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Car and Truck Engine Starter Relay,
Battery Cables and Ignition Switch Questions This
category contains featured questions as
examples. They relate to most vehicles.
Question: 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
mileage: 77,000. Is there anyway you can test a starter
relay (or any relay) without taking it to a dealership?
Answer: A relay is basically an
electrically controlled switch. It uses an electrical
signal to close a set of contacts in the relay. The
contacts act as a switch allowing power in and back out
of the relay. Using a test light, check for power and
ground into the relay. If working properly, the switch
should allow power in and out of the relay.
Question: 1987 Jaguar XJ6 series lll
and was hoping you could help me with a problem I'm
having? When I turn the key to start the engine nothing
happens, the engine won't turn over. I tried cleaning
the battery connections, I changed the ignition switch,
checked the neutral safety switch, and it still won't
turn over, the starter solenoid doesn't even click. The
lights, radio, clock and all the buzzers work and the
battery has 12 volts with the headlights on. If you can
give me any help with this problem, it would be much
appreciated.Answer: A starter relay puts power
to the starter solenoid which apparently has failed.
Locate the small wire on the starter solenoid and trace
it back. It will lead you to the relay.
Question:
2002 Ford Focus,
mileage: 86,000.
Started my car, and the starter would not quit running.
Didn't matter which way I turned the key, or if I
took the key out and put it back in.
Could turn car off & on but starter just kept
going.
Finally got it to quit by pulling battery connection
off.
Reconnected battery, restarted car okay.
But now I wonder what caused it and will it
happen again.
Should I get starter or starter relay replaced?
Answer:
A faulty starter relay could have caused the
problem you experienced or it could be a faulty ignition
switch.
Question:
2001 Ford F150, mileage: 65,000.
Hi Bob and Ken,
I recently I put my key in the ignition to start
the engine and had a major battery explosion.
I have replaced the battery and starter and
battery cables but I am still unable to connect the
positive cable without frying the battery.
The alternator, voltage regulator and solenoid
are good therefore is it possible the problem is in the
starter relay?
Thanks.
Answer:
Yes, there is a very good chance that the starter
relay (solenoid) has shorted out and causing your
problem. Replace with new to repair problem as needed.
Question:
1999 Dodge 1500 Truck, mileage: 178,000.
What is involved in the repair of the starter
relay? The
car won't start & it was mentioned that it might be the
relay.
Answer: We would replace a faulty
starter relay. They are a non-serviceable part.
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