Where is the starter relay on a 2015 Honda CR‑V?

The starter relay on a 2015 Honda CR‑V is the Starter Cut Relay located in the driver’s side under‑dash fuse/relay box, above the driver’s left knee on left‑hand‑drive models. It’s typically labeled “ST CUT” or “Starter Cut” on the fuse box diagram; the starter solenoid itself is mounted on the starter motor in the engine bay. If you were pointed here by a Reddit thread, this is the location those discussions generally refer to.

What Honda calls it and why that matters

Honda often refers to the component as the “Starter Cut Relay,” not simply “starter relay.” The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) controls this relay to enable or inhibit cranking (for example, unless the transmission is in Park/Neutral). That’s why you’ll find it inside the cabin fuse/relay box rather than only in the under‑hood box.

Exact location and how to access it

Use the steps below to physically locate and identify the relay in the 2015 CR‑V. This applies to North American (left‑hand‑drive) models; for right‑hand‑drive markets, the under‑dash fuse/relay box will be on the opposite side of the cabin.

1. Open the driver’s door and look up under the dash, above the driver’s left knee area (near the kick panel).
2. Locate the under‑dash fuse/relay box (also called the MICU). Remove the small access panel if equipped.
3. Check the diagram on the back of the panel or printed on the box; look for “Starter Cut,” “ST CUT,” or “STA.”
4. The Starter Cut Relay is typically the uppermost or one of the top-row plug‑in relays in this box (often identified as R1 in service literature).
5. To confirm, compare the physical relay position to the legend; Honda’s labeling is authoritative for your trim/market.

Once you’ve identified the relay by its marked position, you can remove it by gently pulling it straight out; use needle‑nose pliers if needed, taking care not to damage surrounding components.

About the under‑hood fuse/relay box

Owners often expect a “starter relay” under the hood. On the 2015 CR‑V, the under‑hood fuse/relay box near the battery holds several relays (fans, A/C, etc.), but the start‑enable function is handled by the Starter Cut Relay inside the cabin. The under‑hood side of the start circuit is the starter motor assembly with its built‑in solenoid.

How to verify and test before replacing

If you’re diagnosing a no‑crank issue, use the following checks to confirm the relay is the culprit before replacing it.

1. Listen for a soft click from the under‑dash area while an assistant turns the key to START (or presses the START button, if equipped). No click may indicate a relay or control issue.
2. Swap test with an identical relay from the same fuse box (if the part number matches) to see if the symptom changes.
3. Check relevant fuses per the cover diagram (start signal/IG fuses) and verify the battery is fully charged.
4. Ensure the transmission is in Park/Neutral; try starting in Neutral to rule out a range switch issue.
5. If equipped with keyless start, confirm the brake‑pedal switch is working (brake lights on?) because the PCM won’t enable cranking otherwise.

If the relay passes basic checks, further diagnosis should include testing for control and load side voltage at the relay socket and verifying the starter solenoid signal at the starter.

Regional and trim differences

For most 2015 CR‑V trims worldwide, the relay location is the same relative to the driver’s position. Left‑hand‑drive models place the under‑dash box on the left; right‑hand‑drive models mirror it to the right. Whether the vehicle uses a traditional key or smart entry/push‑button start, the Starter Cut Relay location remains in the under‑dash fuse/relay box.

When to consult the diagram

The definitive source for relay position is the fuse/relay legend on the access cover and the owner’s/service manual. If your vehicle’s layout doesn’t match the description above, rely on the printed legend—Honda occasionally revises box layouts by market or mid‑cycle updates.

Safety and service notes

Always disconnect the negative battery cable before pulling relays to avoid shorts. If you’re unfamiliar with electrical diagnosis, a quick check by a technician can prevent misdiagnosis of a relay vs. starter motor, ignition switch, brake/PNP switch, or PCM control issue.

Summary

On a 2015 Honda CR‑V, the “starter relay” you’re looking for is the Starter Cut Relay inside the driver’s side under‑dash fuse/relay box. It’s labeled on the box cover (often “ST CUT”) and controls power to the starter solenoid. The under‑hood box does not house a separate starter enable relay; the solenoid itself is on the starter motor. Verify via the fuse box legend and basic tests before replacing the relay.

Where is the starter relay located?

The location of the starter relay varies by vehicle, but it is most often found in the engine compartment’s fuse and relay box under the hood, though some vehicles may place it under the dash. You can locate it by checking your vehicle’s service manual, looking for a small black box in a fuse panel, or checking the compartment cover for a diagram. A common symptom of a bad starter relay is a clicking sound without the engine turning over, or a complete no-start condition. 
This video shows the location of the starter relay in a Ford Fusion: 1mQuiteAlrightYouTube · Jul 1, 2023
How to Find the Starter Relay

1. Consult Your Vehicle’s Manual: This is the most reliable method for finding the starter relay, as the location differs between makes and models. 
2. Locate the Main Fuse Box: Look in the engine compartment, often under the hood on the driver’s side, for a large box with a black cover. 
3. Check the Diagram on the Cover: The diagram on the fuse box cover will label each relay’s position. 
4. Identify the Relay: The starter relay will look like a small, black cube or cylinder. 
5. Check Under the Dashboard: In some vehicles, you may need to remove a plastic cover under the dash, near the pedals or OBD port, to access the relay. 

Signs of a Faulty Starter Relay 

• Clicking Sound: You might hear a click when you turn the key but the engine doesn’t crank.
• No-Start Condition: The car won’t crank at all.

This video explains the symptoms of a bad starter relay: 47sCar FixYouTube · May 2, 2024
Safety Precautions

• Before working on the relay, turn the vehicle off and disconnect the negative battery cable. 
• Handle the relay with care to avoid damage. 

You can watch this video to see how to safely test a starter relay: 59sCarsNToysYouTube · Jan 21, 2020

Why is my 2015 Honda CRV not starting just clicks?

A clicking noise with dash lights but no engine start usually indicates a weak battery or faulty starter motor. First, test the battery voltage and clean battery terminals to ensure good contact. If the battery is healthy, inspect the starter motor and its solenoid for wear or damage.

Where is the starter relay on a 2015 CR-V reddit?

Starter cut relay 2 is actually behind the bumper on the drivers side and ultimately sends the signal to the starter.

Where is the starter relay on a Honda CRV?

CR-V starter relay issues can cause no-start conditions and intermittent electrical failures during ignition. For the 2016 Honda CR-V 2.4L 4WD, the starter relay is typically located in the under-hood fuse/relay box near the battery.