Electric devices, like the fuel injection system,
Horns, starter, and fog lamps, utilize relays to send electric signals to the parts in the vehicle. A low-power control circuit is used in relays to open or close a high-power electrical circuit. If the relay of the associated component fails, it may not function at all. Most relays are located in the fuse/relay box of the engine compartment. Some specialized relays are located above the interior fuse box in the dash. If a malfunctioning relay is suspected of causing the problem, it can be taken out and tested. A specific procedure exists to test a relay, or a dealer service department or repair shop can do it. If defective, relay must be replaced by a unit. The relays that you will mostly find are commonly called ISO relays. Their terminal number indicates their circuit connection and function. Two terminals are for the relay control circuit and are connected to the terminals of the relay coil. The other terminals are of the power circuit. When the coil is energized, a magnetic field is created which closes the larger contacts of the power circuit to supply power to the loads. In most cases, terminals 85 and 86 will designate the control circuit. If there is a diode, terminal 86 needs to connect to battery positive voltage. Meanwhile, if there's a resistor, terminals 85 and 86 can get connected in either direction. Terminal 30 typically connects to the source of battery voltage for circuit loads, while terminal 87 connects to the powered component. To test the relay, an ohmmeter can be used to check continuity through the relay control coil, making sure to connect the meter according to the marked polarity and reverse the leads for a second check. In case there is a resistor, the resistance will be the same both ways but with a diode the resistance will be more one way. If infinite resistance occurs in both directions, relay replacement is necessary. Once the Relay has been removed, continuity must be checked between circuit power terminals. Always ensure that there is no continuity between terminal 30 and 87 when relay is de-energized. If two jumper wires are used to connect terminal 86 to the positive battery terminal, and terminal 85 to ground, the relay should click and then continuity should be present between terminals 30 and 87. If the relay fails any of these tests, it should be replaced.