Testing Relays How to

Continuity- yes- with a resistance due to the coil- but still doesn't say that the switchable contacts are carrying the current- I have seen many relays energize, and pull in- yet have burnt contacts that will not carry any amp load- they can show voltage- but not load- give them something to do and they choke- easiest thing to do is to swap it with another one- most cars use multiple relays of the same style- so a swap is easy.  In most remote/alarm system- the draw is minimal- so burning contacts may not be an issue- sometimes just hearing/feeling them click is enough to know they work- what is your exact application or concern?Brcidd - Engineer That Does Remote Starter Installs on the side.

put 12volts to term 86 ground term 85 and you should here a click

If it's a standard high current relay, connect 12V to term 30, and put a test light or maybe an old headlamp between term 87A and ground. It should light up, which checks the normally closed contact path. Then connect 12V power between term 85 and 86 to energize the coil, and you should see the test light go out. Connect the test light between term 87 and ground, and it should light, checking out the normally open contact. You could also measure continuity with a DMM instead of using a test light. If you don't read a dead short, the contacts may be pitted or burnt, as brcidd mentioned, and it may not work properly for high current applications.