The electrical architecture of a modern automobile is its lifeline. Contemporary vehicles are essentially electronic objects and the quality of its service in all its four main systemic compartments (power-train, body, chassis and communication protocol), like that of any electronic contraption, is dependent on its electrical fixtures: cables, relays, etc.
The ignition relay is one of the most important electronic relays found on modern vehicles. It is usually located in the fuse and relay panel beneath the bonnet, and is responsible for providing power to the vehicle’s ignition system, and some of the fuel system’s components. When the key is turned to the on position, the relay is switched on and power is directed to the vehicle’s ignition and fuel system components, notably the fuel pump and ignition coils. When the relay fails or has an issue, it can cause major problems with the operation of the vehicle. Usually a bad or failing ignition relay will produce a few symptoms that can notify the driver of a potential issue. 1999 Lexus Es300 Power Steering Pump
Car suddenly stalls while operating: One of the most common symptoms of a failed ignition relay is a car that suddenly stalls while operating. If the ignition relay shorts, burns out, or otherwise fails while the engine is operating it will cut off power to the fuel pump and ignition system. This will cause the vehicle to immediately stall due to fuel and spark being cut off. In some instances of a faulty relay, the vehicle will be able to restart once the relay cools off, only to stall out once again after the relay overheats.
Car not starting: Another symptom of a faulty ignition relay is a no power condition. If the relay fails it will cut off power to fuel pump and ignition system, which will result in a no power, and therefore no start condition. You may find that turning the key may power on the accessories, and may even crank the engine. However, the vehicle will not start due to their not being any power directed to the fuel and ignition system. Similar symptoms can also be caused by a wide variety of other issues, so a proper diagnosis is recommended in order to make certain what the issue is.
Dead battery: A dead battery is another symptom of a faulty ignition relay. If the relay has an internal short, it may keep power fed to the ignition and fuel system, even when ignition cylinder is in another position, or the key is removed. This will cause the fuel pump and ignition components to remain powered on, drawing current, at all times, which will eventually lead to a dead battery. Aside from draining the battery, this may also cause accelerated wear on the components, notably the fuel pump, due to having them powered on, but not operating.
Burned relay: In certain instances, it may be possible for the relay to overheat to the point of burning up and melting. Apart from cutting off power to the vehicle’s ignition relay and causing performance issues, a burnt relay may melt onto the fuse panel. This may make it difficult to remove, and in some instances can even lead to the replacement of the entire fuse box.
While servicing the ignition relay is not generally considered a routine maintenance, it can sometimes fail and cause major issues for the vehicle. If you suspect that your ignition relay may be having an issue, have the vehicle inspected by a professional technician.
NB: Parts of this piece is culled from the Internet.
In a failing car engine that is losing oil and being topped up with new oil, is there any benefit to servicing, especially the oil change part?
Secondly, if you say there isn’t, can I do an oil filter change at recommended intervals only and forgo the oil change? Please advise me. Nich
It depends on how bad the engine is losing oil; is it losing the engine oil through leaking or smoking? Though you said smoking, if the smoking is as a result of bad valve stem seal you can replace the seal by doing a complete valve train repair or rebuild the engine if it is as a result of worn out oil rings and cylinder walls.
Yes you can replace just the filter alone if you are using up to four litres of oil a week.
What is your take on making a choice between V6 and V4 engine cars and SUVs? I am asking because most people advise that buying a V4 engine vehicle saves cost of fuelling, while V6 cars consume fuel. Onuoha
Yes they are right. Also, you