Symptoms of a Faulty or Faulty Starter Relay

Common signs include that the car won't start, the starter stays on after the engine is started, intermittent starting problems, and a clicking sound.

One of the most important and most neglected components of any car's ignition system is the starter relay. This electrical part is designed to redirect power from the battery to the starter solenoid, which then activates the starter to turn the engine. Proper activation of this process allows you to complete the ignition switch circuit, which will allow you to turn off the car when you turn the ignition key. While it is unlikely that you will ever have problems with the starter relay, it is prone to mechanical damage and should be replaced by a professional mechanic if worn.

Most modern cars and trucks have an electronic ignition switch that is activated by a remote control key. This key contains an electronic chip that connects to your car's computer and allows you to activate the ignition button. There are times when this type of key affects the operation of the starter relay and displays the same warning signs as if this system had been damaged.

Listed below are some of the signs of a damaged or worn starter relay. If you notice these warning signs, be sure to have your local ASE Certified Mechanic have your vehicle fully inspected as these symptoms may indicate problems with other components.

1. Car won't start

The most obvious warning sign that there is a problem with the starter relay is that the car won't start when the ignition is turned on. As stated above, electronic keys do not have a manual ignition switch. However, at power up, it should send a signal to the starter relay when the key is turned or the starter button is pressed. If the vehicle does not turn over when you press this button or turn the key in the manual ignition switch, the starter relay may be malfunctioning.

This problem may be due to a circuit malfunction, so no matter how many times you turn the key, the car will not start. If the circuit has not yet completely failed, you may hear a click when you try to turn the key. In any case, you should see a professional mechanic to check the symptoms and correctly diagnose the exact cause.

2. Starter stays on after engine starts

When you start the engine and release the key, or stop pressing the starter button on a modern car, the circuit should close, which cuts off power to the starter. If the starter remains engaged after starting the engine, the main contacts in the starter relay are most likely soldered in the closed position. When this happens, the starter relay will get stuck in the on position, and if not dealt with immediately, damage to the starter, circuit, relay, and transmission flywheel will occur.

3. Periodic problems with starting the car

If the starter relay is working properly, it supplies power to the starter each time it is turned on. However, it is possible that the starter relay will be damaged due to excessive heat, dirt and debris, or other problems that can cause the starter to run sporadic. If you're trying to start the car and the starter doesn't engage instantly, but you turn the ignition key again and it works, it's most likely a relay issue. In this case, it is important to contact the mechanic as soon as possible so that he can determine the cause of the intermittent contact. In many cases, the intermittent starting problem is due to a bad wire connection that can get dirty due to exposure under the hood.

4. Click from the starter

This symptom is common when your battery is low, but is also an indicator that your starter relay is not sending full signal. The relay is an all-or-nothing device, meaning that it either sends full electrical current or sends nothing to the starter. However, there are times when a damaged starter relay causes the starter to make a clicking sound when the key is turned.

The starter relay is a very strong and reliable mechanical part, however damage is possible requiring the starter relay to be replaced by a mechanic. If you notice any of these warning signs, be sure to contact one of the professional mechanics at AvtoTachki.