Starter Relay Warning
#1
03-19-2018, 08:18 PM
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Apex
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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
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
#3
03-19-2018, 08:46 PM
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Apex
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
#5
03-19-2018, 08:54 PM
#6
03-19-2018, 09:15 PM
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Apex
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Daniel B. Martin
#7
03-19-2018, 10:30 PM
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
Trending Topics
#8
03-24-2018, 01:55 PM
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Apex
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Advance Auto has replacement relays with a slew of customer reviews saying "Bad", "Terrible", "Junk", "Don't buy this", and "Stay away." Discouraged by these reviews, I resorted to eBay and bought one for $9, shipping included. Installation was easy and now the truck cranks eagerly, every time.
Just for fun, I performed an "educational autopsy" on the failed relay. Sure enough, one of the two high-current "buttons" was burned black!
Thanks for the advice. This story has a happy ending!
Daniel B. Martin
Just for fun, I performed an "educational autopsy" on the failed relay. Sure enough, one of the two high-current "buttons" was burned black!
Thanks for the advice. This story has a happy ending!
Daniel B. Martin
#9
03-24-2018, 02:22 PM
Advance Auto has replacement relays with a slew of customer reviews saying "Bad", "Terrible", "Junk", "Don't buy this", and "Stay away." Discouraged by these reviews, I resorted to eBay and bought one for $9, shipping included. Installation was easy and now the truck cranks eagerly, every time.
Just for fun, I performed an "educational autopsy" on the failed relay. Sure enough, one of the two high-current "buttons" was burned black!
Thanks for the advice. This story has a happy ending!
Daniel B. Martin
Just for fun, I performed an "educational autopsy" on the failed relay. Sure enough, one of the two high-current "buttons" was burned black!
Thanks for the advice. This story has a happy ending!
Daniel B. Martin
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
kr98664
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
23
02-15-2020 10:24 AM
Brokesixty
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
08-07-2012 02:22 PM
stainlessstroker95
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
3
12-04-2011 04:35 PM