What’s an Ignition Relay and What’s It Actually Do?
Ever had your car just dead out of the blue, even though the battery’s good as gold? Or it just sort of won’t turn over, especially after a mad week of commuting up and down Wairere Drive, speeding to get the kids to footy on time? One of the sneaky culprits a lot of people don’t think about is the ignition relay. It’s a pretty small part, but without it, your car’s not going anywhere—from Pukete to Cambridge or up to Huntly.
Basically, the ignition relay’s like a switch that lets power get through from the battery to your car’s ignition system. When you twist the key or hit your start button, this thing clicks over and tells all the right bits, like the spark plugs, “Righto, get moving!” If it’s crook or completely buggered, you’ll either get nothing, or you’ll hear the starter cough then nothing at all.
Some cars – think stuff like Suzuki Swifts, Toyota Estimas, even the odd Volvo for the Euro fans – run the ignition relay to run other bits too, like the ignition coil or even the fuel pump. Seen a handful of Honda Accord and Mitsubishi Outlander owners from Morrinsville and Te Awamutu caught out with these too, by the way.
How Long Does an Ignition Relay Last?
Look, on most Kiwi roads, and with a bit of luck with quality, your ignition relay generally outlasts a lot of other stuff. They’re built tough, and don’t conk out often. But day-in, day-out Hamilton traffic with all those potholes on Peachgrove Road, heaps of stop-start driving, and our good old four-seasons-in-one-day weather can catch them out. We see some relays packing a sad earlier than most reckon, especially with all the speed bumps cropping up in Rototuna and those cold, damp winter mornings.
Common Signs Your Ignition Relay’s Had It
- Car won’t start: Might be that relay’s stuck ‘off’. You’ll get dash lights, maybe the radio, but dead silence when you try for the engine. We had a lady in recently with a Mazda Demio, same struggle—just wouldn’t fire up outside The Base.
- Really slow or rough starting: Not enough juice getting through. Your car might almost get going, or stall at the lights on Te Rapa Straight. Had a chap with a Hyundai i30 from Horotiu battling this the other morning.
- Random stalling while driving: Especially when it’s bumpy around Fairfield or the weather flips cold—car coughs and dies because bits aren’t getting enough power.
- Immobiliser dramas: If you drive newer stuff, like a Kia Seltos or late-model Subaru, a dodgy relay can confuse the immobiliser and leave you locked out, or the car refuses to keep running just after you start it.
- Battery keeps going flat: Relay stuck ‘on’ even when you think everything’s off? That’ll drain your battery overnight. Seen this with a couple of Honda Jazz cars lately!
If any of this sounds familiar, it’s definitely worth having a look, especially before winter really gets going or summer roasts your electrics. One of our techs can quickly suss out if it’s your ignition relay playing up, or something else like the starter or alternator.
Ignition Relay Replacement and Diagnostics in Hamilton
No point mucking about if your car’s leaving you high and dry—or worse, blocking traffic in Frankton in the morning rush. If you reckon your ignition relay’s playing up, or you just want a proper check over, swing by Grimmer Motors. We diagnose, replace and fit new ignition relays for all sorts: Honda, Toyota, BMW, even the odd Chery or Peugeot.
We’ll make sure you’re good to go, so you’re not left stranded in Dinsdale or Taupiri. New ignition relay, all sorted before you know it, with none of the drama. Whether you’re in for a WOF, regular car service Hamilton, or something suspect with your hybrid, we’ll get your ride sorted.
If you want your car starting first pop, every time—rain, shine, or classic Waikato fog—get in touch with us at Grimmer Motors.