Starter Relay: Description and Operation

The Starter Relay is a micro relay located in the Power Distribution Center (PDC), positioned in the left side of the engine compartment.

As battery power is applied to the relay from the ignition switch, battery power is applied to the starter motor through the relay to the starter solenoid.

The starter relay ground is provided by the PCM. When the park/neutral switch contacts are closed, indicating Park or Neutral, the PCM will supply the ground path for the starter relay at key ON. This will occur if the engine RPM is below a predetermined value.