Starter Relay Warning

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Mar 19, 2018 | 08:18 PM

Daniel B. Martin

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From: Apex

Starter Relay Warning

1994 Mazda B4000 pickup
VIN 4F4CR16XXRTM53168
4-liter V6 engine, automatic transmission

Symptom report: loud CLICK but no crank.

Fully charged battery, battery terminals wire-brushed clean, all cable connections (positive and negative) wire-brushed clean (including at the starter motor).

This YouTube video shows the way to test a starter relay by momentarily shorting the two large terminals.

Making this test identifies the relay as the cause of the no-crank condition.

I removed the relay and observe a printed warning on the black plastic housing:
CAUTION
REPLACE WITH SPECIFIED FORD SERVICE
PART ONLY. OTHER PARTS MAY DAMAGE
THE ENGINE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT.

Is this merely "scare language?" Must I buy a replacement from the dealer or may I safely use the aftermarket relay sold by local vendors such as AutoZone?

Daniel B. Martin

Mar 19, 2018 | 08:42 PM

wtroger

Cargo Master

Joined: May 2001

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I know of no reason you would have to use an Oem part.

Mar 19, 2018 | 08:46 PM

Daniel B. Martin

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From: Apex

Quote:

Originally Posted by wtroger

I know of reason you would have to use an Oem part.

What is the reason?

Daniel B. Martin

Mar 19, 2018 | 08:52 PM

wtroger

Cargo Master

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I meant to say I know of no reason you have to use OEM

Mar 19, 2018 | 08:54 PM

wtroger

Cargo Master

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You also need to jump the battery terminal to the little post on the solenoid. If it turns over then you have other issues bad neutral start switch, clutch interlock, or ignition switch.

Mar 19, 2018 | 09:15 PM

Daniel B. Martin

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From: Apex

Quote:

Originally Posted by wtroger

You also need to jump the battery terminal to the little post on the solenoid. If it turns over then you have other issues bad neutral start switch, clutch interlock, or ignition switch.

Yes. Did that, got the same loud CLICK (but no crank) as when the ignition key is turned to START. I'm convinced that the relay is faulty but was startled to read that stern warning. Thanks to all... I will replace that relay.

Daniel B. Martin

Mar 19, 2018 | 10:30 PM

spooktn

More Turbo

Joined: Oct 2015

Posts: 623

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From: Usa

Last time I was in a auto salvage yard I got a hand full of those relays off newer models wrecked Fords for cheap ( Ranger,, Explorer ,,, Mustang or whatever ),,,they were all OEM ford motorcraft from factory and are handy to have around,,,I also found several cars and trucks that the dash was apart on and got a hand full of dash light bulbs and all of it was only a few bucks