Anybody who works on car repairs must know how to test a starter motor solenoid. It needs to be functioning correctly, due to its role in the car’s engine. If all this sounds like a headache, don’t worry! This no-nonsense guide will give you all the instructions to test your starter motor solenoid by yourself.
So relax, wear your mechanic gloves, and dive in!
Starter motor solenoid and how it functions
The starter solenoid is incredibly important- it is what allows your engine to turn on in the first place. It needs to be working perfectly to ensure a problem-free ignition. When the ignition key is switched on, it gives current to the solenoid. The current activates the magnetic field around it. This is the key to completing the circuit, that allows the engine to receive power from the battery.
If your solenoid isn’t working properly, you can imagine that your car won’t start at all. It’s okay. You can check yourself to see if it is functioning properly in just a few steps. The equipment is easily found in regular homes, so you won’t need bank-breaking products.
Preparatory Work
Machinery is not easy to work with—a certain amount of preparation is necessary. Follow these steps carefully.
Safety Measures
- Make sure the vehicle is parked on an even, level surface. No slopes or highways. A garage is the optimal surface. This will give you a steady car to work with, plus you will stay safe.
- The engine must be switched off. This is so simple, but it is not to be overlooked. ALWAYS check twice before testing your starter solenoid.
- Before, turn the parking brake on. This will halt the wheels and keep your car in place.
- Put on safety gloves and protective glasses. There will be grease, but more importantly, sparks and electricity. So wear rubber gloves and safety glasses, like the ones you’d see welders and lab workers wearing.
- Carefully remove the battery and any other power supplies. This is important. The motor should not be getting any power while you’re working on it- it could harm you.
What You’ll Need
- Multimeter- it will be used to check voltage and resistance.
- Test light- this will be used to check voltage.
- Wrenches- you will need these to remove bolts, nuts, and disconnect parts.
- Screwdriver- it will be used to remove any screw, e.g. terminals.
- Jumper cables- These will help you try to fix the starter solenoid yourself by jumping it.
- Safety gloves and goggles- for precaution.
All of these items can be found at any local hardware store. Consult the employees if you’re unsure.
How to Test A Starter Solenoid (Step-by-Step)
Below is the easy, broken-down guide to testing a starter solenoid. Follow the steps carefully. If it is not working, check the guide again to ensure you followed everything.
Locate the Starter Solenoid
If available, check your car’s manual to find the solenoid. If you can’t find it, search online or contact the company. Local garages could also help. But generally, it should be around your starter motor.
Remember to clean any dirt or rust around the area first. You will require a clean slate to work upon, and your car’s interior will be thankful.
Checking for Current from the Solenoid
Bring a trustworthy assistant with you. Go through the safety precautions with them as well. Gather your multimeter and test light, and recheck the list of precautions (better safe than sorry!) Once you’ve found the starter solenoid, it’s time to reconnect the battery. Be especially careful during this part.
Follow your multimeter’s manual and set it to measure DC(direct current) voltage. Check that the test light is grounded and working adequately.
Use either the multimeter or the test light- the test light is easier- to check the terminal on the solenoid that is connected to the battery. There should be a reading of 12 Volts. If you’re using the test light, it should turn on. If this happens, the starter solenoid is receiving power from the battery.
Then, you need to check the starter side. Ask your assistant to turn the ignition to “start” and observe the terminal on the solenoid that links to the starter motor. The results should be the same as the previous ones. This means that the solenoid is providing power to the starter motor.
A small terminal on the solenoid connects to the ignition switch wire. Keeping the key in the “start” position, check this terminal. Once again, the multimeter should read 12 Volts, or the test light illuminates. An indication that the starter solenoid is getting power from the ignition switch.
Checking Resistance in Solenoid
Always test the solenoid’s resistance! Start by removing the battery, and set your multimeter to the resistance setting. Find the solenoid. Separate the wires connected to it. Attach the multimeter probes to the solenoid terminals. A properly working starter solenoid will have a resistance between 0.4 to 2 Ohms. The range may vary, so once again, refer to your car’s manual. If your reading is too high, the starter solenoid is not functioning as it should.
Afterward, make sure to reattach the cables and the battery.
Signs of a Bad Starter Solenoid
It’s simple to spot signs of a failing starter solenoid. It seems tricky when you see experts check, but it’s relatively easy. And even if it isn’t concrete, if you notice any of these, it’s recommended to test the solenoid immediately.
- No sound upon ignition. If you turn the ignition switch on, and there is no sound, that means the solenoid is not working properly. It’s completely gone. Sounds can be a bit tricky. Read up on the other signs to know which sounds indicate a problem.
- If your vehicle starts smoothly sometimes, then here- that means your solenoid is working nicely, right? Don’t celebrate yet. Does your vehicle struggle to start sometimes? Unfortunately, that is bad news. It means your starter solenoid is on the edge of failing. Check it out immediately.
- A clicking sound upon turning the ignition key will indicate a problem. You turn the ignition key, and there’s a short clicking sound. However, the engine won’t start. This means your solenoid is trying, but it cannot work. Be kind to it and get it checked.
- Slow cranking noises from the vehicle could mean that the solenoid is working, but not properly. It does not provide the required power to the starter motor.
- If the starter motor continues to operate after the engine has started, there’s an issue. Starter motors are supposed to disengage after the engine is running. The solenoid might be stuck in the “on” position if it’s still working.
How to Fix a Bad Starter Solenoid
It is not very difficult to fix a faulty starter solenoid. With some patience you can do it yourself. Always follow the safety precautions listed above in this article.
- Check the connections- check all the cables and terminals of the solenoid to make sure they are attached securely. Clean any dust and debris, or your motor will corrode easily. A lot of problems arise from loose and/or dirty connections.
- Striking the solenoid with a hammer can help release it, if it is jammed. This one is risky since you might harm other parts of the starter motor, so be very careful.
- Try jumping the starter. You can determine if the solenoid is the problem by not using it- just disconnect it from the rest of the motor. Use a screwdriver and connect the two terminals to each other. ALWAYS do this with gloves. It could result in sparks.
- If none of the above works, it’s time to replace the solenoid. Get a new one from a trusted source, and ensure it is for your vehicle model. Disconnect the battery and remove the solenoid. Clean the area and put on the shiny new solenoid. Check all the connections thrice. Once you’ve done the replacements, test the starter. If it still doesn’t work, then your solenoid probably wasn’t the problem. This means that another part of the starter motor is faulty. Maybe you need to replace the starter motor.
Conclusion
By following the above instructions and maintaining your solenoid regularly, you can rest assured that your starter system is working smoothly. Further, a good solenoid will keep you safe while driving your car. Testing your starter motor solenoid is an easy process. Proper guidance can save you a lot of money and time dragging your vehicle to experts and garages.