You may have gotten into your car, turned the key and found nothing happening. If it has never happened to you, one day it will happen. If you are able to do some tests to trace the source of the problem, you can tighten the search for the dead battery, the defective starter or the starter valve. Succeeding in this will save you money on repairs. While testing a battery is easy, you'll need to know a few things to check the starter valve. You will also need to make sure that the problem is not caused by the battery, the starter switch or the starter motor. If you know how to use some simple tools, the following instructions will allow you to check and test the valve.
Steps
Step 1. Move the machine to a position that allows you to access the starter valve
-
Depending on the type of car you may have to work from below. In this case, use jacks and props and make sure you take all necessary precautions. You may need to remove some nearby parts as well to make room and work.
Test a Starter Solenoid Step 1Bullet1
Step 2. Locate the starter valve electrical connectors
One has a braided wire that attaches to the starter. This is the positive.
Step 3. Make sure the starter motor is receiving the correct amount of power by using a voltmeter on the positive pole of the valve
-
Place the positive lead from the voltmeter to the positive connector on the valve and ground the negative lead from the voltmeter. Then ask a friend to start the car. When the key is turned the voltmeter should indicate 12 volts.
Test a Starter Solenoid Step 3Bullet1 -
If it does not receive 12 volts, the problem is due to the battery or the starter switch. The tube should also make a clicking sound or a clanging sound. Attention, it may make this sound but not receive 12 volts yet, so it is important to use the voltmeter to test the power level.
Test a Starter Solenoid Step 3Bullet2
Step 4. Test the valve by applying current directly from the battery
-
Remove the starter switch cable from the valve and, with an insulated screwdriver, shorten the positive of the valve to the terminal where the starter switch is connected. This will send 12 volts directly from the battery. This should activate the valve and start the car. If the starter switch does not carry the appropriate amount of current or the valve is old then this could be a problem.
Test a Starter Solenoid Step 4Bullet1
Advice
- Keep the old valve or starter motor and return them to the auto parts store where you bought them to have the core recharged.
- Check the battery first. Then the switch and the starter motor before checking the valve.
- If the valve is defective or you are not sure if the problem is the valve or the starter motor, consider replacing everything and not just the valve. It doesn't cost that much more and the mechanics recommend it as the two sides work together.
