Škoda Yeti is a compact crossover that has gained popularity due to its reliability and unpretentiousness. However, even this “Czech tank” has weak points, one of which is starter relay. Failure of this small element can immobilize the car at the most inopportune moment, and its diagnosis often raises questions among owners. Unlike a breakdown of the starter itself, a relay failure is rarely accompanied by loud clicking or grinding noises - the symptoms here are more insidious.

In this article we will analyze all generations Yeti (2009–2017) with petrol (1.2 TSI, 1.4 TSI, 1.8 TSI) and diesel (2.0 TDI) engines. You will learn how to distinguish a relay malfunction from problems with the starter or battery, where exactly to look for the relay in the fuse box, and why replacing it with a non-original part can lead to damage to the engine control unit (ECU) on models with the Start-Stop system. We will also provide current prices for spare parts and explain the errors that the scanner produces when a relay breaks down.

Where is the starter relay on the Škoda Yeti: diagrams and photos

B Škoda Yeti the starter relay is located in fuse box under the hood (so-called Power Distribution Box). The exact location depends on the year of manufacture and configuration:

  • 🔧 Models 2009–2013 - the starter relay is located in the main fuse box to the left of the battery (position K75 or J500, depending on the engine).
  • 🔧 Restyled versions 2014–2017 — the relay has been moved to an additional block next to the ECU (position K1 for diesel engines and K75 for gasoline engines).
  • ⚡ Car with Start-Stop system — the relay is integrated into the starter control module (Starter Control Unit), which is located under the plastic cover next to the battery.

To avoid confusion, use the official diagram for your modification:

Engine Year of issue Relay position Catalog number
1.2 TSI (CBZB, CJXB) 2009–2015 K75 (main unit) 6Q0 951 253 A
1.4 TSI (CAXA, CTHA) 2010–2017 K1 (additional block) 5Q0 951 253 B
1.8 TSI (CDAA, CDAB) 2012–2017 J500 (module under the hood) 3C0 951 253 F
2.0 TDI (CFFB, CRTD) 2009–2017 K75 or Starter Control Unit 03L 951 253 D

Important! On diesel Yeti with the Start-Stop system, the starter relay is often confused with starter interlock relay (immobilizer). The latter is located in the cabin under the dashboard and is marked J363.

📊 What engine does your Škoda Yeti have?
  • 1.2 TSI
  • 1.4 TSI
  • 1.8 TSI
  • 2.0 TDI
  • Other

Signs of a faulty starter relay: how to distinguish it from a faulty battery or starter

Symptoms of a faulty starter relay on Škoda Yeti often disguised as other problems. Here are the key signs that will help you accurately diagnose a breakdown:

  • 🔊 Starter clicking without cranking — one loud click when turning the key, but the starter does not rotate. This indicates open circuit in relay (contacts do not close).
  • 🔄 Multiple clicks - a series of quick clicks when trying to start. Reason: the relay “rattles” due to burnt contacts.
  • 🚗 Starting "the second time" — after the first unsuccessful turn of the key, the starter fires. Typical for oxidized relay contacts.
  • 🔋 The starter operates from direct power — if you close the contacts on the starter with a screwdriver (bypassing the relay), the engine starts. This is 100% confirmation of a relay failure.

How to distinguish from a discharged battery?

If the battery is weak, there will be clicking sounds quiet and frequent, and the instrument panel may dim or go dark. If the problem is in the relay - click one and clearand the device works fine.

How to distinguish from a faulty starter?

If the starter is faulty you will hear grinding, squealing, or growling when trying to start. The relay clicks, but no current flows to the starter. Also check if the starter spins when the contacts are closed 30 and 50 on its body (if yes, the relay is to blame).

What to do if the relay clicks, but the starter does not turn?

If the relay clicks but the starter does not respond, the problem may be:

1. Broken wire from the relay to the starter (check the contact 50).

2. Burnt "nickels" starter (disassemble and clean contacts).

3. ECU malfunctions (on models with Start-Stop, the unit can block the signal to the relay).

4. Bad mass on the body or engine (check the wire from the battery to the body).

How to check the Škoda Yeti starter relay with a multimeter: step-by-step instructions

To diagnose the starter relay you will need multimeter (or control lamp) and a screwdriver. Follow the algorithm:

Remove the relay from the fuse block|Ring the circuit between contacts 85 and 86 (resistance ~50–120 Ohm)|Connect 12V to contacts 85 (+) and 86 (–) - a click should be heard|Ring contacts 30 and 87 after operation (resistance ~0 Ohm)|Check for a short circuit between 85/86 and 30/87 (should be ∞)

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Step 1. Removing the relay

Open the fuse box under the hood (press the latches on the sides of the cover). The starter relay is usually located next to the main fuse (S30, 100–150A). Carefully pry it up with a screwdriver and remove it.

Step 2. Check the winding

Connect the multimeter in ohmmeter mode to the contacts 85 and 86. Resistance must be within 50–120 Ohm. If the device shows 0 (short circuit) or ∞ (break) - the relay is faulty.

Step 3. Checking the contact group

Serve 12V from battery to contacts 85 (+) and 86 (–). There should be a clear click - the contacts have activated. After the click, check the resistance between 30 and 87: it must be 0 ohm. If there is resistance, the contacts are burnt.

Step 4. Check for breakdown

Make sure that between the contacts 85/86 and 30/87 no short circuit (the device should show ∞). If there is continuity, the relay is broken and requires replacement.

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If you don't have a multimeter at hand, use a test lamp (12V). Connect it to contacts 30 and 87, then apply power to 85/86. The lamp should light up when the relay is activated.

Replacing the starter relay for a Škoda Yeti: original vs analogues, prices 2026

If the relay is faulty, it must be replaced. Here's what's important to know before purchasing:

  • 🔍 Original relays from VAG (see table above for articles) cost 1 200–2 500 ₽, but guarantee compatibility with the ECU.
  • 🔧 Analogs from Bosch (0 332 209 150), Hella (4RA 003 593-121) or Meat & Doria (903.12) will cost 400–900 ₽, but may not be suitable for models with Start-Stop.
  • ⚠️ Chinese relays (for example, SWAG or nameless) often have inappropriate contacts, which leads to burning of the fuse box connectors.

How to choose the right analogue?

For Yeti with Start-Stop system (1.4 TSI ACT, 2.0 TDI) only relays with markings are suitable 5-pin (for example, Bosch 0 332 209 155). For other engines - standard 4-pin.

Replacement process:

  1. Disable negative battery terminal.
  2. Remove the faulty relay from the block (pull up).
  3. Install a new relay until it clicks (don't confuse the orientation!).
  4. Connect the battery and check the engine starts.
⚠️ Attention! On diesel Yeti after replacing the relay it may be necessary reset starter adaptations via a diagnostic scanner (for example, VCDS or ODB11). Otherwise, the ECU will limit the current to the starter, which will lead to difficult starting.

If the starter relay fails, the ECU may display the following errors (codes OBD-II):

Error code Description Probable Cause How to fix
P0615 Starter control circuit Open or short circuit in the relay circuit Check the wires from the ECU to the relay
P0616 Invalid Starter Circuit Signal Burnt relay contacts Replacing relays, cleaning connectors
P0685 Incorrect ECU control signal Faulty relay or control unit Relay and ECU diagnostics
U1113 No communication with starter module Relay or wiring problems Checking the circuit CAN-tires

On Yeti error with the Start-Stop system P0615 may appear even with a working relay. In this case, the cause is often oxidation of contacts in the module J500 (starter control unit). To fix it, just clean the contacts with a special liquid (for example, Kontakt 60).

How to reset errors after replacing a relay?

Use a diagnostic scanner (VCDS, Launch, Autel) or reset errors manually:

  1. Disable negative battery terminal for 10 minutes.
  2. Reconnect and start the engine.
  3. If the error remains, the starter needs to be adapted via a scanner.
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On Škoda Yeti with engines 1.8 TSI and 2.0 TDI error P0616 may indicate a malfunction not only of the relay, but also control unit J500. In this case, it will need to be diagnosed or replaced.

Frequently asked questions about the Škoda Yeti starter relay

Is it possible to drive with a faulty starter relay?

Technically, yes, but this is inconvenient: each start of the engine will require closing the contacts on the starter with a screwdriver. However long-term operation with “crutch” start may lead to:

  • Damage bendix starter (due to sudden electric shocks).
  • Battery discharge (constant attempts to start increase the load).
  • Breakdown flywheel (on diesels).

We recommend replacing the relay within 1–2 days after a malfunction is detected.

Why does the new starter relay burn out quickly?

If the new relay fails within a month, the reasons may be as follows:

  • 🔌 Short circuit in starter circuit - check the wires for breakdown.
  • 🔋 Weak battery - low voltage causes the relay to overload.
  • ⚡ Faulty starter - if it draws too much current, the relay overheats.
  • 📱 Problems with the ECU — the control unit may send incorrect signals to the relay.

To diagnose, measure starter current consumption (should be no more 200–250A at startup).

How to start a Škoda Yeti if the starter relay burns out on the road?

There are three ways:

  1. Close the contacts on the starter:
    • Remove the chip from the starter.
    • Use a screwdriver to close the contacts 30 (thick wire from the battery) and 50 (thin wire from the ignition switch).
    • The engine will start, but be careful - there may be sparks!
  2. Use a relay from another node (for example, from a cooling fan), if their ratings are the same.
  3. Launch from a tug (only for manual transmission!):
    • Turn on 2nd gear.
    • Turn the key to position ON.
    • Accelerate the car to 10–15 km/h and release the clutch.
⚠️ Attention! On Yeti with robotic gearbox DSG tug launch prohibited - this will lead to breakage of the box!
Which starter relay is best for the Škoda Yeti with Start-Stop system?

For vehicles with Start-Stop system (1.4 TSI ACT, 2.0 TDI) only relays with strengthening contacts:

  • Bosch 0 332 209 155 (original supplier for VAG).
  • Hella 4RA 003 593-151 (improved contact group).
  • Valeo 402028 (suitable for diesel engines).

Cheap analogues (for example, SWAG 30 93 7502) may not withstand the high currents typical of Start-Stop systems and will burn out after 1–3 months.

Does the new starter relay need to be programmed?

On most Škoda Yeti (except versions with Start-Stop and Keyless key) starter relay no programming required. However, after replacement it is recommended:

  • Reset errors via scanner.
  • Carry out starter adaptation (for diesels and motors 1.8 TSI).
  • Check the voltage at the contact 50 (must be 12V when turning the key).

On vehicles with the system Start-Stop may be required binding the relay to the computer (the procedure takes 5–10 minutes at the service station).