Main relay click test results

Question

Civic vti coupe 1999.
I heard that you can test a main relay by checking for clock with each key turn.  So every time you turn the key you will get hear one click.  Here’s what I found:

Lock to accessory: no clicks at all
Accessory to run: immediate click, can hear fuel pump prime, another click at end so 2 clicks in total
Run to start: clock immediately, car tries to start and cuts out immediately, clicks again.

So definately didn’t get a click on the first turn plus other stuff going on.
Does this mean relay might be faulty or is this all normal/the three click test isn’t for all cars?
Thanks

narkeleptk · Answer

I would say no,
You cant test a relay by listening for any clicks. Usually when a relay breaks its from a crack that happens at the bend of the switching contacts arm. In many cases the contacts will still go back and forth from 87 / 87a  and make the clicking sound but its no longer connected to the load supply 30.
To test most basic auto relays, remove it:

Give 12VDC to coil (86) and load (30)
Use a test light clipped to GND and probed on (87)
Give GND to coil (85)

You should hear a click and see the light. You can also probe 87A when you do not have GND on (85) and it should be lit.
Video trying to explain what I meant in first paragraph
https://youtu.be/6KcKs4wzM9M

Main relay click test results

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