Starter relay function?

[pgdave]

I had a problem with my starter. When I turned the key, I heard only a loud click; the starter would not crank.

I pulled the starter relay to check continuity and found there was continuity between terminals 3 and 5 when there should not be continuity according to the Lexus shop manual.

While the starter relay was removed, I tried to start the car and it worked perfectly. Why is this? And what is the function of the starter relay if the car will start fine without one? Is there any downside to driving the car without a starter relay?

Thanks for you help.:happysad:

 

[Lextreme II]

Hey Dave,

You should check the relay connections. Its possible some loose wires.

 

[Nick M]

A relay is used to switch high current with low current. In other words it is simply a switch. High current switches often arc when closed, so relays are installed to lower the arcing.

Without an EWD for your car, I can not tell what is going on. But the car will not crank without a starter relay unless it is hardwired.

 

[pgdave]

Please disregard my previous post. The starter relay was not removed when the car started--I had pulled the heater relay in error. Sorry, my bad.

 

[Nick M]

If you have intermittent starting I am thinking the starter contacts inside are getting worn.