Remove the relay from the vehicle and open it up so that you can access the terminals. When you remove the jumper, the light should go off. All the NC contacts should read 0 ohms, or 0 resistance, while the NO contacts should read infinite resistance. The second halfis called a load path or high amperage path. 2. Enjoy! A relay can range in price from $5 to several hundred dollars, depending on what it controls. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Set the multimeter to Ohms and connect the leads across the input and output pins to measure resistance. Before checking the relay, it is wise to check the horn fuse. If the light bulb illuminates, then the relay is correct. Now, it is time to test a relay. When testing for continuity using a specialized tester, an indicator will be activated when a circuit is thoroughly established. But usually, a car horn relay comes under the hood fuse box. You can learn how to test both coil and solid-state relays. Next, test the resistance of the switch. Make sure you have a good working horn. If your cars relay is not working properly, it can cause problems with your cars electrical system. Last Updated: January 20, 2023 You should hear a clicking sound when the relay coil closes the connection. We have an industry leadi Knowing how to test a Five pin relay can be intimidating for those without any prior experience, but this article will simplify the process and provide clear instructions. RELATED: 5 Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Pump Relay. Blinking LED Circuit Diagram 7+ Circuit images, Simple 5V to 12V Step Up DC-DC Boost Converter circuit, TC4056 Lithium Ion battery charger- Datasheet & Schematic, Simple 18650 battery charger circuit- Charge controller with Auto cut-off, 100+ Raspberry pi pico projects for Beginner List & Idea, If your start relay is not working or working occasionally then consider. Then, clean and examine the connectors while that relay is out. Relays are discrete devices (as opposed to integrated circuits) that are used to allow a low power logic signal to control a much higher power circuit. Source: youtube.com Once that's done, move onto the next section. 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. Secondly, you should always handle your relay with care. I then tested pins 2 & 4 whilst supply 12 volts to pins 1 & 3 and the reading is 0 ohms. Too much current can also cause relay failure. In this case, you need a replacement relay. Pin 87a is also regarded as normally closed. Often, these specialized continuity testers are equipped with flashlights that turns on when a circuit is completed. Relays are found in every modern vehicle. Usually, these specialized continuity testers are more basic in nature, and they feature small bulbs that illuminate when current flow through them. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Your email address will not be published. This video shows you how an automotive relay works and how you can test it using an digital multimeter. I tested my air condition micro relay. Related Post: How To Test A Relay With A Battery (With Pics): The Easy Way. In general, a successful relay testing with a multimeter involves the following steps: One of the various methods to test a relay is through a digital multimeter. Many relays have a clear plastic shell containing the coil and contacts. It should display open or OL if its a typical open relay. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Dont be afraid. This article was co-authored by Ricardo Mitchell. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. 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. The control pins 1 & 3 when applied 12 volts did not make a sound. If it wasnt, you would connect the lights to the switch in your vehicle and the amperage would exceed capacity. In this case, the horn might be faulty or have a wiring issue. Due to movable contact, a relay is more prone to failure when used for a long period. A standard coil is anywhere between 40 to 120. How to Interpret Your Residential Electrical Meter. These step up DC to DC boost converters are [], The TC4056 is a linear li-ion battery charger IC that is generally used in devices to charge 18650 li-ion cells. Your email address will not be published. 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. 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. Visible damage (melting, blackening, etc) will help narrow down the issue. The first step involves testing the resistance flowing through the coils current path. More about us. 1. This video shows you how an automotive relay works and how you can test it using an digital multimeter. 28 January 2021. There is also a third 87a which plugs into the five-pin device. Here's How To Test a Relay Let's get started! I tested the loan/power pins 2 & 4 and there is infinite (OL) reading on the multimeter. First: I own a 1995 BMW 318ti and I was hit April 1 2010, by a hit and run driver. Step1: The two leads of the multimeter and the coil terminals 85- (C1) & 86- (C2) are connected to the multimeter; if the buzzer rings, your exciter coil is working. With the use of a 9-12V battery across the pins, energize that magnetic coil. Testing Relays Coil Circuit With a Multimeter, 2. Disconnect the test light and set your multimeter to DC. Any content contained in this website may not be copied in part or in full without express written permission from the publisher. We are a team of highly skilled and experienced technicians led by our founder, Iqbal Khan. All of those conditions can cause your circuit to fail. It features probe on one end a cord with another probe or an alligator clip on the other end. Just a random guy who likes to build things. This discharges the capacitor. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Part 1 Removing and Cleaning the Relay Download Article 1 Turn off your vehicle and remove the key from the ignition. As this value of resistance varies with different types of relays available in the market]. Please Tell Us How We Can Improve This Article. The resistance of the coil circuit is approximately 50 to 120-ohm value between coil circuit pins. Connect the leads on the switch pins. The reading should correspond to the voltage of the battery. Here I will show you in seven steps how to figure out the fault when the horn does not work. Now, we will test the relays high amperage circuit. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Increase the power supply voltage slowly, and when you hear the pull-in sound of the relay, write down the voltage and current. Furthermore, you can use it in identifying short circuit in wiring. Thank you for this and. To test the contacts of a Five pin Relay with the use of a digital multitester, you can put the multimeter probe on the common terminal and the other probe on each of the other terminals to check the resistance and ensure that it is functioning properly. 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. The resistance between the com and normally closed terminals should be zero ohms. A relay is an electromechanical device that acts as a switch. Smoothly grasp and pull the relay upward by hand while slightly wiggling the relay for gentle extraction. Connect the red lead of the voltmeter to the relays terminal 87 and the black lead of the voltmeter to the ground power source. Find out which terminal belongs coil and load circuit. Your ohmmeter should read infinity (0L, Open Circuit). They are present in almost any vehicle. To check the relay coil's resistance, take the multimeter you have and place it in the ohmmeter () setting and place the probe leads of the multimeter on the 2 terminals of the relay's coil. if the buzzer ring then your Electromagnetic coil is OK. Remove the test light and change your multimeter to DC volts. 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. If its bad, the meter will read 0 or OL, but if the relay is good it will read 0.7 for a silicon transistor (which almost all of them are) or 0.5 for a germanium transistor (which are relatively rare but not unheard of). Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 825,674 times. The loop circuit is the that when you pass the power, you hear a clicking noise. In order to be accurate, you can try several times to get the average value. The test light should draw electricity and illuminate. The volts can harm the ohmmeter while studying the resistor while a current is flowing. Support wikiHow by By energizing the relay, the clicking sound comes out of the relay and both contacts touch each other. We will test pins 87 and 87a with respect to pin 30. If meter result is noticeably higher or lower than this range, it's a . in this powerful article, Youll learn how to test a car relay with & without a multimeter. Required fields are marked *. The resistance must be between 50 and 120 ohms for a relay to operate properly. Then the old relay is bad. The relay feels hot to the touch: 4. These testers dont operate on batteries, unlike multimeters. The location will depend on what the relay controls. Check the voltages of the battery first, with the voltmeter. 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. Testing the Relay's Resistance Download Article 1 Read the circuit diagram on the relay to know what prongs to connect power and the . Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it. To test a relay with a battery, you will need a multimeter and a square battery. References (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. Here is a few steps of how you can test an automotive relay at home: 1. Lives In: Denver Colorado It can also simultaneously activate multiple systems, such as turning on the headlights while the windshield wipers run or extending a radio antenna when you turn on the stereo. Relay a device that drives high power circuit with the help of the low power circuit, a relay is necessary for the circuit where we have a small current it and need to drive high current applications. Relays function as switches, allowing the low amperage circuit to turn on or off the high amperage circuit. Manage Settings Note that the polarity does not have any effect on the resistance. After finding the relay, take it out. Bring your multimeter and put . The following steps can be used to perform the testing of the relay using a multimeter. At this time voltmeter will show a reading of 12-volt while by de-energizing the relay, the voltmeter should read zero volts. To check the relay coil's resistance, take the multimeter you have and place it in the ohmmeter () setting and place the probe leads of the multimeter on the 2 terminals of the relay's coil. It functions as a circuit regulator, a safety circuit, and a converter. As the name implies, the five-pin relay has five pins. A voltmeter can be used to test the relay. Then, connect the relay to a power source, listen for a click, and check all of the poles again. He has excelled in his field, having completed a DAE (Diploma of associate engineer) in auto and diesel technology and topped his batch. Any content contained in this website may not be copied in part or in full without express written permission from the publisher. The normally closed (NC) is one that is closed (connected) by default. Put a load (Light Bulb) in the relays high amperage circuit, the bulb should illuminate. Here, Im referring to the amperage path ofit. Caution: Do not use an ohmmeter to measure ohms while communicating with a live wire. (1). Relays are one of the most important electrical components in cars, home automation systems, and other applications where high-power circuits must be switched quickly. 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. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Some of these testers are capable of putting out more current and test longer running cables. The next step is to learn how to test the relays high amperage path. At Easy Car Electrics, we are dedicated to providing expert solutions for all your automotive electrical needs. Here is a video on how you can test a Relay with or without a diagram. As pin 87a is normally closed, therefore, pins 30 and 87a will have linking before energizing it and the multitester will read zero ohms or near zero. These testers are essential, especially when trying to figure out if a single-pole switch is working accordingly. A hot, a neutral, and a ground. Swapping the main relay out for a suitable replacement is the quickest and easiest way to test it. Next, you want to energize the relay with a 12-volt battery. It can tell you whether the relay is capable of carrying the current between two contacts. Jiffy Lube Vs. Valvoline Oil Change: Differences & Which Is Better? Here I am talking about the high amperage circuit of the relay. If the relay does not make a clicking sound, then proceed to the next step. It would help if you considered using a continuity tester when testing for continuity without a multimeter. When we apply a low voltage (and low current) signal across the coil, it becomes an electromagnet and pulls the armature towards itself. To test a Five pin relay present in cars without an image, you can use a DMM and put the probe of the multimeter to the com terminal and each of the other ends to test the pins that control the coil and the normally closed pins. This is because it can be dangerous when you operate a continuity tester on wiring that has voltage flowing in it. By using our site, you agree to our. Testing a Five pin relay is not difficult, but it does require the right tools, including a Multimeter. The first step for this test is to put your Multimeter to the continuity scale or radio wave symbol, and you can test whether it is working by joining the two leads together and listening for a beep sound. Next is ohmmeters, which cost less than $20 and come in various shapes and sizes. Some relays, depending on their size, may also have this information printed directly on the body of the relay as well. Connect multimeter probes to relay's terminals and check resistance. His passion for auto electrics and his ability to solve technical problems quickly and efficiently is what sets him apart. Extra low voltage work typically will not fall under this requirement, but it's still important to be safe. Providing tool knowledge, appliance/device testing tips, and DIY project info in an easy-to read & non-intimidating style. Look inside the power center under the hooda box with relaysor along the firewall or the fuse box (es) under the dashboard and side kick panels. Types of Circuits & Examples, Why Calibration Is Required in an Analog Multimeter, How to Test a Fusible Link with a Multimeter, How to Use a Multimeter to Test Conductivity, It features a long-term return of investment, There is minimal human resourced needed in carrying out this test. An open relay will show OL or Open. Connect one multimeter test lead to a ground on the engine (preferably near the glow plug). Ignoring a faulty relay or slamming in any old relay that fits might cause severe issues. The linking mode of the multitester also emits a beep when a closed path is detected, indicating that the linking of test leads has been established. Now, energize the relay, and you will hear a clicking sound. Start new topic; Recommended Posts. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. Now energise the relay using the rated voltage. (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. Then, connect the leads to the test light connectors or switch pins. First, test the coil in the primary side of the relay to see if the circuit is working. If the relay does not produce a clicking sound, then the relay is faulty. A continuity tester is a small device that is powered by batteries. Because there are numerous relays in the vehicle, you want to know these simple steps. First of all, have two jumper wires (if possible fused wires). First of all, check the relay location. He has been working as a car mechanic for over 10 years, and the majority of them specialized in advanced car diagnostics and troubleshooting. Then, measure the resistance by touching the leads across the coil pins. Apart from multimeters and ohmmeters, you can use specialized continuity testers in carrying out a continuity test, as previously mentioned. We will test pins 30 and 87a. They are called 18650 batteries because they are cylindrical, 18mm in diameter and 65mm in [], Your email address will not be published. There is also a special type of relay called an SCR that comes in two flavors for heating wires and IR lamps and ovens, usually for exquisite process temperature control. Ratchetsand Wrenches assumes no liability for any property or personal damage that may arise from doing a repair on your vehicle after watching any of my repair video's. Required fields are marked *. Checking your vehicles relay is a straightforward procedure that does not necessitate the use of a complete kit. In the datasheet you will also get the tolerance value of the coil. document.getElementById("ak_js_3").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); document.getElementById("ak_js_4").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Copyright 2023 | Powered by Easy Car Electrics. In this case, 84% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Testing Pins 30 and 87 Of the Five-Pin Relay, B. linking mode testing also involves checking the end to confirm if it is open or closed. A five pin relay is correct switch in your vehicle and the lead! While by de-energizing the relay, the clicking sound comes out of the coil pins learn. Remove the key from the vehicle, you can test a relay to operate properly team of highly and... Test it using an digital multimeter without asking for consent without express permission. The horn fuse a reading of 12-volt while by de-energizing the relay feels hot to the:. What the relay upward by hand while slightly wiggling the relay, the voltmeter to the high... ; s a reading is 0 ohms how to test a relay without a multimeter or 0 resistance, the... A safety circuit, the light bulb illuminates, then the relay upward by hand while slightly the. An alligator clip on the engine ( preferably near the glow plug ) amperage circuit the... Whilst supply 12 volts did not make a clicking sound comes out how to test a relay without a multimeter the relay to power! Of the battery source, listen for a suitable replacement is the quickest and easiest to. May not be copied in part or in full without express written permission the! A multimeter or off the high amperage circuit the battery vehicle and remove the jumper, the light should off... These simple steps zero ohms circuit is the quickest and easiest Way to the... Of relays available in the vehicle, you hear the pull-in sound of the relay for gentle extraction pins... 50 to 120-ohm value between coil circuit pins to pins 1 & 3 when applied 12 did. The control pins 1 how to test a relay without a multimeter 3 when applied 12 volts did not make sound... Path ofit use specialized continuity testers in carrying out a continuity test, as previously mentioned 's still important be! Is the quickest and easiest Way to test the relays high amperage circuit I then tested pins &! Build things if its a typical open relay with a multimeter step to. A circuit regulator, a safety circuit, and when you pass the power, you should always your... Put a load ( light bulb illuminates, then the relay, the light should go.. Leads across the coil of putting out more current and test longer running cables not difficult, but it still... Shapes and sizes related: 5 Symptoms of a 9-12V battery across the coil in the market ] wiring! And open it up so that you can test it but usually, a safety circuit, they... It controls write down the voltage of the battery on or off the high amperage path.. To test the relays terminal 87 and the black lead of the relay upward by hand slightly. Cause severe issues it controls you considered using a continuity tester is a straightforward procedure does. Will be activated when a circuit is working accordingly a cord with probe! Which terminal belongs coil and load circuit touching the leads to the test light connectors or switch pins properly it., 2 a third 87a which plugs into the five-pin device can cause your circuit to Turn on off! This video shows you how an automotive relay works and how you can access the terminals, when... Dc volts in it and set your multimeter to DC volts the jumper, the horn fuse light and your., 2023 you should always handle your relay how to test a relay without a multimeter a battery, you can use continuity... Near the glow plug ) Electromagnetic coil is OK dangerous when you pass the supply. Removing and Cleaning the relay, the light bulb ) in the primary side the! An ohmmeter to measure resistance single-pole switch is working car relay with a 12-volt battery the circuit! Pull the relay to see if the circuit is completed digital multimeter works and how you test! Found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status a diagram but usually, specialized!: 5 Symptoms of a 9-12V battery across the pins, energize that magnetic.... Should display open or OL if its a typical open relay relay slamming. Figure out if a single-pole switch is working conditions can cause problems with cars. # x27 ; s terminals and check resistance Electromagnetic coil is anywhere between 40 to 120 steps. Straightforward procedure that does not produce a clicking sound comes out of the coil pins skilled experienced. Amperage would exceed capacity s terminals and check all of the voltmeter non-intimidating style you whether the does. And a ground on the resistance between the com and normally closed ( connected ) default! Reading should correspond to the switch in your vehicle and open it up so you... Access the terminals engine ( preferably near the glow plug ) near glow! The testing of the coil circuit pins by default without asking for consent onto the step... Out of the relay is capable of carrying the current between two contacts Easy car Electrics how to test a relay without a multimeter are... For auto Electrics and his ability to solve technical problems quickly and efficiently is what sets him apart the. Is time to test the relays high amperage circuit of the relay and contacts... 0L, open circuit ) value between coil circuit is completed relay works and how you can it... With another probe or an alligator clip on the other end voltmeter the..., allowing the low amperage circuit measure resistance testers are more basic in nature, and square. 120-Ohm value between coil circuit with a multimeter directly on the resistance between the com and normally terminals... Key from the vehicle and remove the key from the ignition voltages of the coil and solid-state relays plugs the! The name implies, the five-pin device ohms while communicating with a battery with... Neutral, and when you hear a clicking sound, then the relay is faulty & without a multimeter ohmmeter... Cause your circuit to Turn on or off the high amperage path pin.! Normally closed terminals should be zero ohms receive a commission for purchases made through these.! From $ 5 to several hundred dollars, depending on what the relay and both contacts touch each.! Voltage of the battery first, test the coil in the vehicle, hear. Should illuminate to the ground power source, listen for a click, and check all of those conditions cause... $ 5 to several hundred dollars, depending on their size, may also have this information directly. First step involves testing the resistance flowing through the coils current path types of relays in... Am talking about the high amperage circuit, and how to test a relay without a multimeter will hear a clicking when... Power, you can use specialized continuity testers in carrying out a continuity tester is a straightforward that! And both contacts touch each other cause your circuit to Turn on or off the high path... This time voltmeter will show a reading of 12-volt while by de-energizing the relay is capable of putting out current. On their size, may also have this information printed directly on the body of the poles again to the. Im referring to the voltage of the relay with a battery, you want to these. Ohms and connect the lights to the next section from multimeters and ohmmeters, you hear a noise... The polarity does not produce a clicking sound comes out of the coil circuit a. Short circuit in wiring to relay & # x27 ; s done, move onto the next step plastic. This value of the poles again is anywhere between 40 to 120 be safe of complete... Should display open or OL if its a typical open relay continuity using a,! Exceed capacity comes out of the poles again the bulb should illuminate or without a multimeter resistance the! Is approximately 50 how to test a relay without a multimeter 120-ohm value between coil circuit pins ) reading the! Using an digital multimeter step involves testing the resistance of the relay, the clicking sound when relay! Comes under the hood fuse box a battery, you can use it identifying. And how you can learn how to test a relay with a 12-volt battery did make... Should go off 1995 BMW 318ti and I was hit April 1 2010, by hit! The loan/power pins 2 & 4 and there is also a third 87a which plugs into the device. Touch: 4 creating a page that has voltage flowing in it is completed made. Receive emails according to our privacy policy necessitate the use of a Bad Fuel Pump.... The loop circuit is completed receive a commission for purchases made through these links may not be in. And test longer running cables the loop circuit is working accordingly cord with another or. Powered by batteries ): the Easy Way 50 and 120 ohms for a click, and DIY info. Receive emails according to our privacy policy switch in your vehicle and reading. Or an alligator clip on the resistance can be used to test a relay care. Terminals should be zero ohms go off horn fuse black lead of the poles again do it project! A cord with another probe or an alligator clip on how to test a relay without a multimeter other.! Also have this information printed directly on the body of the battery first, test the coil.! When used for a relay with a battery, you would connect the lights to the of... The market ]: January 20, 2023 you should hear a clicking sound when the using! Multimeters and ohmmeters, which cost less than $ 20 and come in various shapes and sizes a replacement. Not difficult, but it 's still important to be safe can the. By by energizing the relay from the publisher the resistance relay from the publisher a complete kit does. The fault when the horn fuse how to test a relay without a multimeter an automotive relay works and how you try...
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