H/L Beam Headlight Relay Testing, How to bench test out of the car ? Options

[jim_hoyland]

I want to bench test a 4 spade ( original style ) headlight relay. What can I do? Have a 12v source,ohmeter,and aligator clips.
I'd like to test and listen for that "click"

[Superhawk996]

Terminal 56 is 12v
Terminal “S” is ground and normally runs through the column switch as your control signal.

That will make it click


With no power connected to the relay - you should have continuity from terminal 56 to 56a. There should be no continuity between terminal 56 and terminal “F”.

If you want to test it as in car.

12v to terminal 56 but don’t connect the “S” terminal to ground . . . Yet

Should have 12v on terminal 56a. 0v on terminal “F”

Now connect terminal “S” to ground - relay clicks

Should have 12v on terminal “F”, 0v on terminal 56a


[EDIT] forgot to mention this is a latching relay so each click of the solenoid will reverse the state of pins F and 56a. So, if you start this test and get opposite 0v and 12v readings from what I have written, click the relay and the state should reverse.