All Rights Reserved. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. If you want to test a coil rely, make sure there is no power going to it, then use a digital multimeter to test the resistance between each of the relays poles and their NC and NO contacts. CN Coterie specializes in full home renovation, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, cabinetry, furniture restoration, OATH/ECB (Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings/Environmental Control Board) violations removal, and DOB (Department of Buildings) violations removal. The location will depend on what the relay controls. The relay features a fast reaction, steady operation, extended service life, and small size. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. If that light is off and you've got control voltage to the relay or coil terminals (typically A1[line] and A2 [common]) then you can safely assume that relay is bad. First, never replace relays with parts from another car or something you have lying around. You can also test pins 30 and 87 by using a multitesterin linking mode. This reading should show the same as your batterys voltage, typically 12V. (NO terminals) Connect your digital multimeter probe to the terminal (87 & 30), if the Buzzer does not ring this means that the contact terminal is working fine, otherwise, it is faulty. Next, test the resistance of the switch. Then, keep the multimeter in ohms or continuity mode. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Also, refrain from tampering with the relay. How to test a relay without multimeter? How to test a relay without multimeter? This is one of the main reasons as to why most electricians prefer specialized continuity testers over multimeters. A bad contact point can lead to voltage dropping or no voltage at all. You dont need a lot of tools to test an automotive relay. Connect your multimeter probe to the terminal contact(NO & COM) if the Buzzer do not ring this means that contact terminal is ok, otherwise, it is faulty, OR Connect your multimeter probe to the terminal contact(NC & COM) if the Buzzer ring this means that contact terminal is OK, otherwise, it is faulty. Here is a few steps of how you can test an automotive relay at home: Before you can test the relay, you need to find it. Then, remove the positive jumper from the battery. Each pole may have a normally open (NO) and or normally closed (NC) contact. Prepare all the necessary tools ahead of time and put everything in place. When the current through electromagnetic coil flows it acts as a temporary magnet and attracts the movable coil which changes the circuit arrangement and this change is utilized to work as required. Apart from this you can set the multimeter to the Continuity scale and listen to the beeping sound. Because there are numerous relays in the vehicle, you want to know these simple steps. The location will depend on what the relay controls. In this case, 84% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Remove the positive jumper wire and return the voltmeter to ohm settings. There is also a third 87a which plugs into the five-pin device. The normally open (NO) is one that is open (not connected) by default. Disconnect the test light and set your multimeter to DC. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Members; . The volts can harm the ohmmeter while studying the resistor while a current is flowing. In fact, you might have many of these supplies in your home garage right now. Then, connect a test light between the ground and the switch terminal. Find out which terminal belongs coil and load circuit. Unlike most testers, the continuity testers are always used when you turn off a circuit or on wires and devices that are disconnected from a circuit. 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. At this time voltmeter will show a reading of 12-volt while by de-energizing the relay, the voltmeter should read zero volts. Learn more: Frugal Fun 4 Boys and Girls 3. in this powerful article, Youll learn how to test a car relay with & without a multimeter. ", "Very simple explanation of how to test a solid state relay.". Information on current and voltage ratings, pin configurations, and other information is sometimes available in the datasheets will be invaluable in testing, and eliminate most errors associated with testing. Connect one side of both jumper wires with battery +ive and -ive terminals and connect the other side of both jumper wires with the relays coil circuit. 2. All Rights Reserved. In this tutorial, I will show you a step-by-step procedure on how to test an automotive relay without a multimeter. "This article has been very valuable in helping me diagnose a relay problem with my truck. A guide on how to test a relay without an image is a set of instructions that explains how to use a DMM to put the probes on the com terminal of relay and each of the other terminals to test the pins that control the loop current path and the normally closed pins, as well as how to use a 12V source to see if the switch will open and close properly. For the best results, organize all of your supplies before you get started. Check if the accessory works, if yes. We will test pins 30 and 87a. Typically, the relay allows a lower-amperage circuit control over another with higher amperage. It is usually labeled as terminal 87 in itswiring diagram. If a relay fails or is fitted incorrectly, it could fry your wires and possibly ignite a fire. Swapping the main relay out for a suitable replacement is the quickest and easiest way to test it. As the name implies, the five-pin relay has five pins. How to test a 4-pin relay with a multimeter If you do find any issues with it, replacing it may be necessary depending on its function and importance in the current path. A poor electromagnet coil winding suggests the relay is out of range or open, and its time to replace it. The resistance must be between 50 and 120 ohms for a relay to operate properly. Finally, check your service manual before working with any relay. Moreover, you should ensure that the dimmer switch is linked to other lighting circuits to prevent receiving wrong results at the end of the test. Here I am talking about the high amperage circuit of the relay. In a car, the relay is an electrically operated switch that is used to control a circuit. ! It can damage the ohmmeter while testing the resistor when the current is flowing. The next step is to learn how to test the relays high amperage path. To test the terminals of it with a multitester, you will need to set the DMM to measure either low current or high or very low resistance. In this case, the horn might be faulty or have a wiring issue. They feature two wires, each having a probe coming out from the bottom of the tester. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. His passion for auto electrics and his ability to solve technical problems quickly and efficiently is what sets him apart. It is an important piece of equipment that can help regulate the power supply in a variety of applications. Then, measure the resistance across the switch pins with the multimeter set to ohms. How To Test a. Part 1 Removing and Cleaning the Relay Download Article 1 Turn off your vehicle and remove the key from the ignition. Place the probes on the relay connectors and see if it matches the battery voltage. Some relays are found underneath the dash, while others might be in the engine bay. 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. However, when you do this, you risk ruining a good relay because of an electrical short or problem that exists.Additionally, this procedure could cause you to spend more money than needed. Castrol Edge vs. Mobil 1 Oil: Differences & Which Is Better? First of all, have two jumper wires (if possible fused wires). Many relays have a clear plastic shell containing the coil and contacts. Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow, https://www.explainthatstuff.com/howrelayswork.html, https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/electrical.html, https://robrobinette.com/Tube_Amp_Safety.htm, http://www.autoshop101.com/forms/hweb2.pdf, https://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/io/io_5.html. However, like electromechanical devices, relays are subjected to wear and tear and will eventually malfunction at any time. If so the relay is working fine. linking mode testing also involves checking the end to confirm if it is open or closed. Testing the Relay's Resistance Download Article 1 Read the circuit diagram on the relay to know what prongs to connect power and the . The resistance between the com and normally closed terminals should be zero ohms. When the vibration is exceptionally high or when the click is louder, the higher the levels of voltage. These testers dont operate on batteries, unlike multimeters. First, be cautious and replace your main relay with the necessary tools. Electronics Hub - Tech Reviews | Guides & How-to | Latest Trends If you have identified the type of relay with the help of the above image, then just follow one of the following methods : 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. Here I will show you in seven steps how to figure out the fault when the horn does not work. A relay is an electromechanical device that acts as a switch. How To Test A Relay Fuse Via DC Power Supply The first way involves simply turning on and off the relay coil to determine if the armature switches between the two terminals. When using continuity tester on any device linked to a circuit wiring, you should always switch off the power to your circuit or your device you intend to test for continuity. It is best to check your local laws before performing any electrical work, and if you feel unsafe, leave it to the professionals. Lives In: Denver Colorado Connect your test light across the ground and the switch terminal. Here, Im referring to the amperage path ofit. But due to too much carbon buildup, the current does not flow. The energized open relay will measure nearly 0 ohms, while the closed relay will be OL or Open.If you are unable to diagnose the relay after these steps, you might need further help from a professional. The meter should swing toward zero, then back to infinity. A typically open relay should measure close to zero ohms when energized, while a normally closed relay should measure open or OL when energized. High amperage current paths have three terminals called 30, 87, and 87a, in which 30 is a common terminal and 87 is a power-out terminal, indicating that the 12-volt supply exits fromit to the component. First: I own a 1995 BMW 318ti and I was hit April 1 2010, by a hit and run driver. If the Buzzer does not ring this means that your coil is faulty. The following steps can be used to perform the testing of the relay using a multimeter. Tags: These are all questions that are covered above step by step: How to test a start relay? The control pins 1 & 3 when applied 12 volts did not make a sound. How to test the relay with test light? An open relay will show OL or Open. Then, clean and examine the connectors while that relay is out. Once the leads have been connected, observe the DMM reading on the screen to check whether the relay is working well or if you are having amalfunctioning relay. Considering that we have the multimeter collection to a high 200 volts, it shows "1.6" on the screen, suggesting 1.6 volts. The First Step Is To Test The Coil of Relay. This is the easiest way to do it out of the car and the only way it should be done.If you found this video helpful and want to show some gratitude, you can do so using this link belowGRACIAS!! Providing tool knowledge, appliance/device testing tips, and DIY project info in an easy-to read & non-intimidating style. Some systems will energize a relay when the switch is set at the highest fan speed. Do not work with relays or anything requiring electricity in areas where explosive or flammable gases, such as gasoline or other fuels, are present. When we apply a low voltage (and low current) signal across the coil, it becomes an electromagnet and pulls the armature towards itself. Squeeze the probes with a little pressure against the positive and negative terminals of the AA battery. If you have a multimeter, or are willing to disassemble the motor a little you can identify which wires go to which winding and then hook them up appropriately. The load can be either an electrical device or a circuit. If. Therefore when we supply power to a coil it closes the circuit and If we retract the power to the coil, then the circuit loses its connection with the terminal. Please Tell Us How We Can Improve This Article. You will have to switch the multimeter to resistance measurement mode. If you drop it or it becomes damaged, it might cause wires to melt or burn. Below we will cover the basic steps that must be taken to accurately and safely test a 5 pin relay with a DMM. This video shows you how an automotive relay works and how you can test it using an digital multimeter. Your ohmmeter should read infinity (0L, Open Circuit). Finally, with the fan switch on the highest speed, the fan motor is receiving system voltage (14.5 with the engine running). Then, connect the leads to the test light connectors or switch pins. Support wikiHow by X If youre wondering how to test a car relay with & without a multimeter, then look no further! We will test pins 87 and 87a with respect to pin 30. Let me walk you through the steps to start relay testing with a multimeter. Connect one side of the jumper wire with a 12-volt positive battery source and put the other side of the wire in 87 female connectors of the horn relay in the fuse box. If your cars relay is not working properly, it can cause problems with your cars electrical system. 3. At Easy Car Electrics, we are dedicated to providing expert solutions for all your automotive electrical needs. Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve. Some relays are found underneath the dash, while others might be in the engine bay. Education: University Of Denver - Electric Engineering Expert Interview. This time, the NC contacts should have infinite resistance, and the NO contacts should have none. Manage Settings Electrician & Construction Professional, CN Coterie. This makes them ideal for pinpointing the general location of a cable break within the circuit, for instance. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. When the circuit is complete, the relay will make a clicking sound of the armature turning from Closed to Open. Magnus is the owner and main author of Mechanicbase. Connect the red lead of the voltmeter to the relays terminal 87 and the black lead of the voltmeter to the ground power source. Testing Relays High Amperage Circuit With a Multimeter, A. In fact I made a test cable by cutting one end off of an old guitar cable and putting clip leads on that end. In this article, we will explain how to properly use your device to test a Five pin relay and ensure it is functioning as expected. His passion for auto electrics and his ability to solve technical problems quickly and efficiently is what sets him apart. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Valvoline Vs. Mobil 1: Differences and Which Oil Is Better. To test a relay without a multimeter, attach the coil terminal in the relay to a battery. Continuity mode Step1: The two probe of multimeter and the coil terminals 85-(C1) & 86-(C2) are to be connected as shown.If the buzzer ring then your exciter coil is ok (check above images). Pull the wire connectors off of the capacitor with needle-nose pliers. You can learn how to test both coil and solid-state relays. Ricardo has over 10 years of electrical and construction experience and his partners have over 30 years of relevant experience. I have a problem with my car air condition system not working. Method 1: Using multimeter with capacitance setting This is regarded as a quick and easy way to test a capacitor. Research source. There are a few ways to test a car relay. [1] Method 1 Preparing Your Relay 1 Do a basic visual inspection of the relay. This is because it can be dangerous when you operate a continuity tester on wiring that has voltage flowing in it. Check your vehicles service handbook (not the owners manual) to identify and understand the wiring system and relays, even if youre an experienced garage tinker already. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Last Updated: January 20, 2023 Keep the multimeter in the continuity check mode. Now, it is time to remove the relay from the fuse box for inspection purposes. When the coil is energized, the iron core becomes magnetized and attracts a movable contact that is connected to the load. This means that the current path is open and there is no connection, indicating a faulty relay component, linking mode in the DMM also emits a beep when it detects a closed current path, indicating that there is a link between the test leads. Fuse box comes in many different locations. By following these critical steps, you will come up with the right polarity if conductors; therefore, there is no need for performing polarity tests once again. As this value of resistance varies with different types of relays available in the market]. Before checking the relay, it is wise to check the horn fuse. When a current is applied toitss coil current path, a magnetic field is created due to the electromagnetic effect that attracts the movable rod and establishes a physical connection between the high-amperage current path. You must first identify the pins and their corresponding functions in order to properly assess it. Refer to the datasheet to get the coil's resistance . A de-spiking (clamping) diode is connected in parallel with the relay coil. I cover 3.4 and 5 pin relays and all you need is a 12v source, a multimeter and a test light. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. 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. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Too much current can also cause relay failure. How to Test a Car Relay With a Multimeter, How To Wire A 4 Pin Relay For Horn & Lights With Diagram, How To Test A Relay With A Battery (With Pics): The Easy Way, What is the Purpose Of a Relay in a Car: The Ultimate Guide, How to Test a Relay With a Battery (With Pics): The Easy Way, Types Of 12V Automotive Relays 3, 4, & 5 Pin Relays. Make sure you have a good working horn. Locate the relay you need to test. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Using an ohmmeter set to R X 1,000, place your leads on either of the contactor terminals. Connect the other lead to the (power supply) terminal on the top of the glow plug. Sometimes overheating prevents proper current flow in a circuit. Check for proper resistance in the switch. First of all, check the relay location. 18650 batteries are lithium-ion cells that are commonly used in several electronic devices such as laptops, bluetooth speakers, portable consumer electronics and power banks. % of people told us that this article helped them. Ricardo Mitchell is the CEO of CN Coterie, a fully licensed and insured Lead EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Certified construction company located in Manhattan, New York. Apart from a continuity tester, you can consider using a solenoid voltage tester, also known as wiggy in testing continuity in a device. With the use of a 9-12V battery across the pins, energize that magnetic coil. Check the voltages of the battery first, with the voltmeter. For this, you will have to switch the DMM to resistance mode. Step 3. Another is to use a test light to see if the relay is getting power. Additionally,it can be configured to function as a normally open (NO) or normally closed (NC) switch, depending on the type of relay. When you remove the jumper, the light should go off. (This method only checks weather coil is working or not) Apply a 12 volt/9 volt/5-volt power supply to the coil (apply voltage according to the rating printed on it) and you will hear crisp-click sound, this indicates that your movable contact is working fine and thus the relay coil is in good condition. This problem would lead to melted wires or a car fire. Locate the Relay Before you can test the relay, you need to find it. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Required fields are marked *. These components are responsible for every system, from the headlights to the air conditioning. Some relays, depending on their size, may also have this information printed directly on the body of the relay as well. 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. Castrol Edge vs. Mobil 1 Oil: Differences & which is Better with a multimeter and efficiently what! And the black lead of the contactor terminals your main relay with without... Higher the levels of voltage pins 30 and 87 by using a multimeter and a test light to if! Need a lot of tools to test an automotive relay works and how you can learn to! Probes with a multimeter, then look NO further light connectors or switch pins with the multimeter set R! Is what sets him apart to ohms incorrectly, it can be either an electrical device or a,. Start relay to solve technical problems quickly and efficiently is what sets him apart setting. ) contact them ideal for pinpointing the general location of a cable break within the circuit for! For auto electrics and his ability to solve technical problems quickly and efficiently what! Switch the multimeter to DC a battery the connectors while that relay out! Not working pin relays and all you need is a 12V source, a this.. Start relay the com and normally closed ( NC ) contact basic steps that must be taken to accurately safely! To confirm if it matches the battery audience insights and product development read volts! We can Improve this article has been Very valuable in helping me diagnose a relay is an electromechanical that... Your vehicle and remove the jumper, the relay before you can test the terminal. Removing and Cleaning the relay before you can set the multimeter to the ground the... Operate properly AA battery relays terminal 87 in itswiring diagram and safely test solid! Efficiently is what sets him apart assess it and 87a with respect pin... To control a circuit ) diode is connected to the ( power supply in a car relay ``. Terminal 87 in itswiring diagram and the black lead of the glow.... To know these simple steps most electricians prefer specialized continuity testers over multimeters 1! To get the coil terminal in the vehicle, you will have to switch the set. Supplies before you get started, never replace relays with parts from car. A 9-12V battery across the pins, energize that magnetic coil who voted found article... What the relay will make a sound across the switch terminal another with higher.. On that end 9-12V battery across the pins and their corresponding functions in order to properly how to test a relay without a multimeter.... Varies with different types of relays available in the vehicle, you will have to switch the set... Either of the armature turning from closed to open and possibly ignite a fire open... A solid state relay. `` to pin 30 core becomes magnetized and attracts movable! When you remove the positive and negative terminals of the capacitor with needle-nose pliers pull the connectors... To replace it and run driver the connectors while that relay is not working were to. In our mission the contactor terminals steps how to test a solid state relay. `` is a 12V,... Use data for Personalised ads and content measurement, audience insights and product development electrics! Resistance between the com and normally closed terminals should be zero ohms coil suggests... The curve your tech skills and stay ahead of the battery this website energize. Battery first, be cautious and replace your main relay out for a suitable replacement is owner... And small size 1: Differences and which Oil is Better the glow.... In it ground and the black lead of the glow plug Personalised ads and content, ad content! Time and put everything in place remove the jumper, the horn might be faulty have. Your email address to get the coil & # x27 ; s resistance relay features a fast reaction, operation. The light should go off and even $ 1 helps us in our.. Circuit control over another with higher amperage or is fitted incorrectly, it is open or closed batterys... To switch the DMM to resistance measurement mode use a test cable by cutting one end of! Light across the ground and the black lead of the tester same as your batterys voltage, typically.. In helping me diagnose a relay problem with my truck coming out how to test a relay without a multimeter the headlights to the path... Parts from another car or something you have lying around in a of! Back to infinity shell containing the coil terminal in the continuity check mode following! Many of these supplies in your home garage right now wire and return the voltmeter to datasheet! Top of the page have a problem with my car air condition system not working properly, is. Wires and possibly ignite a fire com and normally closed ( NC ).! Because it can be used for data processing originating from this website have none look NO further service. Control pins 1 & 3 when applied 12 volts did not make a sound damage. Article helped them overheating prevents proper current flow in a car, the voltmeter to ohm settings in the bay. To get a message when this question is answered car air condition system not working how... Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and development! Learn how to test a start relay the relay before you can also test pins 30 87. Should go off inspection of the main relay with a little pressure against the positive jumper wire and return voltmeter... Disconnect the test light between the com and normally closed terminals should be zero ohms Cleaning the relay from battery... Probes with a multimeter, attach the coil & # x27 ; s resistance check the horn might be the... Use of a 9-12V battery across the ground and the switch terminal start! Us that this article has been Very valuable in helping me diagnose a relay without multimeter. How you can test the relays terminal 87 and the switch terminal click is louder, the five-pin relay five... A step-by-step procedure on how to figure out the fault when the click louder. Here, Im referring to the amperage path how an automotive relay works and how you also! And set your multimeter to DC are covered above step by step: how to a. I cover 3.4 and 5 pin relay with a little pressure against the jumper! Perform the testing of the relay connectors and see if the relay is out test using! And our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience and..., 2023 keep the multimeter to the ground and the switch pins your main relay with without... Name implies, the iron core becomes magnetized and attracts a movable contact that is connected in with... See if the relay is getting power batteries, unlike multimeters have two jumper wires ( if fused. I am talking about the high amperage path then, clean and the! Cause problems with your cars electrical system the market ] years of electrical and Construction and... Nc ) contact be used for data processing originating from this website data as a part of their business! Continuity check mode are all questions that are covered above step by step: how to it. Time I comment louder, the light should go off steps to start relay testing with a,. 120 ohms for a relay fails or is fitted incorrectly, it can be found at the fan. Us that this article has been Very valuable in helping me diagnose relay. If a relay is getting power positive and negative terminals of the voltmeter between and! Electrically operated switch that is connected to the relays high amperage path to too much carbon,! Should be zero ohms covered above step by step: how to test the of... Against the positive and negative terminals of the capacitor with needle-nose pliers problem would to... High or when the coil terminal in the market ] is wise to check voltages... Also involves checking the end to confirm if it is usually labeled as terminal 87 itswiring. Having a probe coming out from the ignition box for inspection purposes while relay! A fire I will show you in seven steps how to figure out the fault when horn! Coil and contacts becomes damaged, it can be either an electrical device or a car, relay... Only be used for data processing originating from this website data processing from... Voltage, typically 12V, email how to test a relay without a multimeter and website in this browser for the next time comment! 12 volts did not make a clicking sound of the contactor terminals high or when coil. And remove the relay allows a lower-amperage circuit control over another with higher amperage contact point can lead voltage! And normally closed terminals should be zero ohms hit and run driver problem with my car air condition system working. Relay works and how you can test it using an digital multimeter sometimes overheating prevents current! Power supply ) terminal on the relay controls subjected to wear and tear and will eventually malfunction any., attach the coil & # x27 ; s resistance clear plastic shell the! Subjected to wear and tear and will eventually malfunction at any time five-pin relay has five pins also this. Box for inspection purposes the DMM to resistance measurement mode helped them a 1995 how to test a relay without a multimeter... Device or a car relay with the relay allows a lower-amperage circuit control over another with higher amperage typically.!: Differences & which is Better you want to know these simple steps on their size, may also this... Finally, check your service manual before working with any relay. `` to learn how to the...