What does the starter relay do in Chevy Malibu?

The starter relay in a Chevy Malibu (like in most vehicles) acts as a switch that controls the high current flow needed to engage the starter motor. It's essentially a safety mechanism and a current amplifier.

Here's a breakdown:

* Low Current Input: The ignition switch sends a relatively low current signal to the starter relay.

* High Current Output: The starter relay uses this low current signal to activate a powerful internal switch. This switch then completes a circuit that allows a much higher current to flow directly from the battery to the starter motor. The starter motor needs this high current to crank the engine.

* Protection: The relay protects the ignition switch from handling the high amperage needed to turn the starter. If the ignition switch had to handle that current directly, it would likely overheat and fail.

In short, the starter relay is a critical component ensuring that the starter motor receives the power it needs to start the engine without damaging other parts of the electrical system. If it fails, your Chevy Malibu won't start.