Starter Relay

The starter relay is one of the starter control circuit parts, and it is important because it transfers voltage front the car battery to the starter solenoid. The starter relay is also known as the starter solenoid, but other cars have that term for a separate relay.

Starter relay operation

An idle starter solenoid can receive a great amount of electric current from the battery as well as a small electric current from the ignition switch. It causes the starter solenoid to close a couple of heavy contacts which sends a large electric current to the starter motor and starts the engine. Also, modern starters rely heavily on the solenoid to activate the starter drive with the ring gear. When the starter relay acquires power it switches to the "on" position and stays as long as the key is in the start position.

Common problems with a faulty starter relay

A faulty starter relay can lead to insufficient power causing the motor to fail and it will make a clicking sound.