Getting to the Root of Relay Faults — Why It’s Not Just a Simple Fix

By David Bourke
2 min read
Getting to the Root of Relay Faults — Why It’s Not Just a Simple Fix

Getting to the Root of Relay Faults — Why It’s Not Just a Simple Fix

At Get Electronic, we’re no strangers to the unseen faults that bring down entire automotive systems — and one of the most deceptively small, yet common culprits? Relay failure.

🔍 What Does a Faulty Relay Look Like?

In many cases, a relay will fail internally long before there are any external signs. Under the microscope, we often see pitting on the relay’s contact surfaces. This pitting reduces the contact area, limiting current flow and causing the module to log faults or behave erratically.

But that’s just the start…

  • Welded Contacts – Sometimes, high current causes the relay contacts to weld themselves together, resulting in stuck outputs.

  • Heat Damage & Outgassing – Excessive heat can cause the surrounding plastics to release gas, leaving behind an insulating film on the contact points. That means no connection — no function.

  • Coil Failure – When the internal coil fails, the relay won’t even click — the magnetic pull required to bring the contacts together is gone entirely.

These issues can cause anything from intermittent faults to total module shutdowns. The real problem? Getting to the relay in the first place.

🛠️ Why Relay Repairs Aren’t So Simple

Unlike a fuse or plug-in component, these relays are often buried deep inside multi-layered circuit boards or subassemblies. Access usually requires full desoldering and board disassembly — and that’s where most workshops draw the line.

This is where our team steps in.

Our repair technicians specialise in non-invasive diagnostics and precision relay replacement, backed by bench testing and CANBUS simulation to verify full functionality before it leaves our workshop.

💻 Trade-Only Pricing — Access in Seconds

If you’re in the automotive trade — whether you’re a mechanic, auto electrician, or run a workshop — we’ve made it easy to get the information you need.

Want to see pricing? All you need to do is:

  1. Head to any repair listing on our website

  2. Click "Login to view price"

  3. Register — it only takes a few seconds

You’ll then have access to trade-only pricing across our full repair service range, including instrument clusters, ABS modules, ECUs, and more.

✅ Why Trade Customers Choose Us

  • 48-Hour Diagnostic Turnaround

  • Nationwide NZ Service

  • Advanced Repair Equipment — Including X-ray and BGA Rework

  • Expert Technicians Who Love a Challenge

We fix the jobs others won’t touch.
From Christchurch to anywhere in New Zealand — if it’s got a circuit board and it’s automotive, we’re the ones to talk to.

🔗www.getelectronic.co.nz
📞 Need help? Call or message our team  0800 000 488 - info@getelectronic.co.nz  we’re here to support the trade.