relay behavior

good day folks, here is the situation i need to resolve. i am using a relay to issue a + to a lighting system on my car. the relay is signaled by my alarm system issuing a -200MA ground. my issue. ive set the relay so that when triggered by a ground, it will output a + to the system. my problem is that there is a + feedback on the pin that is receiving the ground signal when the alarm system is sending the ground. ive tried to put a diode, but it will either block all signal or prevent the - to enter will keeping the + on the other side. what would be the way to fix this? thank you EricEric

Diode 1N4004 across the relay coil, 85 to 86 band to 86 (POS) side of the coil.

diode installed on the wire that are coming out of the relay? ive tried with a 1n4001, didnt change a thing, is a 1n4004 "stronger"? EricEric

Across the coil! 1N4004 handles the 200 volt "spike" when a relay shuts down. This is for something else but it illustrates what I mean, actually it's the you require:- 43Z_2nd._starter..bmp

Just had another look at that picture and revised it:- 3EA_2nd._starter..bmp

thank you i will try and hack a relay tonight to see how i can fit it in there...thx Eric =)

Good day, ive tried with a n4004 with one leg on each of these red spot that have solder on them and what seems to be the coil wire soldered on it. still no luck, with my test light, im still seeing a +12v signal on the input signal.Eric

Much easier doing it external to the relay as described & shown in Howie's diagrams (line end to the more +ve 86, other end to the more -ve or GND 85). Usually it's done as part of the wiring (in the base) to that relays can simply be replaced when needed. Besides, I think the above relay pic shows its heavy terminals, not its coil terminals.

You're right about the switch side not coil, that spring is the giveaway. Either solder diode across ON OUTSIDE or crimp in with the connectors.

still no luck, tried to put a diode one leg on 85 and one on 86 same problem. will take a picture of the setup asap and post again. thank you Eric