Question about starter solenoids.
Discussion
I have acquired an old ride-on mower. It's fairly sound, but in need of a little fettling.
It won't start off the key. I've checked the main fuse, safety switches and wiring are fine but nothing when I turn the key to start. I've narrowed it down to a problem with either the starter solenoid or the ignition switch.
It starts ( and then runs fine ) if I touch the two terminals on the solenoid with a screwdriver to start , then switches off with the key. I don't know much about solenoids, just wondering if it would still start like this if the solenoid is knackered of if I can cross off the solenoid as the issue.
It won't start off the key. I've checked the main fuse, safety switches and wiring are fine but nothing when I turn the key to start. I've narrowed it down to a problem with either the starter solenoid or the ignition switch.
It starts ( and then runs fine ) if I touch the two terminals on the solenoid with a screwdriver to start , then switches off with the key. I don't know much about solenoids, just wondering if it would still start like this if the solenoid is knackered of if I can cross off the solenoid as the issue.
This does not test the solenoid, only the motor itself.
There should be three terminals on the solenoid, two large (power in from battery, power out to motor), one small (exciter for solenoid winding)
Your next test is to flash the large battery side terminal of the solenoid to the small terminal. If it works, your solenoid is fine, but you have no power to it from the starter switch so you then need to check for volts at the small terminal's wire, and at that wire's other end at the switch.
There should be three terminals on the solenoid, two large (power in from battery, power out to motor), one small (exciter for solenoid winding)
Your next test is to flash the large battery side terminal of the solenoid to the small terminal. If it works, your solenoid is fine, but you have no power to it from the starter switch so you then need to check for volts at the small terminal's wire, and at that wire's other end at the switch.
TwinKam said:
This does not test the solenoid, only the motor itself.
There should be three terminals on the solenoid, two large (power in from battery, power out to motor), one small (exciter for solenoid winding)
Your next test is to flash the large battery side terminal of the solenoid to the small terminal. If it works, your solenoid is fine, but you have no power to it from the starter switch so you then need to check for volts at the small terminal's wire, and at that wire's other end at the switch.
Thanks, I'll try that this afternoon.There should be three terminals on the solenoid, two large (power in from battery, power out to motor), one small (exciter for solenoid winding)
Your next test is to flash the large battery side terminal of the solenoid to the small terminal. If it works, your solenoid is fine, but you have no power to it from the starter switch so you then need to check for volts at the small terminal's wire, and at that wire's other end at the switch.
Desiderata said:
TwinKam said:
This does not test the solenoid, only the motor itself.
There should be three terminals on the solenoid, two large (power in from battery, power out to motor), one small (exciter for solenoid winding)
Your next test is to flash the large battery side terminal of the solenoid to the small terminal. If it works, your solenoid is fine, but you have no power to it from the starter switch so you then need to check for volts at the small terminal's wire, and at that wire's other end at the switch.
Thanks, I'll try that this afternoon.There should be three terminals on the solenoid, two large (power in from battery, power out to motor), one small (exciter for solenoid winding)
Your next test is to flash the large battery side terminal of the solenoid to the small terminal. If it works, your solenoid is fine, but you have no power to it from the starter switch so you then need to check for volts at the small terminal's wire, and at that wire's other end at the switch.
The plug going into the switch doesn't look good. Corroded terminals and melted plastic. I'll bodge it for now to see if I can get it to work then order a new connector.
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