Last updated on July 1st, 2023 at 06:33 am
If you ended up on this page, I am sure you are looking for Signs of a Bad Starter Relay or bad starter relay symptoms, and you are in the post.
You see, most auto owners don’t understand what happens when they turn the key in the ignition a second thought. The thing is, several events need to take place before your engine can start, and that happens when an electrical signal is sent to the ignition system. Each element in this series of actions, which is necessary for starting your automobile, has a very specialized function. The element known as the starter relay is one typical cause of issues. Continue reading if you want to learn more about how this component performs and the symptoms of a bad starter relay. In this video, we’ll look more closely at two indicators that your starter relay might need to be repaired and how to fix the problem.
1. Your vehicle won’t start.
A car that won’t start is one of the few Signs of a Bad Starter Relay, and it is an indicator of mechanical difficulty that is unmistakable. While a number of various underlying problems may prevent an automobile from starting, a faulty starter relay is frequently the main cause of this particular issue. You must have a clearer knowledge of what the starter relay actually accomplishes to see why. When you flip the ignition key, a surge of electrical energy is released from your battery. Your engine starts when this energy activates the starting motor. However, the starting relay must be crossed before the electrical impulse can reach the starter motor. Along with completing the electrical circuit, the starting relay also increases the battery current. The electrical signal from the battery to the starting motor will only reach it if your starter relay has succeeded.
Consequently, no matter how many times you turn the key, your engine won’t start. When you turn your automobile, a malfunctioning relay frequently emits an audible clicking sound. If your car won’t start and you hear this noise, call a repair right away.
2. Your Starter Motor Is Always Running
this is also another Bad Car starter relay symptoms to look out for. In this case , the malfunctioning starter relay will prevent the starter motor from receiving the needed signal to start, which prevented the automobile from igniting . A starter relay might also malfunction the other way. In other words, the malfunctioning relay may fail to terminate the electrical circuit rather than open it. As a result, the starting motor will keep running even after your engine begins. In certain circumstances, the starting motor may continue to operate even after you remove the key from the ignition. This issue quickly causes major harm to the starter and the gearbox flywheel. While a bad starting relay may be to blame for this problem, a binding ignition lock is frequently the more frequent offender. By turning the lock cylinder, you may check for binding. If this rotation causes the starting motor to shut off, you have located the issue’s root. To solve the problem, lubricate the lock cylinder with either a dry Teflon lubricant or a wet graphite solution. If turning the lock cylinder didn’t shut off the starting motor, a bad relay can be the blame. It is necessary to get the aid of a qualified mechanic while checking for broken relays. The technician will replace your relay with a brand-new relay with the same component number to identify whether your relay is at fault. If the issue still persists after this swap, it nearly definitely stems from a wiring issue with the ignition switch. Because of poor wiring, the starting relay is grounded even when the key is not in the run position. The problem should be resolved by replacing the defective wire.
3. Clicking Sounds
When the relay cannot convey a complete signal, it occurs. A complete electrical signal is sent via the relay, or it does not. However, a worn-out or broken relay that hasn’t failed could attempt to seal connections while being turned on and off. The failed attempts produce quick clicking noises. This specific issue results from a rusted or unclean relay and contacts. A similar issue might arise with a battery with a low ampere rating. So, before opting to alter the relay, make sure to examine it.
4. Ignition key does not turn:
If your ignition key does not turn, sometimes this indicates that the starter relay is not allowing power to flow to your ignition system. This problem could also be caused by a bad or damaged solenoid or ignition switch as well, just saying you know.
how to start a car with a bad starter relay
You can watch this video to help with starting a car with a bad starter relay
That’s it for this post on symptoms of a bad starter relay and how to start a car with a bad starter relay.
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Uchenna is a Radiographer and Auto parts mechanic who recently got his automotive diploma as an auto repair technician, and since then, has worked on fixing various car problems.
Working as just a radiographer, Uchenna didn’t just get all the fulfillment he desired, because he truly loved doing things tilted toward cars. As a kid, he would take apart his toy cars to see how they worked and would spend hours tinkering with his bike.
So, in 2017 he made the tough decision to become an auto mechanic. He threw himself into his studies and now loves every aspect of what he does.
He gets to work with his hands, solving problems and bringing cars back to life, and sharing his knowledge and easy quick-fix guide online are all part of what makes him feel fulfilled.
