Starter Motor Relay Test

Open the hood and locate the solenoid the small cylinder on top of the starter motor.

Starter motor relay test.

When you start your engine and release the key or stop pressing the starter button on a modern vehicle the circuit is supposed to close which will discontinue power to the starter motor. A remote type relay sits usually near the battery on the fender well and the red battery cable connects directly. Starter relay test 1. Here is a quick video on how to test a starter and solenoid assembly using just a screwdriver jumper wires and a 12v battery.

These two components work together to ensure that the starter operates safely and does not turn the engine over in an unsafe condition. The starter relay and the neutral lockout switch control the starting solenoid. Testing the starter solenoid electric ground. This will prevent the starter motor from accidentally starting the engine during your tests.

The starter relay is designed to redirect power from the battery to the starter solenoid which then activates the starter to spin over the engine. How to check a ford type starter solenoid relay diy troubleshooting car no crank automotive repair easy step by step diy testing a ford solenoid. Fortunately all ford models have a remote relay near the battery which makes it easy and convenient for troubleshooting. Check the relay s coil terminals using a multimeter.

You re just running current through it. The starter relay provides power to the starter when the key switch is turned to start the starter. Find starter relay you suspect to be bad. This first test is designed just to see if the contactor is pushing up and completing the connection in the solenoid.

There is no polarity on the solenoid so it doesn t matter which side is which. If the starter stays on after the engine has ignited the main contacts in the starter relay have most likely welded together in the closed position. To check the relay whether it s good or faulty one we need to check the resistance of a coil in the relay there is a coil and that coil has some resistance using that resistance knowledge we can find that the relay is a good one or not. You will easily find it near the battery and has the battery s positive terminal wire connected to it.

The solenoid has two wires that normally connect to the starter button. Have a helper turn on the ignition switch while you listen to the noise the starter relay makes. Not the most scientific test. If turn on the ignition switch there s a single or a series of weak clicks you will have to test.

A bad starter relay on your ford vehicle will prevent the necessary electrical power from reaching the starter motor. Here are warning signs that yours may be damaged.