See full version: How to Test a Solenoid- A Step by Step Guide
Wiring and power systems can be a little tricky to wrap your head around, especially when it comes to something as specific as a solenoid. This device is necessary with your vehicle’s starter in order to keep your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently. But you may be wondering, how do I know my solenoid works properly?
You will need to open up the hood of your vehicle and locate the engine. Both the starter and the solenoid will be found here. You will need to locate the starter, which is one large cylinder with a smaller cylinder attached to it. This smaller cylinder will have two terminals coming out of each end. This cylinder will be your solenoid as shown below. more
Basically, a solenoid is there to move electrical current to the starter. This makes it an absolutely crucial part of a working vehicle or any other project that requires power from a battery to a starter. For a more in-depth description on what is a solenoid, check out Del City’s blog!
There are several steps required to test a starter solenoid, and none are very difficult to accomplish. You must first locate the solenoid to determine if it is in the engine compartment or underneath the vehicle; the solenoid is typically a small, black component with a large battery wire and two smaller wires attached to it. The voltage of the battery should always be tested before you attempt to test the starter solenoid, and this requires a voltmeter to do properly. Once satisfied the battery is not at fault, the positive cable on the solenoid must be crossed with the starter post to it. If the starter cranks, the solenoid is good; however, if the starter clicks, the solenoid requires replacement.
One of the first clues that a solenoid is on the way out is a slow, dragging starter or a series of clicks when the ignition key is turned. The difficulty in diagnosing a problematic solenoid is that a dead battery or a poor ground to the battery or solenoid can all give the same initial symptoms. When a faulty solenoid is suspected, the first step to test a starter solenoid is actually to test the battery. Using a voltage meter, the battery can be tested by placing the tester's electrodes onto the battery terminals. The voltage should read 12 volts. The next step, if the battery tested well, is to test the voltage at the solenoid. more
If the solenoid is under the vehicle, the vehicle should be jacked up and securely blocked. In order to test a starter solenoid, the positive test probe should be placed on the large bolt and wire attached to the front of the solenoid. The ground probe can be placed on the starter's body or the vehicle's engine block. With the probes in place, the starter can be engaged by an assistant. The voltage meter should read 12 volts for a good solenoid; any other reading indicates a problem with the wiring.
Most of the time, referring to a user’s manual or other guide is a necessary first step when testing a solenoid. The user’s manual will typically contain information about optimal solenoid operating conditions, such as voltage and torque measurements. Common problems may be listed in a user’s manual, as well, removing the need to test a solenoid at all or perhaps answering some of the basic questions about a problem. Unique problems with specific solenoids are often indicated in user’s manuals, as well. more
There are many different ways of testing a solenoid, generally dependent on the specific device configuration and the complexity of that device. Before testing, it is usually important to check the user’s manual for any tips and for the specifications of the device during normal operation. Testing a solenoid also might include measuring with a multimeter, observing solenoid operations, testing individual parts and replacing suspect parts. The complex interconnections of solenoids, however, mean the ability to test a solenoid is often limited.
One of the most basic ways of checking a solenoid is to check the voltages with a multimeter. Most of the time the multimeter leads can be placed on the correct solenoid leads to show important specifications such as resistance and voltage levels. Checking these levels against normal operating specifications can indicate a problem, though this method alone often will not be enough to fully diagnose solenoid problems.
If possible, it can be helpful to test the individual parts that make up a solenoid device. For instance, if the housing of a solenoid is badly damaged, it could be interfering with normal machine operations by shorting out a circuit or preventing regular motion. In many cases, testing a solenoid means observing all related parts to make sure they are in good working order. here
Jump across the solenoid on the engine. If the starter activates the problem is the solenoid. If the starter doesn't activate you have another problem.
Re: Bench test a starter solenoid?? more
Make sure you have a working neutral safety switch in the throttle handle. There should be a brown wire going to the motor. Look at the motor and find that brown wire. There should be a quick disconnect. Disconnect that wire and try to start again. That will eliminate the neutral safety switch form the circut. If it starts its the switch. If not then you still have another issue. Does this help? [links]