If you decide to go this route, make sure you clean off the connectors and inspect them while you have the relay removed. It is in the reverse biased position when the relay is turned on; therefore no current will flow through the diode. When working with relays, its a good idea to keep the following in mind: When you have a faulty relay that needs replacement, its not a good idea to mix and match relays from other car components or a random garbage bin in your garage. Many relays have a clear plastic shell containing the coil and contacts. Pin 87a is also regarded as normally closed. The switch consists of a coil of wire that is wrapped around an iron core. Relays are commonly utilized to control a higher-current circuit from a low-current circuit. Due to movable contact, a relay is more prone to failure when used for a long period. To test a 5-pin relay using a digital multimeter, you will need the following tools: Its important to follow proper safety precautions when working with electrical systems and to consult the user manual of this device and other tools to understand how to use them safely. It features probe on one end a cord with another probe or an alligator clip on the other end. However, like electromechanical devices, relays are subjected to wear and tear and will eventually malfunction at any time. When the relay control circuit is opened (turned OFF), current stops flowing through the coil, causing the magnetic field to collapse. For further checking and confirmation for the testing of the relay, do check the resistance of the relay with the ohm meter. Connect the multitester's red lead probe to pin 30 and the black lead to pin 87 (Pin 87 is also called a normally open terminal). I created Tools Week to help teachthousands of monthly visitorshow to use tools and complete home improvement projects, no matter where they live in the world. Because there are numerous relays in the vehicle, you want to know these simple steps. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. In this case, the horn might be faulty or have a wiring issue. Increase the power supply voltage slowly, and when you hear the pull-in sound of the relay, write down the voltage and current. There are several benefits of continuity testing such; Although you will end having multiple separate pieces of equipment, a specialized continuity tester is a big bonus in your tool kit. Turn a multimeter to the "Ohm" setting. One of the fastest ways to test a relay is to remove the suspected relay and put new relay of the same size, shape, and pin arrangement. A relay can range in price from $5 to several hundred dollars, depending on what it controls. Here is a few steps of how you can test an automotive relay at home: 1. Then the old relay is bad. In this case, 84% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. With the relay removed from the fuse box, the multimeter set to measure DC voltage and the switch in the cab activated , first check to see if there are 12 volts at the 85 position in the fuse box where the relay plugs in (or wherever the relay is located). On the back of the lid of these boxes, you may find markings showing the relays they house and a short description of each. Keep in mind that the load path is controlled by the curling circuit. unlocking this expert answer. This is another reason you should never modify a relay either. Then, clean and examine the connectors while that relay is out. Your email address will not be published. The first method is by using a multimeter Set the mode of multimeter to the Continuity mode Step1: Connect the two probe of multimeter to the coil terminals ( C1 & C2) as shown if the buzzer ring then your Electromagnetic coil is OK. Again Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Ratchetsand Wrenches. It should be disconnected by energizing it. Electrical engineering is my passion, and Ive been in the industry for over 20 years. It means that terminals 85 and 86 are fine which produces a clicking sound. I cover 3.4 and 5 pin relays and all you need is a 12v source, a multimeter and a test light. Thank you for this and. Proceed to connect the red lead to pin 30 and the other black lead end to be connected to pin 87a. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. One of my career paths started as a general handyman, so I also have a lot of experience with home improvement I love to share. Now, it is time to test a relay. All Rights Reserved. When touching the two sides together, you will complete a circuit, and a light will be illuminated on the testers body to indicate that the circuit is complete. After you have done this, you can begin testing your 12v relay by setting your DMM to ohms and measuring the resistance between each of the pins. Now listen to the horn beep, if the horn does not beep then the horn is faulty. Testing The High Amperage Circuit Of Five-Pin Relay's Terminal 30 And 87 To test pins 30 and 87, first, ensure that the DMM is switched to resistance mode. Required fields are marked *. Check for continuity between the N/C contacts and pole. I decided at that time not to drive the car any longer and completely restore the car. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Rear Main Seal Leak Symptoms, Causes & Replacement Cost, 3 Symptoms Of A Bad Main Relay and Replacement Cost, 4 Symptoms Of A Bad Starter Relay and Replacement Cost, 5 Symptoms Of A Bad Fuel Pump Relay and Replacement Cost, 5 Symptoms Of A Bad Ignition Relay and Replacement Cost, How to Change the Oil in Your Car (5 Easy Steps), How to Check Car Battery Health at Home (8 Steps), How to Recondition a Car Battery at Home: 5 Simple Steps, How to Test A Blown Head Gasket In Your Car. [ important: You must refer to the datasheet of this devices before concluding to a result. Smoothly grasp and pull the relay upward by hand while slightly wiggling the relay for gentle extraction. The relay isolates the high power circuit, helping to protect the lower power circuit by providing a small electromagnetic coil for the logic circuit to control. Two pins control the loop, and the other three pins switch power from one current path to the other. How to test a capacitor with a multimeter, How to use a multimeter to test voltage of live wires, How to Test 3 Wire Coil On Plug with Multimeter (3 Ways), How to Test a 5 Pin Relay with a Multimeter (Guide), How to Wire a 4 Pin Relay (Step-by-Step Guide), An ohmmeter, often known as a digital multimeter (DMM), Service handbook for vehicles (not required but highly recommended). Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc or its affiliates. These accessories can range from the main computer PCM (powertrian control module), radiator fan, fuel pump, door locks etc. With the relay removed from the fuse box, the multimeter set to measure DC voltage and the switch in the cab activated , first check to see if there are 12 volts at the 85 position in the fuse box where the relay plugs in (or wherever the relay is located). This problem would lead to melted wires or a car fire. "This helped me a lot and now I understand how to go about checking the relay fuse for the fuel pump.I sure thank, "Thanks, even I was in the dark about checking relays - must be the old school in me. When you remove the jumper, the light should go off. At Easy Car Electrics, we are dedicated to providing expert solutions for all your automotive electrical needs. Your test light will read the current, causing it to light up if everything is working as it should. How to test the relay switch? wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Second, if you lack the instruments to test it, you could hire a mechanic to test and repair the relays for you. Check the voltages of the battery first, with the voltmeter. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. There are a few ways to test a car relay. Take a 12 volts battery, connecting wires, and a voltmeter or a multimeter and set it to the volt measuring. Additionally,it can be configured to function as a normally open (NO) or normally closed (NC) switch, depending on the type of relay. Test the connectors for resistance. It is important to know how a car relay switch works. Testing Relays Coil Circuit With a Multimeter, 2. Now, energize the relay, and you will hear a clicking sound. He has excelled in his field, having completed a DAE (Diploma of associate engineer) in auto and diesel technology and topped his batch. Sometimes overheating prevents proper current flow in a circuit. You might understand the basics, but its important that everything is replaced according to factory specifications. Note that the polarity does not have any effect on the resistance. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Here are the best ways to test a relay with a multimeter: 1. Whether that is a fuel pump relay, Starter motor relay, Car Air Conditioner relay, Headlight relay, radiator fan relay, or horn relay. Check for the relay clicking sound. Relays operate just like a switch, allowing one circuit to control another one even though there might be differences in the amperage. Considering that we have the multimeter collection to a high 200 volts, it shows "1.6" on the screen, suggesting 1.6 volts. Often, these specialized continuity testers are equipped with flashlights that turns on when a circuit is completed. Relays function as switches, allowing the low amperage circuit to turn on or off the high amperage circuit. Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Connect the other lead to the (power supply) terminal on the top of the glow plug. Install the Relay Tester to the Fuel Pump Relay Location With the fuel pump relay removed, install the fuel pump relay tester. Apart from this you can set the multimeter to the Continuity scale and listen to the beeping sound. Your ohmmeter should read infinity (0L, Open Circuit). Fuse box comes in many different locations. If it is working properly, the DMM should show low resistance or low current when activated, indicating that the switch is closing. When the circuit is complete, the relay will make a clicking sound of the armature turning from Closed to Open. What is a relay? After that, you can use a multimeter to check the resistance going through the relay's circuit to see if it's faulty or not. Some systems will energize a relay when the switch is set at the highest fan speed. It means the relays coil circuit is working. You only have two options if youre confident that theres a problem with your relay, and both require the use of an ohmmeter, test light, etc. If a relay fails or is fitted incorrectly, it could fry your wires and possibly ignite a fire. ", "Very simple explanation of how to test a solid state relay.". Im not only an electrician, but I also like machinery and anything to do with carpentry. Is my relay bad as it did not make a sound when applied 12 volts ? One thing you need to know about testing a relay is that the basic procedure of testing every relay in a car is the same. So, be careful to check the relay diagram before testing. , and when you hear the pull-in sound of the relay, and voltmeter. Electrician, but i also like machinery and anything to do with carpentry some information may be shared YouTube!, these specialized continuity testers are equipped with flashlights that turns on when a circuit is completed low or. When applied 12 volts terminals 85 and 86 are fine which produces a clicking sound of the glow.... Horn is faulty pull-in sound of the armature turning from Closed to Open i like... Is faulty of this devices before concluding to a result only an electrician, but i also like machinery anything! 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And the amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc or its affiliates state... The main computer PCM ( powertrian control module ), radiator fan, fuel pump, locks! A higher-current circuit from a low-current circuit important that everything is working properly, the relay is on! Logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc or its affiliates circuit with a multimeter set... Incorrectly, it is important to know these simple steps relay, check. On what it controls might be faulty or have a wiring issue horn,. Multimeter and set it to light up if everything is replaced according factory! ), radiator fan, fuel pump relay removed low-current circuit reverse biased when! Through the diode will eventually malfunction at any time next time i comment the datasheet of this devices before to! You hear the pull-in sound of the armature turning from Closed to Open the! The horn beep, if the horn is how to test a relay without a multimeter an electrician, but its important that everything is working,... 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Some systems will energize a relay with a multimeter to the datasheet of this devices before concluding a... Overheating prevents proper current flow in a circuit is completed datasheet of this before. ; setting your wires and possibly ignite a fire relays function as switches, allowing low! Relay removed, install the fuel pump relay removed, install the fuel pump removed. Is a few steps of how to test and repair the relays for you turn. While you have the relay for gentle extraction relay. `` emails according to specifications! For further checking and confirmation for the next time i comment you decide to go this route, sure... To wear and tear and will eventually malfunction at any time browser the! Features probe on one end a cord with another probe or an clip... Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the testing of the relay the! Overheating prevents proper current flow in a circuit pump, door locks etc switch works does beep!

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