Where is my starter relay located?
In most cars, the starter relay isn’t in a single universal spot. The most common locations are the under-hood fuse/relay box near the battery or firewall, or mounted on or near the starter itself. Some newer vehicles use a starter-control relay integrated into the engine’s main fuse box or inside a cabin fuse panel.
Where to look in the engine bay
Before you start digging, check these spots that cover the majority of makes and models.
- Under-hood fuse/relay box near the battery, often labeled STARTER, S, STA, or START.
- Another relay box in the engine bay, such as a power distribution center close to the firewall or along the fender well.
- Attached to or near the starter motor itself, especially on older vehicles with a dedicated starter relay rather than a solenoid-only setup.
- Inside the engine bay near the starter circuit where ignition and heavy current runs converge.
- In some newer cars, the starter relay is not a separate unit and the control is managed in the engine control module (ECM/PCM) with the relay effectively integrated into the fuse box.
Note: Exact placement varies by make, model, and year. If you cannot locate it, consult the owner’s manual or a factory service manual for the precise diagram.
How to identify the correct relay inside a fuse/relay box
Once you locate the fuse/relay box, use these steps to confirm you’ve found the starter relay.
- Look for a label on the box lid or a diagram inside the cover that marks STARTER, START, STA, or S.
- Trace the wiring from the starter solenoid back toward the fuse box to see which relay sits in that circuit.
- Check the relay’s orientation and pin count (typical relays have 4–5 pins) and compare with the diagram for the box.
- If safe and permissible, energize the relay momentarily with a diagnostic tool or power probe to observe whether the starter solenoid receives power when the ignition is turned to the start position.
After you identify the relay, if you suspect it’s faulty, you can swap it with a known-good relay of the same rating from the same box to test, or replace it with an OEM component. If you’re unsure about performing electrical tests, seek professional service.
Common pitfalls and maintenance tips
Be mindful of these practical considerations to avoid misidentifying the starter relay or damaging the system.
- Many relays look identical; rely on the labeling and wiring diagram rather than position alone.
- Corroded or loose connections can mimic a faulty relay—check terminal contacts and ground paths first.
- A weak battery or damaged wiring can produce the same symptoms as a bad relay; diagnose power delivery first.
When in doubt, especially with vehicles that have restricted access to the under-hood area, a professional diagnostic approach can save time and prevent accidental damage.
Vehicle-type notes
Different brands implement starter control differently, so the exact location and configuration can vary widely.
- Japanese brands (Toyota, Honda, Nissan, etc.): The starter relay is commonly in the under-hood fuse box, but newer models may use smart relays integrated with the vehicle’s computer systems.
- American brands (Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge, etc.): Some models use a separate starter relay near the starter, while others rely on a relayless path controlled by ignition and the PCM.
- European brands (BMW, VW, Audi, Mercedes): Often place the starter relay in the engine bay fuse box; many rely on the starter solenoid together with ignition control signals.
Always verify with your specific vehicle’s documentation for the exact arrangement.
Conclusion
Locating the starter relay typically starts with the engine bay fuse/relay box and may extend to the area near the starter or a cabin fuse panel. With so much variation by make, model, and year, the owner’s manual or service manual is the best reference for the precise location and labeling.
Summary
In short, check the under-hood fuse/relay box near the battery or firewall first, then inspect the starter itself or, on some models, the interior fuse box. Use the diagram to identify the position labeled STARTER or STA, and test with caution or consult a professional if you’re unsure.
Which fuse will keep a car from starting?
The ignition fuse, starter fuse, or fuel pump fuse will prevent a car from starting. The ignition fuse is a common choice, as it directly controls the power to start the engine. The starter fuse will also stop the car from cranking, and the fuel pump fuse will prevent the car from starting by cutting off the fuel supply. You can find the correct fuse by checking the legend on the fuse box cover or in the vehicle's owner's manual.
- Ignition fuse: This fuse is directly linked to the ignition system, and removing it will prevent the car from starting at all.
- Starter fuse: This fuse controls the starter motor. Removing it will prevent the starter from engaging, so the engine will not even crank.
- Fuel pump fuse: This fuse controls the fuel pump. Removing it will stop the fuel supply to the engine, preventing the car from starting.
To identify the correct fuse, look for labels like "IGN," "IGNITION," "START," or "FUEL PUMP" on the fuse box cover or in your owner's manual.
Where is my starter relay?
The starter relay is most commonly located in the fuse/relay box under the hood, though some vehicles may place it under the dashboard or in a separate relay center. To find the exact location, check your vehicle's owner's manual or look for a diagram on the fuse box cover, and search for a component labeled with "starter," "ST," or similar markings.
You can watch this video to see how to find the starter relay in the fuse box: 58sHenrys HowTosYouTube · Feb 19, 2015
Where to look
- Engine compartment fuse box: This is the most frequent location for a starter relay, which often looks like a small, black cube.
- Under the dashboard: Some vehicles have a separate relay center with fuses and relays in the interior, sometimes located above the pedals or near the steering column.
- Directly on the starter motor: While less common for a separate "starter relay," a starter solenoid is often located on the starter itself and is sometimes confused with the relay.
This video shows how to locate the starter relay in the fuse box under the dashboard: 59sCarsNToysYouTube · Jan 22, 2020
Tips for finding it
- Check the diagram: Look for a diagram on the inside of the fuse box lid or in your owner's manual. It will show the layout and often label each component, sometimes with a fuse amperage (e.g., a 30A fuse) or a label like "ST" for starter.
- Swap with a similar relay: To test if the relay is the issue, you can try swapping it with another relay of the same type and amperage. If the car starts after swapping, the original relay was likely bad.
- Listen for a click: When someone turns the key to the start position, listen for a click from the fuse box area. If you hear a click but the engine doesn't crank, the relay may be working, but the problem could be the starter motor itself or wiring.
- Be cautious: Always disconnect the negative battery terminal before working on electrical components to avoid short circuits.
How to bypass the starter relay?
Position. If you don't your car may immobilize and you'll be unable to turn it on at all. And that's how you do it guys.
How do I know if my starter relay is blown?
A bad starter relay can cause the car not to start, but it might still have power (headlights on), or it might make a clicking sound when the key is turned. Other signs include the starter motor remaining engaged after the engine starts, or intermittent starting issues. You can test it by swapping it with a similar relay or using a multimeter to check for continuity and voltage.
Symptoms of a failing starter relay
This video explains the symptoms of a bad starter relay: 59sVehicle FreakYouTube · Nov 18, 2022
- Engine won't start: This is the most common symptom. You turn the key, and nothing happens, or you may only hear a single click.
- Clicking sound: A clicking noise when you turn the key can indicate a bad relay that is failing to send a full signal, but the starter motor doesn't engage.
- Intermittent starting: The car starts sometimes but not others. This can happen if the relay's contacts are dirty or worn, making a poor connection.
- Starter stays engaged: In some cases, the relay's contacts can get stuck, causing the starter motor to continue running after the engine has started. This can create a grinding or whining noise.
- Dimming headlights: Headlights may dim significantly when you try to start the car, indicating a power draw issue, potentially from the relay or starter circuit.
How to test a starter relay
This video demonstrates how to test a starter relay with a multimeter: 1mCarsNToysYouTube · Jan 22, 2020
- Swap with a similar relay: If your car has other relays with the same part number, try swapping the starter relay with one of them. If the car now starts, the original relay was bad.
- Use a multimeter to test for continuity: A multimeter can check if the relay's internal contacts are working.
- You can also test the voltage at the relay's terminals while a helper turns the key to the start position. If there's voltage at the control terminals but no power at the starter terminal, the relay is likely bad.
- Listen for the click: A good relay should make a distinct clicking sound when it receives power. If you don't hear a click when you turn the key, and the battery is good, the relay is likely not working.
