What is a starter? What are the signs of a starter relay malfunction? How can you detect starter relay failure?
What is a Starter Relay and how does it work?
One of the most vital electrical components in modern vehicles is the starter relay. Its function is to supply an uninterrupted supply electricity to the ignition system of the vehicle and to some parts of the fuel system.
The starter relay is typically located under the hood in the fuse box. You can also put it inside the car in the fuse box below the instrument panel. The ignition switch acts as a switch to send electricity to the vehicle’s ignition system and fuel system.
The relay opens once the ignition switch has been turned on. It sends electrical voltage to both the ignition system, fuel system, and especially the fuel pump and ignition coils. This allows you quickly to start the car.
What are the Signs of Starter Relay Failed?
Unresponsive ignition switches are the most obvious sign of a faulty starter relay. Other symptoms include the vehicle not starting or stopping abruptly, or the battery running low. You may also experience a burning sensation from electronic components in rare cases.
You may have a problem with the starter relay if the dashboard lights do not turn on when you turn on the ignition key.
These are the most common signs of a bad starter relay:
Sudden Engine Stop
The sudden stoppage of the engine is one of the most obvious signs that a starter relay is not working properly. The starter relay can shorten, burn, or fail while the engine is still running. This will cause the fuel pump and ignition system to stop working. This will cause the engine to suddenly stop. Sometimes, the vehicle will restart once the relay cools down. However, it will stop again when the relay warms up.
Engine doesn’t start or runs sometimes
A faulty starter relay can also cause the vehicle to not start because no electricity is flowing. A faulty starter relay will cause the engine to stop starting if it cuts power to the fuel pump or ignition system. Although the accessories might work when you turn on the ignition, the vehicle won’t start.
Corrosion and dirt can cause damage to the starter relay. This can cause the starter relay’s malfunction and make it stop working. This can cause your car to sometimes work and sometimes not. Failures of other components can lead to similar problems. It is important that you investigate the source of the problem.
Battery dead
The battery can die if the starter relay is not working properly. Shorting the relay can result in current being sent to the ignition components, fuel pump, and other parts of the engine. This is even if the ignition key has been turned off or removed. The fuel pump and ignition components draw current from the battery and drain it when you park the vehicle. The fuel pump, as well as other components, can become damaged or fail.
Unresponsive fuel pump
The fuel pump starts to work when you turn the ignition. The fuel pump is typically located under the rear seat. When the ignition is turned on, the fuel pump’s hum or buzzing sound can be easily detected by the driver. You may not hear any noise from the fuel pump if the starter relay is defective.
The Burnt / Melted Starter Replay and Burnt Odors
The relay can overheat due to negative factors like short circuit, corrosion, and rust. The relay’s plastic parts can melt or burn due to heat. Drivers can easily detect the smell of burning. You should immediately check the fuse box if you detect a burning odor. It is very difficult to remove a melted relay and sometimes the whole fuse box will need to be replaced.
The starter relay requires no regular maintenance. It can sometimes malfunction, causing major problems for the vehicle. You should inspect the starter relay for any of these symptoms and have it replaced if necessary.
