How long does the starter relay last?

Most people are familiar with fuses - they allow your car's electronics to work by protecting them from surges. Relays are similar, but much larger and more powerful. Your vehicle has relays for most major components, including the fuel pump, A/C compressor, and starter motor.

The starter relay turns on every time you turn on the ignition. Voltage is applied through the relay, and if it fails, it stops there. With a dead relay, the starter will not operate and the engine will not start. The relay is exposed to very high voltage when you turn on the ignition and this will eventually burn out the contact circuit. It is also possible that the power supply circuit of the relay may fail.

In terms of service life, the starter relay should last a very long time. Many drivers never have to change theirs, but this is not always the case. Relays can fail at any time, including on a new car. That being said, starter failure is actually more common than a bad relay, and other problems can have similar symptoms, including a dead or dying car battery.

If the starter relay fails, it's the same as if your starter failed in terms of what you can expect - you'll be stuck where you are until the relay is replaced. However, there are signs and symptoms that can alert you to an impending failure, and being aware of them can save you a lot of hassle. These include:

• Starter won't turn on at all
• Starter stays engaged (makes a grinding noise)
• The starter only works intermittently (usually when the engine is cold)

If you are experiencing intermittent starts or the engine will not start, there is a significant possibility that the relay is bad or something is wrong with the starter. Have a mechanic diagnose why your car won't start and replace the starter relay or whatever else is needed to get you back on the road.