2. Relays in the engine compartment can be identified by a marking on the holder cover. Not all relays listed can be used on a specific model (The inhibitor relay, for example, is only installed in vehicles with automatic transmission), some relays may have two functions. For example, the lamp control relay on cars with a carburetor is also an auto choke relay.
3. The four relays located above the fuse panel vary according to the model and year of manufacture. When counting from left to right, on some models they control the following circuits:
- 1. Rear fog lights, rear window defroster, ignition, power windows,
- 2. Power window, optional, or rear fog lights, rear window defroster,
- 3. Ignition, additionally, or rear fog lights, rear window defroster. Additionally, a window with glass servo drive, or ignition.
4. Relays are electrically controlled switches. They are used for two main reasons:
- (a) The relay can switch large currents over a distance, thus allowing the use of low power control switches and wiring,
- (b) A relay can control multiple circuits, unlike mechanical switches.
5. In addition, some relays have the function "timer" - for example, a window timer relay with a glass servo drive.
6. If the circuit or system served by the relay is damaged, always remember that the fault may also be in the relay. The check consists of substituting a working block. Beware of replacing relays that look identical but perform different functions.
7. Most fitted relays are from a standardized range of four types.
8. Replacing a relay involves removing it from the holder and installing a new one.