This is a wonderful instructional video! Your explanations are clear, concise, and accurate. I really appreciate that you explain what the solenoid does, and how it works within the system. The diagram was also extremely helpful. (I am a 53 year old granny, and am trying to help my neighbor solve a starting problem with her car, as she is a mom on a tight budget. Inow drive a 21-year old Miata, after driving a 20-year -old '66 Mustang, so I've learned a little over the years.) Good job!
i had to be a bearer of bad news but on the second starter design you discussed most of them you cant jump that simply because not only does the piggyback solenoid run the starter motor but it also kicks out the starter gear to the flywheel.. thus.. when you jump it like that you just get a running starter but no cranking... there is a way to start it still but that gets a lot more complicated i have one rigged now on mine cause my solenoid is bad on my starter motor
My buddy had to do this to start his 86 Mercury Sable sometimes. He used a big screwdriver. It would send sparks everywhere and generally looked awesome. His "ignition screwdriver" was pitted and covered in electrical burns by the time he junked that old POS car.
This was an excellent explanation, would you mind doing a video on how all the components needed to start an old 60/70 Ford or Chevy work together in concert, ie Ignition Switch (the thing you put the key in), Ignition (silver box under the hood), Regulator, Coil, Distributor, Starter, Battery, etc...
The Micah Channel Wait, I give you an honest complement "excellent explanation" and ask for help and you call me a "smart ass" I don't get it, did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed or something?
gReG sKi Sorry, It sounded like you were saying "great now go explain the entire engineering of the electrical system since you know so much" which to be fair I have had a lot of and yes I maybe did wake up on the wrong side lol. No one is perfect, least of all me!
Do I really need the starter solenoids in my car or I can just hook up its two cables to a push switch and start up the car like that....?What do you think?
All this will work just fine but only if your starter has a thrust Bendix. Other wise your starter will just spin and the teeth will not turn the fly wheel. And if the motion on the Bendix in-gauges and send power to the starter, what you are doing will not work unless you have someone holding the key in the start position to in-gauge the Bendix then it will work. And that's if your electrical coils on the solenoid is not faulty. It will just spin. Just install a new starter and be done with it don't burn yourself and car all up. Be safe :)
If your bendix drive is bad it will not work, if your power is insufficient it will not work. Holding the key in the start position has nothing to do with it- you are bypassing that switch, however the ignition must be on unless you bypass that as well. Yes safety is key, but replacing a starter that is not working due to a bad solenoid contact is futile.
just installed a new battery when I turn the key absolutely nothing happens. no clicking sounds, no lights nothing at all what are the possible reasons?
this was a really helpful explanation! Thanks! :) I have a motorcycle that has a solenoid that I think is bad. I'll use this test to see if that is my issue. A question from a rookie: what is the point of having the solenoid?? it seems like it's just a redundant piece?? or does it stop the flow of electricity so it doesn't drain the battery or constantly turn the starter? I'm confused as to its purpose. Thanks again! Really direct explanation made it very clear :)
its purpose is to allow large amounts of current to reach the starter motor without have to have it go through an ignition switch that would have to be huge to accomodate it.
The best way to check for a power drain is by connecting an amp gauge between your battery positive and the positive cable, pull fuses until the drain stopes.....then you will know what circuit has the issue. It is unlikely but possible the solenoid is your drain.
I don not know that particular solenoid but most of them ground to the frame and all the wires going to the solenoid should be considered hot. Consult your manual and be sure your wiring is correct or you can really do a lot of unnecessary damage.
Hi I have a Landrover when i turn the key the starter just clicks but when i tap solenoid then try again it starts landrover will it be the solenoid. Thanks
Farmer2492 YES! Occasionally some corrosion occurs inside the canister causing the contacts to stick. Once you need to start tapping on it it probably needs to be replaced. Cheers and good luck!
It is the solenoid. This is not uncommon on Tacoma. You have a rotating, sliding shaft in the solenoid that has a large copper washer on the end that is the main contact surface. that washer has a bad face.. Some of them can be turned over to gain a new face and others need the whole solenoid . When you tap it the bad surfaces fall into place to make enough contact to start it spinning. ,
Ok so I have a 1993 ford Thunderbird 3.8 auto. Recently I stopped to get gas and the car wouldn't start after fueling. I thought it was solenoid so i replaced it, some how a wire connected to the solenoid touched the side of the fender and it caught a wire on fire (AT the gas station) under the motor connected to a bolt that hold a ac line or something.. I replaced wire the solenoid and starter now the car started took it for drive parked it... the starter kept spinning starter Bendix went out...replaced all again now the car started drove 100 miles parked it and now it clicks in solenoid WHAT THE HELL??
There are several types of solenoids, your auto parts sales person may or may not know which one you need. Always be careful when installing a new one as you may have transposed wires or been furnished with one that is defective or wired wrong or flat out for a different vehicle. A simple chassis grounded unit only needs 3 terminals, 2 large (bat & start) and one positive to energise the unit. This type is old and not commonly used anymore. Most have four terminals. To keep your self out of trouble photograph the wires before you start anything and label them. Remove the battery terminal first and put it on last and be ready to remove it quickly if there is a problem. I have several times over the years put the wire in the wrong position and had the starter not want to stop or worse you could burn out your ignition (on older models). One last tip, if there is any doubt, ORDER FROM THE DEALER!!! You may pay a few dollars more but you will get the right part the first time and its way cheaper that buying a new starter or a new truck if it burns to the ground!!! Be safe out there everyone. cheers, M
Loved your video. I have an 86 jeep ch7 and must bypass the ignition system and solenoid and start from the starter. I followers your directions for that and didn't see the "copper wire" but connected the pos. Battery terminal to the starter terminal and nothing happened. Any suggestions?
I have a 92 camaro and I put on a new battery and a new starter and the car still will not start I put a screwdriver on the R and S wire and the starter was working the belts and everything were working but the car still did not start what do I need to do
Good video - Question - when I jump the solenoid, I hear a good click, click - it's the bendix kicking in. I can do this repeatedly. I've tapped the starter a few times, didn't help. Should the engine turn a bit while I bump it --- always ? What if only the bendix kicks in, but the engine does not turn ?
Ok so yesterday I Wan on my 4 wheeler and I went I to 1st gear without holding the clucth. (Rookie movie ik). But now it has no power. And I was wondering if anyone could respond to my comment and tell me a tip to try
My ignition does not start my truck. It just clicks once. I followed these instructions and connected the two points on the solenoid and it started. So what do I need to fix? Is the solenoid bad or is it something between my ignition system and the solenoid? Clearly the starter is fine. Please can I get an answer?
You either have a bad connection to your ignition switch or your solenoid, could be the small control wires or the battery cables at the solenoid or it could be that your solenoid is worn out (it does happen). Check all your connections first, I like to use some sand paper and make them all shiny before reconnecting them. If the problem persists, change out the solenoid. NOTE: there are many different solenoid configurations that may or may not work on your vehicle don't put the wrong one wired the wrong way on and burn up your starter or coil or ignition switch or.............. a good practice is to have the positive terminal of the battery loose so if something weird happens you can quickly pull it off. Good Luck!
The Micah Channel Thank you very much for responding. I'll research how to replace a bad solenoid on a '94 Ford Ranger. I'm thinking that's the most likely culprit. The piece inside it that's supposed to connect the two points must not be working.
wrong explaination...if the you bypass the solenoid it will not crank the flywheel of engine because the solenoid will not push the bendix gear to the flywheel to turn..you only turn the motor starter with out engaging the motor starter to the flywheel
This is a wonderful instructional video! Your explanations are clear, concise, and accurate. I really appreciate that you explain what the solenoid does, and how it works within the system. The diagram was also extremely helpful. (I am a 53 year old granny, and am trying to help my neighbor solve a starting problem with her car, as she is a mom on a tight budget. Inow drive a 21-year old Miata, after driving a 20-year -old '66 Mustang, so I've learned a little over the years.) Good job!
Thanks a lot,your video helped me to get my 89 f150 going this morning,see Im constantly having to change the solenoid,thanks for your video.
Friendly helpful description. Thanks. Glad you mentioned Out of Gear! (And of course - Sod's law - so often, connection points inaccessible!)
good explanation - helped me get my '87 4runner going again.
Thankyou so much, I needed this to test my starter motor! Really helpful!
Will from England
Got my atv going, thanks
Don't forget to disconnect the "jumper" immediately after the car starts otherwise the starter will keep running.
i had to be a bearer of bad news but on the second starter design you discussed most of them you cant jump that simply because not only does the piggyback solenoid run the starter motor but it also kicks out the starter gear to the flywheel.. thus.. when you jump it like that you just get a running starter but no cranking... there is a way to start it still but that gets a lot more complicated i have one rigged now on mine cause my solenoid is bad on my starter motor
My buddy had to do this to start his 86 Mercury Sable sometimes. He used a big screwdriver. It would send sparks everywhere and generally looked awesome. His "ignition screwdriver" was pitted and covered in electrical burns by the time he junked that old POS car.
Very nicely done.
good video got my moms car started
thanks!
This was an excellent explanation, would you mind doing a video on how all the components needed to start an old 60/70 Ford or Chevy work together in concert, ie Ignition Switch (the thing you put the key in), Ignition (silver box under the hood), Regulator, Coil, Distributor, Starter, Battery, etc...
The Micah Channel Wait, I give you an honest complement "excellent explanation" and ask for help and you call me a "smart ass" I don't get it, did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed or something?
gReG sKi Sorry, It sounded like you were saying "great now go explain the entire engineering of the electrical system since you know so much" which to be fair I have had a lot of and yes I maybe did wake up on the wrong side lol. No one is perfect, least of all me!
you are
Do I really need the starter solenoids in my car or I can just hook up its two cables to a push switch and start up the car like that....?What do you think?
All this will work just fine but only if your starter has a thrust Bendix. Other wise your starter will just spin and the teeth will not turn the fly wheel. And if the motion on the Bendix in-gauges and send power to the starter, what you are doing will not work unless you have someone holding the key in the start position to in-gauge the Bendix then it will work. And that's if your electrical coils on the solenoid is not faulty. It will just spin. Just install a new starter and be done with it don't burn yourself and car all up. Be safe :)
If your bendix drive is bad it will not work, if your power is insufficient it will not work. Holding the key in the start position has nothing to do with it- you are bypassing that switch, however the ignition must be on unless you bypass that as well. Yes safety is key, but replacing a starter that is not working due to a bad solenoid contact is futile.
I would've thought that if you are bypassing the solenoid then the starter motor's gear won't get pushed out to engage the flywheel??
just installed a new battery when I turn the key absolutely nothing happens. no clicking sounds, no lights nothing at all what are the possible reasons?
this was a really helpful explanation! Thanks! :) I have a motorcycle that has a solenoid that I think is bad. I'll use this test to see if that is my issue. A question from a rookie: what is the point of having the solenoid?? it seems like it's just a redundant piece?? or does it stop the flow of electricity so it doesn't drain the battery or constantly turn the starter? I'm confused as to its purpose. Thanks again! Really direct explanation made it very clear :)
Photography.Naturally I actually had paused your video when I wrote this comment. upon listening further, you answered my question. thanks again :)
its purpose is to allow large amounts of current to reach the starter motor without have to have it go through an ignition switch that would have to be huge to accomodate it.
yes I have a question can a Ford solenoid bring your battery down overnight and that be causing sometimes the drainage of the battery
The best way to check for a power drain is by connecting an amp gauge between your battery positive and the positive cable, pull fuses until the drain stopes.....then you will know what circuit has the issue. It is unlikely but possible the solenoid is your drain.
Thanks I found my prob it was a wire under the dash that was connected to my horn relay...past owners use something to use power. Go figure
I don't mean to sound so ignorant, but the s wire is the little wire that plugs directly on the selinoid, right?
This was great. Thanks!
whats is the purpose of 2 small wires?
thanks that was very helpful!!!
536,587 people had problems with their car starting.
Hey I hate an old nash metropolitan no keys and hasn't ran in over 20 years I want to see if I can get it started how would I do that
Trying to install a replacement solenoid on a 82 mercury cougar. Where do the ground and hot wires go?
I don not know that particular solenoid but most of them ground to the frame and all the wires going to the solenoid should be considered hot. Consult your manual and be sure your wiring is correct or you can really do a lot of unnecessary damage.
Hi I have a Landrover when i turn the key the starter just clicks but when i tap solenoid then try again it starts landrover will it be the solenoid. Thanks
Farmer2492 YES! Occasionally some corrosion occurs inside the canister causing the contacts to stick. Once you need to start tapping on it it probably needs to be replaced.
Cheers and good luck!
Thank you very much.
It is the solenoid. This is not uncommon on Tacoma. You have a rotating, sliding shaft in the solenoid that has a large copper washer on the end that is the main contact surface. that washer has a bad face.. Some of them can be turned over to gain a new face and others need the whole solenoid . When you tap it the bad surfaces fall into place to make enough contact to start it spinning.
,
Ok so I have a 1993 ford Thunderbird 3.8 auto. Recently I stopped to get gas and the car wouldn't start after fueling. I thought it was solenoid so i replaced it, some how a wire connected to the solenoid touched the side of the fender and it caught a wire on fire (AT the gas station) under the motor connected to a bolt that hold a ac line or something.. I replaced wire the solenoid and starter now the car started took it for drive parked it... the starter kept spinning starter Bendix went out...replaced all again now the car started drove 100 miles parked it and now it clicks in solenoid WHAT THE HELL??
There are several types of solenoids, your auto parts sales person may or may not know which one you need. Always be careful when installing a new one as you may have transposed wires or been furnished with one that is defective or wired wrong or flat out for a different vehicle. A simple chassis grounded unit only needs 3 terminals, 2 large (bat & start) and one positive to energise the unit. This type is old and not commonly used anymore. Most have four terminals. To keep your self out of trouble photograph the wires before you start anything and label them. Remove the battery terminal first and put it on last and be ready to remove it quickly if there is a problem. I have several times over the years put the wire in the wrong position and had the starter not want to stop or worse you could burn out your ignition (on older models). One last tip, if there is any doubt, ORDER FROM THE DEALER!!! You may pay a few dollars more but you will get the right part the first time and its way cheaper that buying a new starter or a new truck if it burns to the ground!!!
Be safe out there everyone.
cheers,
M
Loved your video. I have an 86 jeep ch7 and must bypass the ignition system and solenoid and start from the starter. I followers your directions for that and didn't see the "copper wire" but connected the pos. Battery terminal to the starter terminal and nothing happened. Any suggestions?
I have a 92 camaro and I put on a new battery and a new starter and the car still will not start I put a screwdriver on the R and S wire and the starter was working the belts and everything were working but the car still did not start what do I need to do
Verify that you have power going to your ignition.
super job wow thank you for sharing!!!!!!!
HI, DO YOU THINK THAT WILL WORK WHEN YOU HAVE A BAD IGNITION SWITCH ? THANKS
CUMITA-4WD this video is to. BYpass the starter selenoid not ignition switch
Thanks everyone for your comments, I'm really glad I could help!
can it used on a 120 volt system or its just for automobile?
Dude!!! Please don't do this with a high voltage relay!!!!!
I have a good battery but when I jump my solenoid i get nothing. I have the same set up.
bad or burnt cables...... Isolated ground.....
what are you burning in the background?
No cause for alarm, that is just my brain....whats left of it.
Good video - Question - when I jump the solenoid, I hear a good click, click - it's the bendix kicking in. I can do this repeatedly. I've tapped the starter a few times, didn't help.
Should the engine turn a bit while I bump it --- always ?
What if only the bendix kicks in, but the engine does not turn ?
I'm working on my boat
Ok so yesterday I Wan on my 4 wheeler and I went I to 1st gear without holding the clucth. (Rookie movie ik). But now it has no power. And I was wondering if anyone could respond to my comment and tell me a tip to try
My ignition does not start my truck. It just clicks once. I followed these instructions and connected the two points on the solenoid and it started. So what do I need to fix? Is the solenoid bad or is it something between my ignition system and the solenoid? Clearly the starter is fine. Please can I get an answer?
You either have a bad connection to your ignition switch or your solenoid, could be the small control wires or the battery cables at the solenoid or it could be that your solenoid is worn out (it does happen). Check all your connections first, I like to use some sand paper and make them all shiny before reconnecting them. If the problem persists, change out the solenoid. NOTE: there are many different solenoid configurations that may or may not work on your vehicle don't put the wrong one wired the wrong way on and burn up your starter or coil or ignition switch or.............. a good practice is to have the positive terminal of the battery loose so if something weird happens you can quickly pull it off. Good Luck!
The Micah Channel Thank you very much for responding. I'll research how to replace a bad solenoid on a '94 Ford Ranger. I'm thinking that's the most likely culprit. The piece inside it that's supposed to connect the two points must not be working.
The Micah Chann
l
plz assist me if I always start the car this way only is their any harm to the car or starter or battery?
This is an emergency start method, buy the parts and fix the problem.
does a bad solenoid prevent the cart to move in reverse?
No.
Classic
Brakes are bad so I've got the wheels chocked. I should put it in neutral then right?
Yoyosten99 YES!!!!
+The Micah Channel Ya
wrong explaination...if the you bypass the solenoid it will not crank the flywheel of engine because the solenoid will not push the bendix gear to the flywheel to turn..you only turn the motor starter with out engaging the motor starter to the flywheel
can you blow a fuse doing this?
Nice... however I cant hear a word you say
turn up the volume! lol
in the actual video is right but in your drawing that you expalin the solenoid is built in the starter motor your wrong
You sound a bit like Obama 😂
Anyone else think this guy sounds like Barrack Obama?