MR2-Mike

Hey all,

I'm having an issue with my EFI relay clicking continuously causing my battery to drain. After removing the key from the ignition, there's the initial click which I read is normal, but there there's a series of 2 clicks...stops for 3 seconds..then another series of 2 clicks. You can here the clicking from outside the car, actually I've gotten underneath and can feel the clicking in the transmission pan. Not sure what electronics would be in there though. I'm hoping someone has encountered this issue..or has an idea on where to search. As of right now I have to remove the relay when the car will be sitting for more than 4 hours. Can this be a ECU issue? Becuase I still have a p1349 code yet my car idles smoothly

CAR INFO
1998 GS3 w/ 2001 IS3 motor
180k Miles

PROBLEM
EFI Relay clicks when key is removed from ignition switch. Causes battery to drain after 4-5 hours
Started a few months ago. Was temporarily disconnecting the battery until I realized it was the relay clicking.

"SOLUTIONS" TRIED
Replaced ignition micro switch as suggested from this My.Is Thread
Replaced EFI relay.
Removed aftermarket alarm box installed by previous owner.

Thanks for any input.

GS4_Fiend

iTrader: (22)

check for short to ground. even could be a bad transistor. i suggest you take it to a mechanic if you are not electrical savy.

ehalc1

Ignition switch (bottom of ignition cylinder under dash) is worn and internally shorting.
Look for part# 84450-1220. I've had this issue for over a year which get worse over time.
I will replace the part soon.

ehalc1

My update since 01-14-14 post.
I replaced part# 84450-1220 (ignition micro switch under dash) but no resolution.
**However, my starter eventualy died. The EFI relay picking was very frequent and almost all of the time.
The EFI relay even clicked (with key out of ignition) up to the point I started the Starter Removal.
**To my supprise, MY ISSUE DISSAPEARED with the starter replacement. That is, The EFI Relay Clicking
(or picking) has NOT reoccurred since replacing the starter. btw; I purchased the old starter from Lexus about 5 years ago. It has been about 6 weeks since I replaced the starter and have not had the EFI relay picking again.

Perhaps a small parasitic drain in the solenoid switch.

airahcaz

So the recommended resolution since replacing both ignition such and the actual efi relay, is to replace starter?

P408

I have the same problem! my efi relay has 2.56 amps going through it when the key is out of the ignition. this started happening 2 weeks ago. Since then i got a new battery and a 200 amp alternator and after i installed them my car was completely dead after 2 days of not using it! now it wont even start with a fully charged battery. i dont here my fuel pump turn on when i turn my ignition on. i already got a new efi relay and my starter is only like 7mo. old. Please help!! Thanks!

JeremyStra

So I just replaced ignition cylinder with oem replacement and as soon as I plugged battery back in I'm getting ticking noise from relay when I put key in it stops. if I turn car off and leave key in cylinder for a few minutes and pull it out there's no ticking. Now could that be the ignition switch that's the problem?