Relays — general information and checking the correct functioning (Honda Accord 6)

Relays are used to supply power or a control signal to some of the electrical consumers in the vehicle (such as fuel injection system components, horn, starter, cooling fan(s), fog lights, etc.). In fact, a relay is an electric key that ensures the closure of the high-voltage circuit by a low-voltage signal. If a relay fails, the corresponding consumer will fail. Most relays are located in the mounting block located in the engine compartment, while others are scattered around the vehicle. A description of how to check the proper functioning of a relay is given below. Failed relays must be replaced.

Examination

1. If you cannot figure out how to connect the relay to the corresponding electrical circuit using the electrical connection diagrams, you should remember that the approach to checking any relay is basically the same in all cases.

2. In most relays, the control circuit is always connected to two of the contact terminals. When low-voltage voltage is applied to these terminals, the current begins to circulate through the relay control winding, which results in the closing of the large contacts of the working circuit of the consumer of electrical energy. The remaining terminals are the terminals of the working (high-voltage) circuit.

3. In order to facilitate the identification of the relay terminals, explanatory markings with an image of the key connection diagram are usually applied to its body.


4. Connect a fused jumper wire between one of the relay control terminals and the positive battery terminal. Use a second jumper wire to ground the other control terminal - the relay should click. Some relays require that the polarity of the connection be observed - if there is no click, try reversing the polarity of the control terminals.



5. With the jumper wires connected, check for conductivity between the terminals of the high-voltage circuit by connecting an ohmmeter in accordance with the key diagram on the relay body.

6. If the test result is negative, replace the relay.

Refer to the original source on the website HondaBook