Get to know the Starter Relay Function

Some of you may not be too familiar with the starter motor components in cars. You need to know that the function of the starter motor itself is to activate the car engine when you press the "start" button on the car. The starter motor works by driving the flywheel of the engine by converting electric current into mechanical motion.

The overall performance on this starter motor is controlled by a starter relay. Where the function of the starter relay itself is to control the electric current flowing into the starter motor. This component has a mechanical contact that can be opened or closed according to the signal at the time you start the car.

When the car is in the "start" position, the starter relay will activate the starter motor by passing an electric current to the starter motor. This makes the car starter system safer and more efficient.

Because this component plays an important role in being able to start your car's engine, it's a good idea to get to know more about the ins and outs of the starter relay. Suzuki Indonesia has summarized some important points regarding the relay starter. Check out the article below!

Types of starter relays

Relay starters on the market have various types that can be selected according to the type of vehicle, the size and system of electric current, additional features to those specifically produced for certain brands and cars. Types of starter relays that are commonly used in cars include mechanical, electronic, latching-type, programmable, and solid state starter relays. 

The mechanical starter relay uses mechanical contacts to regulate the electric current flowing into the motor starter, simple and easy to replace. Meanwhile, the electronic starter relay uses a transistor or diode to control the electric current flowing into the motor starter, more stable and durable but also more expensive. 

Laching-type starter relays are used in applications that require stable control, while programmable type starter relays can be programmed to perform specific tasks. And solid state starter relays use transistors or diodes to control electric current, more stable and durable than electromechanical relays but also more expensive.

How the starter relay works

As explained earlier, the function of the starter relay is to control the electric current flowing to the motor starter from the car. This component starts working at the moment when you turn on the ignition or switch button, a small signal is transmitted to the starter relay. This signal will activate the starter relay, so that the internal contacts switch and conduct an electric current to the motor starter. 

The motor starter will receive an electric current large enough to start the car engine. After the car engine has started, the starter relay will return to the starting position and the internal contacts will return to their original position, stopping the electric current received by the motor starter. This will protect the motor starter from damage and ensure optimal performance of the car starter system.

Care for the starter relay

In order to function optimally, of course, the starter relay must be maintained properly. Here are some ways you can take care of the starter relay.

1. Routinely clean the relay contacts.

Make sure the relay contacts are always clean and free from corrosion. Do not expose the relay contacts to water or other liquids. Use dust-free cloth or foam painter to clean the contacts.

2. Pay Attention to the Terminal 

Section Check these terminals regularly and frequently to ensure that the connectors remain strong and not loose.

3. Check the Relay Section

Check the condition of the relay periodically, making sure that this component is not exposed to too high or low temperatures. If you find that the relay is not working properly, immediately replace it with a new one but you should not do it yourself if you do not have experience repairing the relay.