P80 and other car relay tester - Any use?

Post by **scot850** » 24 Jan 2023, 13:07

I saw this relay tester for sale at Princess Auto, but then realised it is no good for things like the fuel pump relay as the pins are counter sunk so it will not sit on this tester. Not sure what this actually tests?

https://www.princessauto.com/en/cordles ... 0009053158

When the case is removed, the base pins are still counter sunk are they not? I guess I could make up 5 suitable jumper wires if this tool can be of use for other 4/5 pin relays. I am thinking that the fuel pump relay for example tends to start failing when it is hot, so even a bad relay may not fail unless in use, it will only test hard failures.

Neil.

Post by **volvolugnut** » 24 Jan 2023, 13:40

I have made a heater box and used a heat gun to hot test a suspect relay. Apply lead wires and power, get it hot, and test for voltage on outputs.
volvolugnut

Post by **kallekula** » 24 Jan 2023, 14:59

Relays can fail intermittently. If you suspect it being bad just buy a new one.

Post by **scot850** » 24 Jan 2023, 15:08

Thanks for the suggestions.

I agree if you get a intermittent one, but what I was thinking for was checking relays at the junkyard before paying for them. I guess this would at least weed out any hard fails but intermittent ones I can only test as suggested by volvolugnut.

Problem with junkyards here, and I'm sure many other places is you pay but returns are a credit. For a $5 relay it is not worth paying gasoline for a 40km round trip to return so if I can weed out a hard fail it may be worth considering. Sure I would be in the same position with one that fails with heat, but hopefully that will be in the few and far between I would hope.

Anyway it is just a thought for now

Neil.