Service Manual

GLOSSARY
'HP\VWL¿FWLRQ*ORVVDU\  
GLOSSARY
6ROHQRLG6WDUWHU
/RFDWLRQ
The starter solenoid is located under the rear fender
behind the battery. Remove the battery and battery
tray to access the solenoid (Figure 11).
3XUSRVH
The solenoid’s purpose is simply to connect the
battery to the starter motor when the ignition switch
is turned to “START”. The solenoid is used to protect
the ignition switch from the high current drawn by the
starter motor.
+RZ,W:RUNV
The solenoid has two primary parts (Figure 12):
1. A coil of wire wrapped around an iron core.
2. A bar type switch.
When 12 volts is applied to the coil, it becomes an
electromagnet. This quickly pulls the bar toward
the contacts and closes the switch. Because the
contact terminals have a large contact area it can
easily handle the high current loads required by the
starter motor. When power is removed from the coil,
the spring loaded bar returns to its “normally open”
position. The solenoid closes and opens the switch
very quickly. This minimizes the “arcing” that can
damage other types of switches.
The ignition switch is protected because only a small
amount of current is needed to activate the coil.
7HVWLQJ
1. Disconnect the solenoid from the wiring harness.
2. With a multimeter (ohms setting), check to ensure
that terminals “C” and “D” are open (no continuity)
(Figure 13).
3. Apply +12 VDC to terminal “a” and ground mounting
tab “B”. Terminals “C” and “D” should now be closed
(continuity) (Figure 13).
4. You should be able to hear the solenoid switch
“click” when you make the connection.
(A) & (B) Coil Terminals (C) & (D) Contact Terminals
Solenoid
(not energized)
C
A
D
B
)LJXUH start sol
C
D
B
A
)LJXUH start sol
)LJXUH solloc