In that case, the relay will trigger the solenoid. And some manufacturers use both a relay and a solenoid in the ignition system. Still, one person might refer to a starter relay and another to a starter solenoid.įurther muddying the water, these devices are located in different places on different vehicles. Because of its construction and manner of operation, a solenoid is usually capable of switching a higher current than a relay. So, in that manner the terms are often used in place of one another. While technically a relay and a solenoid are constructed and operate differently, both are remote electromagnetic “switches.” And both can perform the same function: control a high-power signal with a low-power signal. (Hopefully we do not add to the confusion). Now the terms relay and solenoid are often used interchangeably and there is a lot of confusion about which is which. In the case of a starter, the ignition switch signals the relay/solenoid (possibly by way of a computer) and the relay/solenoid switches on the starter circuit to engage the starter. That way, a big job (like starting an engine) can be enabled by a small switch.īoth a relay and a solenoid are devices that receive a low-power signal as a trigger to close (or sometimes open) a much larger circuit with more power. So automakers insert a device that enables a low-power signal to trigger a high-power signal. The starter is tasked with the job of getting the internal parts of the engine turning, and that requires a lot of torque, thereby requiring more power. Certainly more than the tiny wires running to the ignition switch can handle. In any case, the switch “tells” the starter circuit to engage.īut the starter itself requires a lot of power. On older vehicles, the signal is an electrical current (like a light switch in your house) on newer vehicles, the signal may be an electronic impulse sent to the vehicle’s computer. Like most of the switches in your vehicle, the ignition switch controls only a low-powered signal, in this case to start the engine. When you turn the key to start your car, you are activating the ignition switch. This could be a sign that your car’s starter relay – or starter solenoid – has gone bad. But since the dash lights and the radio and the headlamps seem to be working, maybe something else is the culprit. The engine won’t turn over and your car won’t start. Turn the key in the ignition and… nothing.
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