Easy way, find other system in the car that uses the same relay and is ok, exchange it, see if the system works.
does anything else on the 2.4 have the same relay as the starter?
It may be the starter solenoid what you refer as the relay, in most cars you can bridge with a screwdriver and see if it activates the starter This bridging usually produce a spark so be carefull if you try it. Autozone or Discount Autoparts may test it for you.
read this post for some background info on what my problem is , you gotta read the whole thing cuz i added something towards the end
post
Most relays have a label, in the fuse box, engine bay check see if you have some other relay equal to the one you want to test and just exchange them.
if there are little number labels, hook up an AA battery to terminals 85 and 86.
if you hear it clicking when you close the circuit, the coil is still good.
