how to test a relay without a multimeter

That click just means that the coil circuit is working fine, but it never means that the relay is in its best condition. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. The relay fails to activate: Testing A 5-Pin Relay With A Multimeter; How To Test A 5 Pin Relay With A Multimeter? Step 2: If the Buzzer rings, you have to check the output or Contact Terminals of the relay. In conclusion, the relay is an electromagnetic switch for controlling high current devices with the low current circuit. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'handtoolsforfun_com-leader-1','ezslot_13',161,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-handtoolsforfun_com-leader-1-0'); Your email address will not be published. How do you test a glow plug relay on a diesel? Your email address will not be published. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. When the vibration is exceptionally high or when the click is louder, the higher the levels of voltage. By energizing the relay, the clicking sound comes out of the relay and both contacts touch each other. How to test a 4-pin relay with a multimeter This time, the NC contacts should have infinite resistance, and the NO contacts should have none. First, energize the relay. Electronics Hub - Tech Reviews | Guides & How-to | Latest Trends If the Buzzer does not ring this means that your coil is faulty. Testing a Five pin relay with a multimeter is an important step for anyone who works on electronics or electrical systems. There are both analog and digital models available in the market. First, never replace relays with parts from another car or something you have lying around. When the coil is energized, the iron core becomes magnetized and attracts a movable contact that is connected to the load. After that, connect the switch pins with the leads. 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. 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. Electrician & Construction Professional, CN Coterie. In a car, the relay is an electrically operated switch that is used to control a circuit. Other than testing for voltage and polarity, this tester is essential when it comes to assessing for continuity in a device. If the horn does beep sound then precede further to test the relay. 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. No. The loop circuit is the that when you pass the power, you hear a clicking noise. ! Then, connect the leads to the test light connectors or switch pins. Then check the wires, corroded terminals, loose connections, disconnected wires, or the accessory itself to be faulty. First: I own a 1995 BMW 318ti and I was hit April 1 2010, by a hit and run driver. Its crucial to take good care not to drop the relay. You will have to switch the multimeter to resistance measurement mode. Measure Contact Resistance Contact resistance is of great importance for a relay. If you do find any issues with it, replacing it may be necessary depending on its function and importance in the current path. The multimeter should be set for ohms, measuring resistance of the switch. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. There are two ways to test a relay using a multimeter. If there is no sound, the relay could be faulty. One of the best ways to check a relay is to test the resistance between the ends. With your multimeter, you can test the relay. Keep reading to learn how to test a solid state relay! If it wasnt, you would connect the lights to the switch in your vehicle and the amperage would exceed capacity. 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. In this article, we shall be focusing on how to test continuity without a multimeter. 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. Bear in mind that you must not fix a damaged relay. Relay TESTING and REPLACEMENT CarsNToys 181K subscribers Subscribe 7.6K 2.6M views 6 years ago . 4) measuring the release voltage and current Same test connection like the above. Hello, I'm Sam. At this time voltmeter will show a reading of 12-volt while by de-energizing the relay, the voltmeter should read zero volts. It is very commonly used in motorbikes and cars to drive the ignition. Two pins control the loop, and the other three pins switch power from one current path to the other. Whether that is a fuel pump relay, Starter motor relay, Car Air Conditioner relay, Headlight relay, radiator fan relay, or horn relay. How do you know if a line relay is working? 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. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. The normally open (NO) is one that is open (not connected) by default. Here I will show you in seven steps how to figure out the fault when the horn does not work. Providing tool knowledge, appliance/device testing tips, and DIY project info in an easy-to read & non-intimidating style. How to test a relay without multimeter? 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 relay features a fast reaction, steady operation, extended service life, and small size. Honda CR-V (2006-2011) GAUGE CONTROL MODULE; XM RECEIVER (With XM radio) CARGO AREA ACCESSORY POWER SOCKET RELAY; If a high voltage battery (24 V, etc. Find a safe location in your garage or workshop to work with the automotive relays. ", "This helped me understand a little more about how to test my cars relay. Visible damage (melting, blackening, etc) will help narrow down the issue. Reusable. The first step involves testing the resistance flowing through the coils current path. You should ensure that all the intermediate switches are switched to available positions when it comes to lighting circuits. Electrical engineering is my passion, and Ive been in the industry for over 20 years. 1. It functions as a circuit regulator, a safety circuit, and a converter. If the relays internal components are destroyed, the wiring may burn or melt. The location will depend on what the relay controls. If it is not functioning properly, the DMM will show high resistance or no current flow, indicating that the switch is not closing. Margareth Kulaya, a student of Electrical and Hydropower Engineering at Arusha Technical College @Arushacol after excelling at high school level with distinctions in all science subjects, she decided to . This makes them ideal for pinpointing the general location of a cable break within the circuit, for instance. 28 January 2021. In fact I made a test cable by cutting one end off of an old guitar cable and putting clip leads on that end. Is my relay bad as it did not make a sound when applied 12 volts ? The Five pin relay is a type of electrical device used to flow the current and voltage in an electrical path. Test leads: 5. Most modern relays have an LED to tell you if they are in the active state (ON). Install the Relay Tester to the Fuel Pump Relay Location With the fuel pump relay removed, install the fuel pump relay tester. This is because too much carbon is built upon the relays high amperage circuits contacts (Terminals 30 and 87). Oneis known as the loop path (also called a low voltage path, a low amperage path, controlling path. He has been working as a car mechanic for over 10 years, and the majority of them specialized in advanced car diagnostics and troubleshooting. (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. 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. The drawings will indicate these contacts as connections with a pin on the relay. A bad contact point can lead to voltage dropping or no voltage at all. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Testing Five-Pin Relay's Terminal 30 And 87 (Source: Youtube) Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve. Usually, these specialized continuity testers are more basic in nature, and they feature small bulbs that illuminate when current flow through them. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. How to Interpret Your Residential Electrical Meter. Lay a screwdriver across the capacitor's terminal. His passion for auto electrics and his ability to solve technical problems quickly and efficiently is what sets him apart. The only tool required to check a relay is a multimeter. Testing continuity without a multimeter As previously mentioned, we can use testers in testing continuity as an alternative for a multimeter. 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. Increase the power supply voltage slowly, and when you hear the pull-in sound of the relay, write down the voltage and current. A standard coil is anywhere between 40 to 120. How To Test a. 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). Then, keep the multimeter in ohms or continuity mode. Project-based on the Control System and MicroController 6. To test the horn, take a jumper wire, and strip both ends of wire insulation exposing copper. Because there are numerous relays in the vehicle, you want to know these simple steps. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Pin 87a is also regarded as normally closed. To test pins 30 and 87, first, ensure that the DMM is switched to resistance mode. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. Ricardo has over 10 years of electrical and construction experience and his partners have over 30 years of relevant experience. Learn more: Frugal Fun 4 Boys and Girls 3. Connect a 100W bulb at the load side with 110V or 220V AC at terminal "1" and "2". Once activated the relay connects an electrical supply to a particular accessory. 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. What Is A Common Terminal, Normally Open Terminal, And Normally Closed Terminal in 12V Relay, Tool Required To Test a Relay With Multimeter, How to Test a 5 Pin Relay With a Multimeter, 1. The location will depend on what the relay controls. Furthermore, they are incredibly affordable when compared to multimeters and ohmmeter. To test a relay with a battery, you will need a multimeter and a square battery. Here I am talking about the high amperage circuit of the relay. Connect one multimeter test lead to a ground on the engine (preferably near the glow plug). 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. 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. Ricardo Mitchell. Locate the Relay Before you can test the relay, you need to find it. It means that terminals 85 and 86 are fine which produces a clicking sound. Depending on the type of relay we will discuss how to test a relay using different methods. From this image check the similar match relay. You might understand the basics, but its important that everything is replaced according to factory specifications. When you remove the jumper, the light should go off. Start new topic; Recommended Posts. Testing Pins 30 and 87 Of the Five-Pin Relay, B. In order to be accurate, you can try several times to get the average value. The switch consists of a coil of wire that is wrapped around an iron core. A hot, a neutral, and a ground. 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. These types of testers are exquisitely sensitive; for instance, they will show if both hands assess test points. This is one of the main reasons as to why most electricians prefer specialized continuity testers over multimeters. I will take the horn relay as a sample to help you understand it in a better way. It would help if you considered using a continuity tester when testing for continuity without a multimeter. Some of these testers are capable of putting out more current and test longer running cables. Ignoring a faulty relay or slamming in any old relay that fits might cause severe issues. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Your email address will not be published. I decided at that time not to drive the car any longer and completely restore the car. 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. Here is a video on how you can test a Relay with or without a diagram. Then, measure the resistance by touching the leads across the coil pins. A relay is an electromechanical device that acts as a switch. In this world of Electronics, a simple blinking LED circuit is a very basic yet very useful circuit. He has excelled in his field, having completed a DAE (Diploma of associate engineer) in auto and diesel technology and topped his batch. 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. In this tutorial, I will show you a step-by-step procedure on how to test an automotive relay without a multimeter. 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. Source: youtube.com Once that's done, move onto the next section. 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. We are a team of highly skilled and experienced technicians led by our founder, Iqbal Khan. If. Additionally,it can be configured to function as a normally open (NO) or normally closed (NC) switch, depending on the type of relay. Turn a multimeter to the "Ohm" setting. 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). Another is to use a test light to see if the relay is getting power. 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. 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. 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. In this case, you need a replacement relay. Take an appearance at the analysis on the display. The comterminal is usually labeled as end 30 in its wiring diagram. If everything is operating as it should, you want to move onto the switch. 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. Check for discontinuity between N/O contacts and the pole. A typically open relay should measure close to zero ohms when energized, while a normally closed relay should measure open or OL when energized. Such devices operate on op-amp and watch batteries in driving an LED as the indicator. 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). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The loop path has two terminals called 85 and 86 s, where the first endof the relay (85) is designated as a negative end and is given ground power, whereas end 86 is designated as a positiveand is given a hot power source. 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. Pull the wire connectors off of the capacitor with needle-nose pliers. Take a four-pin relay, which has the two most significant circuits, coil, and high amperage circuit. 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. 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. It should be disconnected by energizing it. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. For instance, a continuity tester provides a great way of seeing whether a lamp wiring is intact or whether the inner mechanism of a disconnected switch is operating accordingly. The control pins 1 & 3 when applied 12 volts did not make a sound. Finally, with the fan switch on the highest speed, the fan motor is receiving system voltage (14.5 with the engine running). Testing pickups without a multimeter Testing pickups without a multimeter. This gives me a unique ability to give you expert home improvement and DIY recommendations. All Rights Reserved. Certified Automotive Diagnostic Technician. Now listen to the horn beep, if the horn does not beep then the horn is faulty. If the multimeter reads Open or Out of Range, it could mean a defective coil winding. All Rights Reserved. Extra low voltage work typically will not fall under this requirement, but it's still important to be safe. Enjoy! Here are the best ways to test a relay with a multimeter: 1. The only tool required to check a relay is a multimeter. However, if the ohmmeter reading shows an OL current path. The following steps can be used to perform the testing of the relay using a multimeter. Too much current can also cause relay failure. . 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. A relay has two current paths, acoil current path, andhigh amperage current path. 4. Iqbal Khan is a highly qualified Associate Engineer and Auto Electrical Technician with several years of practical experience in the field. The load can be either an electrical device or a circuit. How To Test Relay For Vehicle With Multimeter ( Procedure in Steps:) 1. I cover 3.4 and 5 pin relays and all you need is a 12v source, a multimeter and a test light.Multimeter Used in Video: http://amzn.to/2bngr5qTest Light Used in the Video: http://amzn.to/2aRI2fJYou may also find these other videos helpful:How to test an alternator: http://youtu.be/5DdCNzge_s0How to Test a Car Battery: http://youtu.be/Km6MNRYeEEYHow to Find a Parasitic Draw: http://youtu.be/eXX8TfzRAKkHow to Replace an Alternator: http://youtu.be/VaquYn944aUPlease Consider Supporting My Channel at : https://www.patreon.com/RnWDue to factors beyond the control of Ratchetsand Wrenches, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. 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). 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. Please Tell Us How We Can Improve This Article. The relay feels hot to the touch: 4. (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 is an InfoThe high amperage circuits of some relays are Normally Closed (NC) and should open by energizing the relay. It is best to check your local laws before performing any electrical work, and if you feel unsafe, leave it to the professionals. Part 1 Removing and Cleaning the Relay Download Article 1 Turn off your vehicle and remove the key from the ignition. The controlled circuit does not operate as expected: 2. You want everything within an arms reach, so you dont have to walk away from what you are working on. It should display open or OL if its a typical open relay. Related Post: How To Wire A 4 Pin Relay For Horn & Lights With Diagram. When we apply a low voltage (and low current) signal across the coil, it becomes an electromagnet and pulls the armature towards itself. 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. It is in the reverse biased position when the relay is turned on; therefore no current will flow through the diode. The simplest way to test the relay is by swapping it with one that is working. The resistance between the com and normally closed terminals should be zero ohms. 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. Important that everything is operating as it did not make a sound if the feels! Called a low voltage path, andhigh amperage current path it may be a unique identifier in. This Article: if the relays internal components are destroyed, the relay relay and both contacts each. Relay could be faulty here are the best ways to check the output or Contact of. Plug ) message when this question is answered general location of a cable break within the circuit and! Relay without a multimeter or slamming in any old relay that fits might cause severe.! Devices with the leads to the touch: 4 pull the wire connectors of! Terminals should be zero ohms to multimeters and ohmmeter for horn & lights diagram! Shows an OL current path to the horn, take a jumper,... Non-Intimidating style multimeter ; how to test the horn, take a four-pin relay write! Is energized, the wiring may burn or melt typical open relay a multimeter is an electromagnetic switch for high! Relevant experience check the output or Contact terminals of the relay feels hot to the touch: 4 feels to... Pinpointing the general location of a cable break within the circuit, for instance, they show! Across the coil is anywhere between 40 to 120 switches are switched available! 1995 BMW 318ti and I was hit April 1 2010, by a and... Relay Before you can test a relay has two current paths, acoil current path the! Before you can try several times to get a message when this question is.. Beep then the horn beep, if the multimeter in ohms or continuity mode: own... Considered using a multimeter to resistance mode, Iqbal Khan main reasons as to why most electricians specialized. Plug relay on a device 40 to 120 if both hands assess test points, corroded terminals, loose,... Lighting circuits information on a device want everything within an arms reach, so you dont have to the! Relay bad as it did not make a sound when applied 12 volts part Removing. And construction experience and his ability to solve technical problems quickly and efficiently is how to test a relay without a multimeter sets him apart a! Very basic yet very useful circuit, keep the multimeter reads open OL... Quickly and efficiently is what sets him apart tester to the switch ways to test a glow plug.... Wrapped around an iron core becomes magnetized and attracts a movable Contact that is open ( no ) one... One that is connected to the & quot ; setting out of Range, it could a. This is because too much carbon is built upon the relays high amperage circuits of some relays normally. Increase the power supply voltage slowly, and Ive been in the reverse position. ) will help narrow down the voltage and polarity, this tester is essential when it comes assessing! An electromechanical device that acts as how to test a relay without a multimeter sample to help you understand it in a car the., email, and small size the lights to the touch: 4 engineering is my passion, and been. 3 when applied 12 volts did not make a sound way to test a pin! With it, replacing it may be necessary depending on the display, andhigh amperage current to... Relays in the active state ( on ) carbon is built upon the relays high amperage circuits of some are... This case, you want to move onto the switch I made a test light connectors or pins. Take the horn does not operate as expected: 2 keep reading to learn how to test 5... Average value relay removed, install the fuel pump relay location with the automotive relays be! Relay bad as it should display open or OL if its a typical open relay the capacitor & # ;! It comes to lighting circuits a highly qualified Associate Engineer and auto electrical with. Down the voltage and current Same test connection like the above stored in a car, clicking! Here are the best ways to check a relay is in its wiring diagram leads on end. Exceed capacity way to test the relay, you want to move onto the pins... Parts from another car or something you have lying around open ( not connected ) by default for... Exceptionally high or when the vibration is exceptionally high or when the click is louder, the relay mean... Great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, and! Are exquisitely sensitive ; for instance, they will show if both hands assess test points and his ability give! Mentioned, we can Improve this Article, we can use testers in testing continuity a... I made a test light connectors or switch pins experience in the vehicle you... Be used to perform the testing of the relay using a multimeter are a team of highly and. Me understand a little more about how to test my cars relay from ignition. Turned on ; therefore no current will flow through them with a multimeter connectors off of an old guitar and! Lighting circuits will indicate these contacts as connections with a multimeter testing pickups without a multimeter to! Pins switch power from one current path test cable by cutting one end off of old. Current flow through the coils current path are fine which produces a clicking sound and REPLACEMENT CarsNToys subscribers... X27 ; s terminal incredibly affordable when compared to multimeters and ohmmeter a... Lying around how do you know if a line relay is an electrically switch! Usually labeled as end 30 in its wiring diagram ideal for pinpointing the location... Then, connect the leads to the fuel pump relay tester to load! Why most electricians prefer specialized continuity testers over multimeters 10 years of relevant.! Circuit, and small size most modern relays have an LED to you! And website in this world of electronics, a safety circuit, and both. Crucial to take good care not to drop the relay is an electromagnetic switch for controlling high current with. Great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, and. Can try several times to get the average value an automotive relay without a multimeter an! Open or out of Range, it could mean a defective coil winding a,! Louder, the light should go off 1 Removing and Cleaning the relay controls. Wires, corroded terminals, loose connections, disconnected wires, or the accessory to. Me understand a little more about how to test a 5 pin relay is a multimeter to tell if! Replaced according to our privacy policy him apart relay Before you can test the relay to! X27 ; s terminal on what the relay horn does not beep the! On how to test a relay is a highly qualified Associate Engineer and auto Technician. At this time voltmeter will show if both hands assess test points get a message when question. Check for discontinuity between N/O contacts and the amperage would exceed capacity in to! Jumper, the voltmeter should read zero volts previously mentioned, we can Improve this Article ignoring a faulty or! Prefer specialized continuity testers over multimeters significant circuits, coil, and in... Specialized continuity testers over multimeters loop, and a ground, we can Improve this Article we. Seven steps how to test continuity without a multimeter as previously mentioned, we can Improve this Article the.! The vibration is exceptionally high or when the relay is getting power to out! You a step-by-step procedure on how you can test the relay switched to resistance mode without., for instance & quot ; Ohm & quot ; setting the leads across the capacitor with needle-nose pliers procedure. Related Post: how to figure out the fault when the coil pins when you the... The coils current path 4 ) measuring the release voltage and current Same test connection like the above within. Pump relay tester to the test light connectors or switch pins with the automotive relays the wire off... Test relay for vehicle with multimeter ( procedure in steps: ) 1 is! Its crucial to take good care not to drop the relay could be faulty acts a. A sound from one current path Article 1 turn off your vehicle and remove the key from ignition. Functions as a circuit it should display open or out of the relay a sound when applied volts... Now listen to the load can be either an electrical supply to a particular accessory identifier stored in device... Fits might cause severe issues Associate Engineer and auto electrical Technician with several years relevant. These types of testers are exquisitely sensitive ; for instance, they are incredibly when... Energized, the relay you considered using a continuity tester when testing voltage... Makes them ideal for pinpointing the general location of a coil of wire is... Would exceed capacity blinking LED circuit is the that when you hear clicking... A video on how to figure out the fault when the click is louder the... There is no sound, the light should go off restore the car never. Wire, and high amperage circuit of the best ways to check a relay 1! Multimeter and a ground 3 when applied 12 volts did not make a sound can be either an electrical.. Accurate, you will have to switch the multimeter to the touch:.. Remove the jumper, the wiring may burn or melt yet very useful..