Where is the starter relay located?

The starter relay is typically located in the engine bay, inside one of the vehicle’s fuse and relay boxes or mounted directly on or near the starter solenoid. Exact placement varies by make, model, and generation.

In this article we outline the most common locations, how to identify the correct relay for your specific vehicle, and practical steps if your car won’t start.

Common locations in modern vehicles

Below are the most frequent places you’ll find a dedicated starter relay in typical modern cars and light trucks.

• Under-hood fuse/relay box near the battery or along the left fender well


• Mounted on or adjacent to the starter motor/solenoid itself


• Inside an interior fuse panel (often behind the glove box or under the dash) with diagrams labeling START, ST, or SOL

If your vehicle lacks a clearly labeled starter relay or uses an integrated system, consult the manual or dealer for the exact location.

How to identify the exact relay for your model

Use these steps to confirm you’re locating the correct relay and not swapping a different circuit.

1. Check the owner’s manual or the diagram on the underside of the fuse/relay box lid for labels such as START, ST, IGN, or SOL.


2. Find the relay in the box that corresponds to that label; compare its position to the diagram.


3. Trace wiring: the START relay is typically in the ignition switch circuit and feeds the starter solenoid; one terminal often runs to the ignition switch, and another to the starter solenoid.


4. If you have an identical spare relay of the same rating, you can swap it temporarily to test; do not swap with non-identical relays unless you’re sure they share the same pinout and rating.


5. If you’re uncertain, consult a professional or pull wiring diagrams for your exact model from the manufacturer or a reputable repair database.

Careful identification helps prevent miswiring and avoids damage to safety and starting circuits.

Model-specific variations

In some makes, the starter relay is integrated into the ignition switch assembly or the engine control module; in others, there is no separate relay and the ignition signal directly energizes the starter solenoid. Always verify with your vehicle’s documentation.

Summary

Starter-relay location is not universal. Common spots include an under-hood fuse/relay box, directly on or near the starter, or inside an interior fuse panel. Use the fuse box diagram to identify the relay labeled START or ST, and consult your owner's manual or a professional if you’re unsure. Correct identification is key to safe diagnosis and proper starting system function.

Where is a relay located?

A relay is most commonly located in the fuse box, which can be under the hood, inside the car (often near the steering column or on the firewall), or in the trunk. To find a specific relay, you should consult the vehicle's owner's manual or look for a diagram on the fuse box cover itself, as locations vary by make and model. 
This video shows where the relays are located in a car's fuse box: 58sHelpful DIYYouTube · Aug 16, 2015
Steps to find a specific relay

• Consult your owner's manual: This is the most reliable way to find the exact location of the fuse box(es) and the diagram for the relays. 
• Locate the fuse box: Look under the hood, in the engine bay, under the dashboard, or in the trunk. Some vehicles may have multiple fuse boxes. 
• Examine the fuse box cover: The underside of the cover usually has a diagram that identifies the function of each fuse and relay by its position. 
• Identify the relay: Use the diagram to find the specific relay you need, such as the fuel pump relay, A/C relay, or starter relay. 
• Use online resources: If you're still having trouble, search for your vehicle's make and model online, as forums and repair websites often have diagrams and instructions for locating specific relays. 

How do I tell if my starter relay is bad?

A bad starter relay can cause a vehicle not to start, with common symptoms including no cranking sound, an intermittent clicking noise when turning the key, or the starter motor continuing to run after the engine has started. Other indicators are a slow crank, a whining noise, or dimming headlights when starting, which you can often diagnose with a multimeter or by swapping the relay with a known good one.
 
This video explains the symptoms of a bad starter relay: 59sCar FixYouTube · May 2, 2024
Symptoms of a bad starter relay

• No cranking: The most common symptom is that nothing happens when you turn the key to the "start" position, even though the battery is good. 
• Clicking noise: You may hear a single click from the relay or a rapid clicking sound if it's trying to engage but can't send full power to the starter motor. 
• Intermittent starting: The car starts sometimes but not others, which can be caused by a worn or dirty relay. 
• Starter stays engaged: In rare cases, the relay can fail in the "closed" position, causing the starter motor to keep running after the engine has started. This can produce a whining or grinding noise. 
• Slow cranking: The engine turns over very slowly, but it takes longer than usual to start. 
• Dimming lights: The headlights may dim significantly when you try to start the car, which can indicate a faulty relay. 

This video demonstrates how to identify the symptoms of a bad starter relay: 36sHVAC Mechanic YouTube · Aug 4, 2023
How to test a bad starter relay

1. Locate the relay: Find the starter relay, which is typically in the fuse box under the hood. 
2. Swap the relay: If possible, swap the starter relay with a similar relay from a non-critical circuit (like the horn) to see if the car starts. If it does, the original starter relay is bad. 
3. Test with a multimeter: Use a multimeter to test the relay's continuity or check for voltage at its terminals when the key is turned to the "start" position. If there is voltage at the control terminals but the relay doesn't activate, the relay itself is likely faulty. 

You can watch this video to learn how to test a starter relay using a multimeter: 1mMechanic BaseYouTube · Nov 26, 2024

What does a starter relay look like?

Most often, a true starter relay is a small black cube plugged into an electrical fuse/relay box in the engine compartment, whereas a starter solenoid is (in most cases) attached directly to the starter on the engine (although it is sometimes located elsewhere in the engine compartment).

What fuse would stop a car from starting?

A car will not start if the fuel pump fuse, ignition fuse, or starter relay is pulled or blown. Other fuses, like those for the engine control unit (ECU) or automatic shutdown relay, can also prevent starting. You can identify the correct fuse by checking the car's owner's manual or the diagram on the fuse box cover.
 
Fuses that stop a car from starting 

• Fuel pump fuse/relay: This is a common fuse to pull to disable a car from starting because modern, fuel-injected engines rely on the fuel pump to run. 
• Ignition fuse: This fuse powers the ignition system. A blown ignition fuse can prevent the engine from starting. 
• Starter relay: The starter motor relay is crucial for cranking the engine. Pulling this relay will prevent the car from starting. 
• ECU (Engine Control Unit) fuse: The ECU controls many engine functions. A fuse for the ECU can prevent the car from starting. 
• Automatic Shutdown Relay: This relay provides power to many essential systems when the ignition is turned on. If it fails, the engine will not crank. 

How to find the fuse

1. Locate the fuse box: The main fuse box is usually under the hood in a black box, but some cars have an additional fuse box under the dashboard. 
2. Find the diagram: Check the inside of the fuse box cover or your owner's manual for a diagram that labels each fuse and relay. 
3. Identify the correct fuse: Look for the fuse labeled for the fuel pump, ignition, starter, or ECU.