The Trainer #162: Component Performance Evaluation-Part #3 (Relays)
Motor Age Technical Editor, Brandon Steckler is back with part #3 of his mini-series. This time examining the functionality of relays. Although the 4-and 5-terminal relays have been leveraged in the automobile for decades, many new and even experienced technicians struggle to accurately and efficiently diagnose a fault when present.
The job of the relay is just as it sounds. With the relay assembly housing two (and sometimes three) circuits, the relay is controlled using a relatively minimal amount of electrical current to energize the primary side of the relay. This current allows the secondary side to operate an internal mechanical switch. This switched circuit can carry a heck of a lot more current, hence the word “relay.” The request to drive the secondary circuit is carried out indirectly (or relayed) by the primary side. But when problems arise, which of the 4 (or 5) relay circuits housed the fault?
Stick with Brandon in this step-by-step approach to diagnosing relay faults without guesswork. Taking the time to visit the wiring diagram, identifying the type of relay in place, how it’s controlled, and where it’s located will allow you to efficiently determine where and how to test. Gain a conclusive diagnosis and learn how to safely bypass a relay to prove secondary circuit functionality before committing to a repair.
Want to learn more? First, be sure to visit Part#1 and Part #2 of this mini-series, and of course, don’t miss this episode of The Trainer!
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About the Author
Brandon Steckler
Technical Editor | Motor Age
Brandon began his career in Northampton County Community College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where he was a student of GM’s Automotive Service Educational program. In 2001, he graduated top of his class and earned the GM Leadership award for his efforts. He later began working as a technician at a Saturn dealership in Reading, Pennsylvania, where he quickly attained Master Technician status. He later transitioned to working with Hondas, where he aggressively worked to attain another Master Technician status.
Always having a passion for a full understanding of system/component functionality, he rapidly earned a reputation for deciphering strange failures at an efficient pace and became known as an information specialist among the staff and peers at the dealership. In search of new challenges, he transitioned away from the dealership and to the independent world, where he specialized in diagnostics and driveability.
Today, he is an instructor with both Carquest Technical Institute and Worldpac Training Institute. Along with beta testing for Automotive Test Solutions, he develops curriculum/submits case studies for educational purposes. Through Steckler Automotive Technical Services, LLC., Brandon also provides telephone and live technical support, as well as private training, for technicians all across the world.
Brandon holds ASE certifications A1-A9 as well as C1 (Service Consultant). He is certified as an Advanced Level Specialist in L1 (Advanced Engine Performance), L2 (Advanced Diesel Engine Performance), L3 (Hybrid/EV Specialist), L4 (ADAS) and xEV-Level 2 (Technician electrical safety).
He contributes weekly to Facebook automotive chat groups, has authored several books and classes, and truly enjoys traveling across the globe to help other technicians attain a level of understanding that will serve them well throughout their careers.