glenharper3136]

Is there anyway to do something like that to an electric range bake relay?

[@sixtyfiveford]

All relays function the same. The contacts are more than likely burnt and just need a little sanding.

[@11681551621]

really appreciate the information, love this video, word up.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Thanks.

[@hassanalyassery703]

You r the man. Thanks for your time and your clear explanation.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.

[@mamachip]

Great information, nice job, thanks. Now go clean your shop.

[@hammerhead7443]

sixtyfiveford yeah clean your shop you bum.

[@abduallahnader3765]

Well explained 👏🏻👏🏻thanx

[@sixtyfiveford]

Hey Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.

[@mike7gerald]

Thank you; and excellent MacGyver'ing.

[@lirancoach]

wow great! so many thanks about you video and explanation

[@sixtyfiveford]

Thanks

[@jasonmushersee]

I bet this is whats wrong with a GE washing maching i got off craigslist. I checked the 3 big capasitors and they dont look blown out. Could be the magnetic lid switch too. not sure yet. It's a 4.1 cubic ft top load and about 3 yrs old.

[@christheother9088]

Might try this with my oven controller.

[@dodongcamirino957]

thats okay your sharing about that sir,thank you

[@ThePixelatedNoob]

will fan speed relay make fan stay on always

[@sixtyfiveford]

+PixelatedNoob It's possible, but more than likely it's your fan controller(temp sensor) telling the relay to turn on and run the fan.

[@dmitriychaplygin7263]

dude your awesome, very useful info, thank you!!!

[@sixtyfiveford]

Thanks, I'm glad it was helpful.

[@hectorlebron3109]

Awesome 65!! Thanks for the info

[@sixtyfiveford]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.

[@MsErikaB]

What if the ac fan doesn’t go off after the engine is off?

[@sixtyfiveford]

Some cars do this normally. To eliminate the chances of the relay having welded contacts, pull it and see if it clicks. You can feel and hear it. If no click them it's welded, which is very rare. If it does click them something (computer) is telling the fan to turn on.

[@iwaniallulavevo6971]

Light bar connects to relay stop working wondering if it’s the relay gone bad it was showing then it stopped

[@sixtyfiveford]

Relays fail all the time.

[@zx8401ztv]

Love the general purpose relay, so handy :-)

[@fadiamine2503]

i ve a 3 PIN horn relay I don t know how to tesy it Thanks to anyone for his help

[@sixtyfiveford]

Here's a wiring diagram. i.stack.imgur.com/mWz9g.png

[@josecantu6843]

Thank you for sharing

[@sixtyfiveford]

Vacuum tubes.. I'll have to admit I no nothing about....

[@travismailsa1]

99% of the time with a 4 pin relay, the load circuit is diagonal and the other diagonal pins are the control circuit.