Circuit Opening Relays
By
User:AllieCashel @timeAndDate(1279571768)
On the most basic level, a circuit opening relay is no more than a switch. Like the light switch in your bedroom, when it's on, a circuit is opened and electricity readily flows through an electrical system, and when it's off, the circuit closes. Circuit opening relays can be used in a variety of electric machines including audio modems, vacuum pumps, digital computers and most importantly, in your car. Imagine if your bedroom light switch stopped working: your lights would never turn on. If the circuit opening relay in your car stopped working, your car would never run. "Why," you may ask, "will my car not start if I have a broken circuit opening relay?" I asked the same question. It's because this switch is responsible for turning off and on your fuel pump and with out fuel pumping into the engine it can't start. Located on the passenger side kick panel, a location that often gets wet, it can easily jam up and or become damaged which prevents the relay from opening the circuit and starting the fuel pump. If you're having trouble starting your car, it could easily be a problem with this small electrical box. That said, start-up trouble can be caused by a variety of failed engine parts so you should test your relay before you replace it.
Testing and Replacing Your Relay
The best way to test your relay is to check if there is power running to the fuel pump when you try to turn on your car. Since this specific relay is responsible for sending power to the fuel pump, if it isn't running or if it's running slow, you may have a problem with your relay. In order to check the fuel pump power, attempt to turn on your car (if you're car isn't starting at all you'll need another person to try and start your car). Most fuel pumps are located underneath the car and are mounted on the gas tank. Once you have access to the pump, turn on your car and look for movement. If you can see the fuel pump working, it is receiving power and your relay is also working properly. If there is no movement, it is a good sign that your circuit opening relay has failed.
Luckily, replacing your circuit opening relay is normally as simple as unplugging the old one (again, it's normally located on the passenger side kick panel) and replacing a new one in its place. Check your car manual before you take anything out however, to check to make sure there is nothing else you have to do.
Things to Consider
* Some car companies will make relays for your specific make and model of car, check to see if this is the case before you buy a standard relay!
* Stay safe. Since you may have to deal with an open fuel pump, make sure you have a fire extinguisher readily available in case of an emergency and never get too close to the pump.
* Buying your own circuit opening relay can be as cheap as $10 or $12, a trip to the garage to replace on of these can cost up to $90. Doing this simple replacement by your self can save you tons of money!
Quick Picks
Related Guides
*
Headlamp Relays
*
Power Seat Relays
*
Automotive Switch and Relays
*
Replacement Auto Parts
*
Automotive Engine Accessories
ShopWiki Search Links
*
S.I. Assault Boot, Oakle
*
S.I. Assault Boot, Oakle, 8 "
*
BACK SUPPORT S.I. BACK BELT SMALL
