Relay clicking after alternator change

Tiny
ALINE328
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 CHEVROLET TRACKER
  • 4 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 170,000 MILES
I just had my alternator changed and since that time, a relay has started clicking rapidly when I take the keys out of the ignition. But if I press the brake pedal a few times it quits. Also it has a whining electrical noise that gets higher pitched as I accelerate.
Sunday, August 25th, 2019 AT 2:28 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Hi,

This may just be a coincidence but we will need to identify which relay is clicking. The easiest way to tell is to touch each one while you hear the clicking because you will feel it clicking as well. Once you are able to tell which one it is, we can get a better plan of action.

If you are not sure what the relay is for, just get a picture of it and we can figure it out.

The possible causes are a faulty relay, ground issue, or possible other wiring issue. Easiest way to limit this down, is to swap the relay with another and if the clicking moves to the other slot with the relay then you know it was the relay.

Just see if you can identify which one and we can go from there.
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Sunday, August 25th, 2019 AT 4:59 PM
Tiny
ALINE328
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Here is the screwy part: my son determines which relay it is and pulls it out. Then tries to start the car without it and it wont start. When he puts it back in, he hears the fuel pump kick on. But if it's for the fuel pump, why would pressing the brake make it stop clicking?
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Monday, August 26th, 2019 AT 5:59 AM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Which relay was it? Was it the fuel pump relay?

What happens with relays clicking it all has to do with electrical current. Either you have resistance on the ground of that relay, or high resistance on the power side of it. It could also be a computer failure so I would not think they are related. It could just be back feeding and when you apply the brakes it provides a sufficient ground for the relay to stop clicking.

Point is, I would not worry about if they are related or not. I would replace the relay and see if it continues. Clearly, if the relay is not clicking then we have no issue any longer. If it still does it with the new relay, then we can dig into the wiring diagram and see what may be related to point us in a better direction. Keep me posted. Thanks
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Monday, August 26th, 2019 AT 2:00 PM
Tiny
ALINE328
  • MEMBER
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Yes, it was the fuel pump relay. Thanks for your help, I will replace the relay and let you know how it goes.
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Monday, August 26th, 2019 AT 4:58 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Great. Keep me posted. I will wait to hear back from you.
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Tuesday, August 27th, 2019 AT 5:31 PM

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