I have a loud buzzing noise coming from the general vicinity of the engine bay fusebox, it sounds to me like a malfunctioning relay, there does not appear to be anything otherwise wrong with the car. Compared to other vehicle related things I have found my search results are completely saturated by parts for sale and I am not really getting anywhere which is why I am asking here.

My question is, is it reasonable for me to pull each relay and in turn, switch the ignition on to test if I have pulled the offending part? This may be a stupid question but if I can sort this quickly and easily but for want of a little knowledge then it would be stupider not to ask, even stupider to start messing around with it if there is a risk of causing damage.

Thanks!

  • gitdude1@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    An ideal tool to use would be an automotive stethoscope. Maybe you can improvise.
    Once you’ve identified the relay, examine the vehicle wiring manual to see which circuit energizes the control side (coil) of the relay.

    • Diezehl@alien.topOPBEnglish
      1·
      10 months ago

      Appreciate it, improvise it is. I take it just pulling them is in fact a bad idea then?

      • gitdude1@alien.topBEnglish
        1·
        10 months ago

        I would test the suspect relay on the bench using a 12VDC power supply. Again, you can improvise by using the car’s battery or a cordless power tool 12V battery pack. Check youtube - How to test a 12V relay.

        Auto electricians use a special adapter to perform in-circuit tests. The adapter fits into the relay socket and the relay itself fits into the adapter. This allows voltage and current tests on the relay’s control and load side circuits.

        • Diezehl@alien.topOPBEnglish
          1·
          10 months ago

          Cheers I had not thought to test the relay directly, I have a multimeter and a battery pack which helpfully has a light turn green when it has a completed circuit so here is hoping it’s just a busted relay! Thanks!