Checking the starter traction relay (Opel Corsa C)

55. The most common cause of starter malfunction is failure of the traction relay. As a result, the pinion does not engage with the flywheel ring gear and the starter does not turn the engine. The traction relay can be checked either on the engine or after the starter has been removed. Either method of checking requires a fully charged battery. The connection diagram for the starter and traction relay is shown in the accompanying illustration.

Checking on the engine

56. Turn off the ignition, set the selector lever to position "P", engage neutral gear.

57. Raise the car on a lift and place it on stands. On Corsa-Eco models, remove the crankcase guard (see Chapter 2, Section 5).

58. Connect the auxiliary cable/wire to terminal "50" of the traction relay (a thin wire running from the ignition switch is attached to the terminal).

59. Briefly short-circuit the other end of the auxiliary cable/wire to terminal "30" (a thick cable running from the battery is attached to the terminal).



60. When the terminals are closed, the traction relay gear should move forward. If this does not happen, replace the traction relay.

Checking after removing the starter

61. Remove the starter (see above).

62. Connect the starter housing with an auxiliary cable/wire to the negative terminal of the battery.

63. Connect one end of the second auxiliary cable/wire to the positive terminal of the battery, and briefly short-circuit the other end to terminal "50" of the traction relay.

64. When the terminals are closed, the traction relay gear should move forward. If this does not happen, replace the traction relay.