The starter motor relay is an essential electrical component in the ignition system of vehicles and other machinery that require an engine start. It plays a crucial role in controlling the flow of electricity to the starter motor, which is responsible for initiating the engine’s operation. Without this simple yet vital part, starting the engine would be much more complicated and could lead to damage in other components.
What is a Starter Motor Relay? The starter motor relay is essentially an electrical switch that activates the starter motor when the ignition key is turned. The ignition system requires the use of a starter motor to turn over the engine, and the starter motor relay acts as the intermediary between the ignition switch and the starter motor. When you turn the ignition key, a small electrical current is sent to the relay coil, which causes the relay to close its contacts. Once the contacts are closed, the relay allows a larger current to flow directly from the battery to the starter motor, activating it and starting the engine.