7.20
Section 7
Electrical System and Components
Solenoid Test Procedure
Solenoid Shift Style Starters
Disconnect all leads from the solenoid including the
positive brush lead attached to the lower stud
terminal. Remove the mounting hardware and
separate the solenoid from the starter for testing.
Test 1. Solenoid Pull-In Coil/Plunger Actuation
Test.
Use a 12 volt power supply and two test leads.
Connect one lead to the flat spade
S/start
terminal on
the solenoid. Momentarily* connect the other lead to
the lower large post terminal. See Figure 7-46.
When the connection is made the solenoid should
energize (audible click), and the plunger retract.
Repeat the test several times. If the solenoid fails to
activate, it should be replaced.
*
NOTE
: DO NOT leave the 12 volt test leads
connected to the solenoid for any time
over what is necessary for performing
each of the individual tests. Internal
damage to the solenoid may otherwise
occur.
Figure 7-46. Testing Pull-In Coil/Plunger Actuation.
Test 2. Solenoid Pull-In Coil/Contact Continuity
Test.
Use an ohmmeter set to the audible or Rx2K scale, and
connect the two ohmmeter leads to the two large post
terminals. Perform the preceding test (1) and check for
continuity. See Figure 7-47. The ohmmeter should
indicate continuity, if no continuity is indicated the
solenoid should be replaced. Repeat test several times
to confirm condition.
Figure 7-47. Testing Pull-In Coil/Solenoid Contact
Continuity.
Test 3. Solenoid Hold-In Coil Function Test.
Connect one 12 volt test lead to the flat spade
S/start
terminal on the solenoid, and the other lead to the
body or mounting surface of the solenoid. Then,
manually push the plunger
In
and check if the
Hold-In
coil holds the plunger retracted. See Figure
7-48. Do not allow the test leads to remain connected
to the solenoid for a prolonged period of time. If the
plunger fails to stay retracted, the solenoid should be
replaced.
Figure 7-48. Testing Hold-In Coil/Function Test.
VOM Leads
12 volt Test Leads
Momentary
Connection Only
12 volt Test Leads
Momentary
Connection Only
Manually Push
Plunger In
12 volt Test Leads
Connect Only Long
Enough toTest
