How To Test Relays- EricTheCarGuy
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ต.ค. 2024
- How To Test Relays- EricTheCarGuy
How to test relays is a video about just what it says. Every once in a while you need to test a relay and when you do it's important to check it thoroughly, if not you may think it's good and it's not, just because it 'clicks' doesn't mean it's good because that's only part of the equation. Yes you can swap it out with a known good relay and that will save you time but if you don't have a known good then this test should do the trick for you. This video is also a good way to get to know what's inside a relay and how it works so if you're curious about that this would be a good video to watch.
If you want to see a video on basic electrical diagnosis click here.
• Electrical Troubleshoo...
Visit me at: www.ericthecarg...
---
Click below and Stay Dirty
Visit me at EricTheCarGuy.com
ericthecarguy.com/
Visit EricTheCarGuy Forum
www.ericthecarg...
Visit my Facebook Page:
/ ericthecarguy
---
Stay dirty
ETCG
Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy.
![How To Test and Diagnose Relays and Wiring [4 & 5 Pin]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/S-DwV0HLsE4/mqdefault.jpg)
![How To Test and Diagnose Relays and Wiring [4 & 5 Pin]](/img/tr.png)
Im 21, I have 5 ASE's and work in a independent repair shop. I watch your videos in my free time trying to learn all i can. You really have helped me in the real world diagnosing problems and understanding systems. thanks for the videos you make!! it has made me a better technician!
I would also recommend you to check south main auto repair channel. Lots of good stuff there, good luck in the automotive world.
I just replaced my starter solenoid just to find out the relay was bad. I’m in Brasil and autoparts stores here are almost worthless. So I opened the relay and the contacts were totally black (the burning from many years of use soots up the contacts.)
I cleaned the contacts with scotchbrite and put a dab of dielectric grease to prevent the arcing that jumps the gap causing the burn marks.
It’s working great. I’ll be ordering another one soon just in case. When you’re in a pinch, you might try what I did.
i was surprised there was no current in the high amp side when you did the testing. appreciate your videos.
come on man eric has done a grate job please give him that .
good job eric keep up the good work .
Eric... I love your videos, but the whole time im watching you struggle with the 4 terminals of the relay... Im thinking, theres aligator clips right there!
Wow that was explained very well. You should give car lessons in schools lol.
youtube university dawg.
I like it
Eric, thank you so much for a simple, yet comprehensive instruction on how to test one of these stupid things. I gotta say, your videos are some of the best. Unlike so many of the other instructional videos on youtube, you do not ramble about this, that or the other thing. You don't offer superfluous information about the job. you are direct and to the point.
Thanks Eric, you, as always, explain things in a simplifed, "dumbed down" (Thank God) manner that I find very helpful and informative. Please keep it up!
That was a fantastic video Eric, I actually searched this up not long ago and the useless video just said to try a different or new relay to test it
eric please do not ever retire .you make the best vids you explain everything in detail
Eric you are an excellent car repair instructor. I have learned so much watching your videos. God Bless..!!!
Great explanation! Have you considered taking on another set of hands as a trainee? Like an apprentice or intern?
i have been asking Peggy Noonan the same question since March.
You have saved people countless dollars with your well-done videos. Thank you Sir!
Awesome..Clear and concise explanation. Thanks :)
Also in my 6-prong starter relay, #3 connector goes to #4, but one has 9 volt coming out while the other has 11 volt. Can I still jump them together?
Great video. Thanks Eric. One other issue you might cover regarding relays in older automobiles is the solder points. For example: older Acuras and and Hondas can have an intermittent relay problem (probably other makes as well), where the car wont start when raining or in the morning when its cold, or if there is dew because the relay solder points are "micro" cracked. The relay may pass the bench test in a heated garage, but wont pass if damp. Google: "How to solder and fix the Main Relay."
so 0.3 ohms is ok? whats the number to look for to show the relays bad? 1.5 ohms? 1.0? curious
Thank you!!! Your videos are awesome as ever!
Great video Eric! Thanks for sharing! This is great for individuals learning how to check/test relays.
Hi,
After giving my Honda Odyssey 2006 a jumpstart it started fine. But the dashboard had no light. The only lights were on was the brake lights the seatbelts and the VSA light on the dashboard. The gas gauge was on E while it was running even though I have a full tank.
I ran it for about five minutes. I put it in reverse the engine shut off on me. It wouldn’t start back on. And now I have No headlights. What could be the problem? Maybe the alternator Not the starter?
I had no tail lights on my 2009 Chevy Van 40,000 miles.
I had brake lights.
I could not find the problem. The fuse box for tail lights is under the drivers seat.
I am a good mechanic but this had me stumped. It was low milage and all stock factory wiring.
I took it to the dealer and the mechanic there was young. I was skeptical but he found the problem in about 1 hour. I was impressed.
He found the problem in a very creative way. He could hear the relay clicking but no power. He then noticed that the OTHER RELAY in that box under the drivers seat, had the same part number so he switched them and bingo problem solved!
Victory Cheverolet in Petaluma, Ca.
lol, it took an hour to swap a relay?
salazam The mechanic had to find the problem first.
Hey Lucky Dog, I have the same problem with my van. No Tail lights and reverse lights but brakes and turn signals work fine. How did you or did you get the problem fixed? Thanks if you could steer me in the right direction.
Ernest Makainai Relay under the front seat, There are two relays, and on my 2009 they are both the same part no.
Lucky Dog That relay malfunctioned at 40,000 miles! Not very good.
I have no extra lights and was not using a trailer.
Really ought check the secondary circuit under load. Sometimes dirty contacts will not show unless they're loaded.
EricTheCarGuy, I want to say thanks to this videos I was able to fix my car. My car was having a no spark because of bad ASD relay. Your process of testing relay is simple and effective. This video help me identify a bad relay that prevent my car from starting. Once again thanks:)
I play with those relay, electric shocking my fingers
Hey Eric, I have a 1995 Honda Prelude SI. Recently my car was broken into and my stereo was ripped out. Now, in the space where the radio was, I can reach into that gap and feel on the back panel of where the A/C switches are. I can also feel and see wires from a black casing that comes up leading to the back of that same panel. The trouble I'm having is when then A/C is on, my car tends to go through a slow fast/stall action. Also, when it does that, the air goes from cold to hot. What do I do?
Hi I have a Honda 2008 I can not locate the PGM-FI Can you help please
This how you test a relay. Cool
Eric please provide me a copy of hood fuse box description of Honda Accord 95
Awesome Eric! Unfortunately I cannot do much of the sophisticated complicated heavy duty auto work anymore because I'm disabled with (MS). Your tips on at least me doing surface issues are definitely fulfilling! For the other issues at least good knowledge, when and if I need to take my car to a shop at least gives me money savings heads up on making sure I'm not going to get scammed, thank you so much!
ive looked for a powerprobe on the tool trucks...no one has them......think il go online and order one from them directly
freaking awesome....i love electrical issues....somthing about it intrigues me me....i just did a fuel solenoid vid....i may post a vid response ;) have a great day mr awesome!
I'm stumped. 03 Rsx. My relays are buzzing. Condenser, radiator, and I believe is another relay that controls both condenser & radiator fans. Both fans work and fan switch works. I bypass the fan switch and the relays buzz crazy(fans not working). I also tried to turn on AC and does the same thing (with the fan switch connected). I heard the ac pressure switch might be connected to the fans somehow. Idk:( Big fan of your channel. Keep up the great work Eric!!!
What would the multi meter read on the continuity value if the relay was bad?
Nice vid Eric...interesting stuff.
Thanks! You saved me $20 and a trip to NAPA. Still don't have taillights on my POS 2002 Dodge 1500, but the relay checked out fine.
This helped me to test my Air Conditioner's relay. Thanks!
Yo Eric the car guy,
Thank you for your channel and the education I and others received on relays!!!! Means a
lot to people like me who need to repair their vehicles. God bless you for that!!!
How do you test hazard relays with more than 4 leads?
I got 2 questions:
1. Will you damage the relay if you put the 12 volt wrong? IF you do what you do, but you take the power source on the other ones and the voltometer on the others? (I guess It wont click, but will I damage it by doing wrong?
2. How do you know the correct way to put it back in?
Eric, do you know whats wrong with my 94 civic hatch, my cluster isn't working on all of them gas temp speed tacho including my turn signals and hazards? head lights work cluster light works. pm me witht info.
Also, would love to see if you could help with an issue on my car. Any chance of communicating another way? Email maybe?
thanks for the video, i'm glad to see that our voices are being heard and responded to. keep up the good work, i can't wait to see what i can learn next.
This is the best video I have ever seen to clearly and effectively explain how a relay works and how to test it.
Thanks! Could I use any relay in my fuse box that is exactly the same but different color? Does it matter??
Thanks for help , 2 relays were replaced and solved the not starting problem
I like to listen people they know their trade really well. I learned something good today. Thanks!
amater here. I dont understand what is power suplay if im using aligator clips?
I have a 84 Silverado and my low beams work fine but when I hit the dimmer switch all the headlights turn off. When I rehit the dimmer switch my lows come back on. I replaced the dimmer switch but still have the problem. Any suggestions?
Thanks for posting Eric. Another highly informative video, it been helping me in my school .. you are the dude! 👍
Is it the same for blinkers, is that the click we hear
Why my chevy silverado not got power in air conditioning system thank you
You should change ur name to eric the handsome car guy.
Hey. I have a question. I have a 91 Chevrolet Blazer s10 4.3. What's making my truck vibrate? It only do it when I'm at a stop light. No check engine light. I was told that it could be motor or transmission mounts. Need a couple opinions please an thanks.
I have a 92 Dodge Grand Caravan LE 3.3 Liter,.. Would crank without a Key,
and Key cog was loose, It Cranked fine for 2 weeks, I drove it to a local store
it cranked easy no issues, When I was ready to leave the store I turned the
Cog and I could see white smoke coming from behind the dash. (Battery is
GOOD), I replaced the Cog and electronics box there beneath the cog. It still
is unresponsive,.POWER DOOR LOCKS, WINDOWS, Instrument cluster,
Fuel Pump, Does NOT work,.(Head Lights, Cigarette Lighter, Interior Lights
Work) It don`t Click or anything. I don`t know a lil about cars, I can install a
radio but Im clueless when it gets past that area. What Do I do ??
Eric, if the relay keeps clicking and the lights are blinking isn't that a sign the relay is bad???
Is somebody going to answer this question??? or not???
anybody have any idea why my 96 caravan check engine light doesnt light at all? i tried switching the lightbulbs and fuses so its not that. my gauges go to a stuck position when i turn it on and the speedometer doesnt function at all and the odometer doesnt light. smog guy said all i really need it the check engine light for smog.
Dude! First video I saw of yours. Incredibly helpful! Thanks a million!
Dude, your videos are awesome! Thank you for doing this.. Currently doing a project 2002 Toyota Celica GT that's got some electrical issues.
As an electrical engineer who happens to really like car stuff...I approve! Great video! As long as you know some basics like this, electricity isn't all that bad. Like you said in your last video, it works a lot like water.
Eric you always have good info.
Why not use the alligator clips for the 3rd hand?
Keep it up.
Thanks
I know, right? Hehe
Some one please help.
Ok I have been on a journey. This might be kind of long.
So 2001 Buick century - what I've done
Replaced radiator, radiator cap, cooling fans thermostat, heater core, water pump, coolant temp sensor.
After replacing ALL of that the cooling fans would kick only when I turned the AC on. Or so I thought. Turns out they were functioning normally but not at the correct temperature. Low speed would turn on when the needle reached the just before the 3/4th temp gauge line. High speed would turn on at the 3/4th temp gauge line. So I figured pcm must be faulty. (Among other tall tale signs)
So. Replaced the pcm. FIXED A LOT OF ISSUES. But ended up back to square one. Cooling fans won't come on. Not even for ac this time. So I broke the trustee multi meter out and started rechecking wiring. Bringing me back here today. Now. It seems the cooling fan 1 relay is not getting properly powered. According to my relay. Post 85 and 86 should have 12 volts power, and post 30 and 87 should have no power untill tripped. Well 86 has 12vs 85 has no volts 87 has 12 volts. And 30 has no volts.
So I'm assuming 85 and 87 have crossed somewhere and that I'm needing a wiring diagram for the back of the relay fuse box that i cant find.
edit: ima leave this here. but i also posted on forums.
Hello Eric, I also have a question. I have a 1996 Saturn SL2 with a P0401 "EGR insufficient flow" code. I have bought a new EGR, sprayed the ports below the EGR valve with Berryman's B12 Chemtool throttle body cleaner, cleaned the MAF (using Mass Airflow cleaner) and also poured a whole bottle of Seafoam into a full tank of gasoline and a half bottle of Seafoam in the engine oil. I have been driving the car to work at 75-80 mph and still have the check engine light and a P0401 code. Is there another EGR passageway that needs to be cleaned besides the ports below the EGR valve? Anyone have any ideas?
Do an advanced A/C troubles, on 03-11, Grand Marques, Crown Vic. I'm an ok mechanic. (Ford's) if I paper clip the relay slot, make compressor cycle, it blows cold. I do not have the electronic head unit. Brand new fan, and cylinder head temp sensor. Works great. A.c. compressor, still won't engage, all fuses, relays, and diodes, good. Coolant temperature sender? Driving me nuts!!!
Eric, I gotta problem with my son's 93 Honda Accord. The dummy light for the battery comes on, but if I turn the air conditioner on, the light turns off.
This morning, the brand new battery reads 3.62 V, which you know means, it didn't start.
My way 9f thinking is, if the AC effects the dummy light, the AC is the problem. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
Even so, I'm trying to learn how to test this thing with a basic $20 multimeter, but I'm having one hell of a time trying to figure out what to test. There's no fuse for the AC. There's a fan fuse, but nothing that say's AC.
I'm watching the volt drop test you posted.
You're the BEST on the net, and your vids have helped me more times than I can remember now.
THANK YOU, Eric. 🙂
This guy has a degree in bodgery🔧🔨🔩⛽🚜🚛🚘🏠😁😁, kinda chap u need if the world woke up and rebelled against the global allete government and bankers ,or even if ur car just had headlight issues ,,😉😊😊he's multi purpose, like MacGyver, 😂😂
1. Dash board shows: No fuse
2. No BUS
3. Wiper half way
4. Main run clicking
5. ASD was clicking
6. Stick in PARK position but DASH board shows "R"
7. Electric lock not functioning.
Which fuse or relay to check and fix?
Is there something wrong if a couple of my relays get hot?
hi Eric, can a relay still operate the pass side low beam and not the drivers? (if the relay is functioning correctly) ..this is a problem on my '05 Buick Allure 3.6l cxs (CDN), Lacrosse in the (US) bulbs are good ... high beams work on both just not Dr low beam,
☺thx for your help
Thanks for all your helpful videos, Eirc. I was wondering... do relays ever stick "closed" on the high amp side such as causing secondary air pump not to shut off resulting in motor burn out? Thanks.
Do relays ever fuse closed?
Yes they do, if you for example run 40 amps through a 30 amps relay it can solder itself together and stay shut. It's common if you have some extra auxiliary lights on the car. If you use one relay, say 30 amps a piece because its one of the most common, for each light it wont pretty much be a problem. But you can always go overkill and go for a higher amp relay that costs 3 times as a 'regular' relay but save yourself some wiring. Other than that it's not to common for relays to fuse together unless by age, an old relay might fuse together because of corrosion or just wear and tear.
So quick question. I have a 1987 VW Cabriolet and the fuel relay went out. The way I tested this was I took the headlight relay and swapped the place with the fuel pump relay. Is this something you could do on any car, or am I just lucky? I don't plan to keep using the headlight relay because I really don't know if there's a difference. I'm going to buy a new relay (today probably) just wanted to ask.
My 1996 Chevy 3500 A/C compressor and the dampers in the dash will not run are open, I have checked all the fuses and all are good. I didn't check the relays like you did so I will check them next. Is there anything more I need to check to try to get the corrected? Thanks Stan 6/23/2017
To prevent corrosion, rust
and or oxidation on, relay pins
junction box holes, connection,
battery posts, wire or cable
terminals and junction box hole ,,,
''' apply / add dap of
silicon / dielectric grease .
Also, it will ease insertion &
removal of relays, fuses and any
component that has pins and or legs .
2004 Toyota Camry LE. Okay so my low beams don't turn on but high beams do. Checked low and high beam bulbs and they're in working condition. Checked the fuses for the headlights and they were good condition. Then when I take off the HEAD relay and put it back in and switch to high beam, now my low beam comes on instead. I do notice the dimmer switch makes a "click" noise when I switch to low beam. Can anyone help me out here please? Thank you.
I had a failed relay about 15 years ago with a 10 year old Honda Accord at the time. The fuel pump relay (fuel inject) under the steering wheel, above the brake pedal. The soldering job failed after millions of clicking/vibrating. It was mounted on a small circuit board, not the module like the video. So I re-solder it.
I have a 78 gmc pickup, its been reworked many times, but I had everything working I needed, its rusty, and I plow with it, I had the blower motor freeze up, so I put in a new one, It would not work, I put in a new relay. no good, I hot wired it from the fuze box, now it works, but on high, at the same time, I noticed my turn signal quit, so, I checked what I could, and finally put in a new switch, no good, everything else works, Brakes, 4 ways, running lights, but no signals, and I tried 3 different flashers, it seems there is no power coming out of the switch, Ground? Bulb? why both b motor and signals at the same time?
The click from my 6-prong 95 maxima starter relay was low. I tested another 6 prong relay, the click was louder. Does the low click mean anything? I couldn't swap the relays because the connectors have diff. orientation.
You're awesome man! I have used the info you have provided to fix electrical problems. I also sincerely respect your "fixing it forward". Keep up the good work and God bless!
Hi eric my daughters 08 chrysler aspen was making a loud clicking noise and it was coming from 2relays in the fusebox under the hood we took them out temporarily in case they were causing a drain lol if that even makes sense im confused cuz just watched ur video and u talk about hearing the click so u know they're working but these were clicking by themseves engine off and cold...can u help..thanx..love ur videos😊kelly
joe stokoe hi Eric my Saab 9-5 front fog lights don't work .The fuse box with relays in & the relay for the fog lights with the cover removed press the relay switch in & out and the light go on & off .But when I try from the switch on the dashboard on click & on light ,can you please help joe
Eric quick question, if a relay has 58ohms at the coil and another different relay is 158ohms mitsuba 7001 and 7003 and both have good continuity would you say the higher ohms is bad relay?
Only the high and low functions of my wipers work when my engine is on. If the engine is off (accessories turned on) all the wiper functions work (high, low, off, 5 stages of intermittent). Once I start the engine the intermittent setting may or may not activate the wipers and if they are activated they wipe and random intervals. I replaced the relays and multi-function switch. Any other ideas? Maybe the replacement parts were bad (bought them new)?
The video was helpful but I have a problem with a six prong lighting control relay, three opposed to the remaining three. How do you test this? All blades are the same, no apparent power side or anything that might give a clue how to proceed. the only thing I can think of is to test resistance across the pairs. I have no idea how to power it. One more thing, It was buzzing.... loudly..... is why I took it off.
I have to get that meter so I can do those checks as you described. I just have the multi meter which I use often on my autos and lawn and garden equipment. The Air Force didn't give us the other meters to troubleshoot the aircraft I worked on so the multi meter was a favorite for us.
Eric, U da man. Incredible channel...thanksa lot for sharing knowledge !
Big hug from Norway / Erik
I have a 1997 Buick Park Ave. The a/c fan has been kicking off from time to time and then it comes back on. Is this possibly a relay switch starting to go out or is it indicative of another problem?
magnetic contactors used in circuits to switch high amperage electric motors used in industrial manufacturing such as CNC lathes milling conveyor belts even amusement rides. including when re-engineering hi cranking amp floor button foot pressed starter switches by later adding low power ignition relay which Leland at Cadillac first used to replace hand cranks potentially causing bodily injury resulting from compression kickback.
I have Honda Civic 2005. Normally when I switch on I see maintenance lights comes on. After a while all goes off except Battery and engine oil light. Its normal and my car start without any problem. But now for few weeks when I turn on I dont see battery maintenance light and my car do not start. I turn on and off several times then I see battery light and start the car. Anyone knows where can be the problem?
All my brake lights don't work and mechanic said it was the brake light relay module. Replaced it and brake lights flashed once and stopped working. Checked fuses and all good. Brake switch good. Is there something causing the relay to go bad?
Received 0.02 milliamps within parasitic engine off DC voltage draw, thanks to Eric. He isn't a gimmick, Eric has extraordinary experience.
I have a Satern Ion 2005. Lately I have been having problems. First, after clicking my car locked, a day later lI ate at night I heard a car alarm going off. I did not think it sounded like my car and ignored it. Turned out it was my car and because of that going off so long it drained my battery. Then it happened again. Also I began having problems with the windows not going all the way up unless I turned the car off and then on again several times to get them to go up all the way...then, my interior lights would not shut off after exiting the car and waiting to see they went off...one thing after another. Any idea of what is going on with my car. I had planned on getting it fixed and giving it to my granddaughter, but now, I just don't know what is going on with it.
Hi mate, are all terminal for a relay supposed to have the same voltage as the battery? Thanks in advance
Eric I bought a 04 DeVille ,the drivers side door panel was missing some of the screws and plastic pieces and not attached to door,though the electric connectors were and working. However to close door I detached the two plugins. It's in the trunk, my issue I have first my car won't start and the security light comes on It has happened once before and o opened drivers side door
.. before I buy a transponder key what steps should I take to diagnose and remedy this, money is tight so I have not replaced panel yet.please help with your wisdom thanks
Hi Eric, just found this while looking for some way to sort my problem don't know where to start, I have a Nissan Skyline and don't drive it a night because when I turn the lights on I only get park lights and the wipers start to work, I have a combination switch on the column and have changed switches but still the same where else can I look?. relays, earth ? don't know where to start
how much voltage injected into small terminal & how much voltage output at the bigger terminal?
I guess the same can be applied to a 409 relay of a VW New Beetle. Thing is, has 8 plugs, so, I guess I'll try to follow your explanation here. Thank you!
you could of used the aligator clips on your meter probs to give you a third hand
i've got a 2000 ford explorer 4.0 with 275000 miles on it....i bought a new starter last week it won't even turn over we cleaned the connections on the battery and everything it'll just crank one time and that's it so please help me
Hi, what could be happening when You turn on the switch and takes lests Say 20 secunds for the relay to click and work????...tkanks dude.....
Hey Eric, I have a 2003 mitsubishi diamante that i have replaced the battery and alternator on and have cleaned the battery posts and cables. While I'm driving the battery and brake light come on intermently. When they come on I have checked voltage and something is draining the battery while its running. If I shut the car off and restart the car sometimes it starts charging again. It isn't draining the battery with car off only while running.
Can I swap relays if they are the same amperage? I believe my RAP relay is bad (intermittent no crank-no start) and I have a trailer tow relay with the same 20A..I don't tow anything so I thought I could just put that one into the RAP slot for a few days to see if that is the culprit before I make yet another trip to the parts store lol