As a DIY newbie, I think this video is highly educational and very well done. I like it when you included all the elements required - the video, the real sound, 3D animations and the real work being done. You delivered a lot under just 7 minutes. Thank you and congratulations.
You may have what is called a parasitic draw. To check remove one battery cable and connect an amp meter between the cable and post on the battery. Let is sit for about a half hour and read the meter. If it reads more than 50 mamps, you have a draw. Leave the meter hook up and start removing fuses. When you find the right circuit the meter will drop. Then reconnect the fuse and start unplugging what ever is in that circuit. Mark Hicks Wells Vehicle Electronics
Great video. I replaced the starter solenoid in my 1998 F-150. Turns out not to be a problem, but was a problem because it exploded into a thousand pieces when I tried to remove the first nut. Now, it seems like there is a break in the "S" terminal wire. I can't seem to find out how to replace that wire to fix it. Some days it starts, some days it won't. Very frustrating.
Best out there so far..i know this stuff ..just like to see what others are up to ..gr8 vid ..wish I was into making these but just learned to text a year ago ..old school.yup..
Wow thank you for the kind words. We do put thought into these and try to answer the questions before they are asked. Thank you again, your comment means a lot to us! Mark Hicks Wells Vehicle Electronics
Monitor check engine light operation. If it comes on the PCM powers and grnds are OK. if not go there first. if it comes on crank the engine, as soon as the engine starts to turn, the check engine light MUST go out. if not go to the crank sensor and check for about .7v AC output at normal crank speed. The crankshaft position sensor has a very high failure rate on your vehicle. Stay in touch, Mark Hicks Wells Vehicle Electronics
+John g Thanks for the kind words! Check back often we are putting up new videos every other week! If you go over to our website you can subscribe and get an email every time we have another class. www.wellsve.com/wells_tech.html Mike Becker, Technical Services Instructor
You should have 12 volts on both sides of the solenoid when it is activated. Try disconnecting the starter cable and see then. If you have 12 volts on both sides at that time, you have a bad cable to the starter, poor connection on that cable, a bad ground on the starter or block or a bad starter. The NSW is before the solenoid. If the solenoid is clicking (activating) the NSW is ok. Mark Hicks Wells Vehicle Electronics
6. If the switches are showing a valid position combination, attempt to move the shift motor with power and ground applied to the Yellow (YL) and Orange (OR) wires of the shift motor to make it move completely to the 4L or 2H positions, and then recheck the indicated position of the position switches on the flat 8-terminal connection. Mark Hicks Wells Vehicle Electronics
I have 12 v on battery side of solenoid and only 7 volts on starter side while attempting to start. Does neutral safety switch come into play before or after starter side of solenoid. What should voltage be on starter side of solenoid.
4. If the LED does not illuminate, check the power and ground circuits of the remaining 8-terminal pigtail connector before condemning the shift module. 5. If the module passes self test, check the resistance between the White/Yellow (WT/YL) wire of the 8-terminal flat connector, and the next 4 wires down the connector row, one-at-a-time for indications of open and closed readings that will identify the position of the shift motor.
Disconnect the "S" terminal and connect a test light to it .. like we did in the video. Try to crank the engine and the light should come on bright. If it doesn't it means either you have a problem with the wire to the "S" terminal, neutral safety switch or ignition switch issue. Stay in touch, Mark Hicks Wells Vehicle Electronics
It is recommended to replace the solenoid with the starter because, if the solenoid has some time on it, it more likely to stick in the "on" position and keep the starter engaged while the engine is running. This would in turn ruin the new starter. Thank you for the kind words, they me a lot to us, Mark Hicks Wells Vehicle Electronics
Great video! Helped me diagnose my F-150's starter relay. I understand that this vieeo was from when Reagan was president but its so blurry i had to watch it 7-8 times to really see where the red lead is supposed to be connected when testing the various terminals. I didnt want to connect the test light incorrectly and short out the ignition wiring or something else.
@MrMentalbreakdown00 No apologies necessary. I like the way you think and please never be ashamed of a question. Its the ones who don't like questions I am worried about. This is a wonderful subject of debate. In my humble opinion on a Ford system i think you are correct. I think it has been called a solenoid for so long no one questions it any longer. However, on other makes it would have to be called a solenoid. I am very open for comments on this one. Mark Hicks Wells Vehicle Electronics
The first thing you want to do is check for voltage on the "S" terminal of the solenoid when the key is turned to the start position. If you have constant power there, then turn "on" your headlights and try to start it. If the headlights go out it means either the battery is going dead or you have a bad connection on the battery. If you can jump the solenoid and it cranks, the solenoid is working. Let me know how it goes, Mark Hicks Wells Vehicle Electronics
Well thats a good sign. Does the solenoid click when you try to start the engine? If it does it means it is working. Then check the cable to the starter from the solenoid. You can also try connecting a jumper cable from the solenoid to the starter. If it then cranks the cable is defective. Also check if the wire going to the "S" terminal on the solenoid is getting hot when trying to crank the engine. Mark Hicks Wells Vehicle Electronics
When you turn the key to the start position there must be 12 volts on the wire going to the "S" terminal. Disconnect the wire there and see if you have the 12 volts with the key turned to start. If you don't, check the fuses and the ignition switch. Mark Hicks Wells Vehicle Electronics
@sonico73 Try turning your headlights "on", then try to start it. If the headlights stay bright, check that power is getting to the starter. If it is chances are you need to check the starter. Try tapping it with a hammer while trying to crank it. If that works you need a starter. If the headlights dim while trying to crank, it means a poor connection or bad battery. Stay in touch, Mark Hicks Wells Vehicle Electronics
1. Access the 4WD shift module and disconnect the 5-pin and 8-pin flat connectors. 2. Perform self-test of the 4WD shift module by pushing the small button on the module and looking at the activity of the Light Emitting Diode (LED) on the module with the ignition switch in the Run position. A pass of the self-test will result in 4 flashes of the LED. 3. If the LED illuminates and stays on, replace the 4WD shift module.
Thank you for the kind words. If you ever need any assistance on vehicle electronics just let us know, we are here to help the best we can! Mark Hicks Wells Vehicle Electronics
It sounds like either you have a low battery or a defective cable. When a solenoid just does a series of clicks it means you do not have enough amperage / voltage to hold it "on". Hope this helps! Mark Hicks Wells Vehicle Electronics
Either you have a bad starter, negative cable or connection on negative cable. I would first connect a jumper cable from the engine block or better yet the starter housing and to the negative post on the battery. If the starter now works, check all connections from starter to battery negative. If it still will not spin, chances are the starter needs to be replaced. Stay in touch and let everyone know what you find please. Mark Hicks Wells Vehicle Electronics
It is typically on the side close to the radiator. There may be a heat shield over the top of it. Look where the transmission meets the engine. Mark Hicks Wells vehicle Electronics
Great video, Question...I have 12v going in but 5.94v output of the same coil. I ordered a new coil but was wondering if there could be another issue. Getting same voltage to the starter.
Hey Trance, thanks for watching! If one side is 12v and the other side less than 12, then you have a voltage drop across the solenoid....time for a new one. Mike Becker, Senior Instructor
First check if there is battery voltage on the connector going to the "s" terminal with it disconnected and the key turned "off". If you do not have voltage, turn the key to the start position and check again. It should only have voltage when the key is turned to start. If you do have voltage, either the switch or the relay could cause this. When you get to this point let me know and I will tell you what to do next. Mark Hicks Wells Vehicle Electronics
Turn the headlights "on" and try to start it. If the headlights go out when you try to crank the engine, it means either a low battery, cable or most common a bad connection on the battery. Let me know, Mark Hicks Wells Vehicle Electronics
I have a 2001 ford expedition 5.4L. Im having a problem with what i think would be the starter solenoid. What it does is, i go to turn the key and it dies as if there isn't enough power getting to the starter to start it. If i jump it at the solenoid it starts just fine. My battery is fine and my alternator is fine. Please help if you can?? Thanks
It sounds to me like either the battery is defective or the charging system is not working. Start the engine and connect a voltmeter to the battery, you should be charging 14.5 volts with the headlights on, give or take a little. Let me know, Mark Hicks Wells Vehicle Electronics
It could be. Here is something to try: with the key in the start position try lightly tapping the starter. If the engine cranks at that time, you know the starter is defective. Mark Hicks Wells Vehicle Electronics
2004 Grand Am engine turns slowly. I thought it was the battery, battery tested good at auto zone with good cranking amps. Tried again, had someone crank engion, again turned serpentine belt slowely then I smelled smoke, and starter was very hot. The starter came out but I couldn't get the solenoid mounted above it out. Is it possible the starter (hot) is bad and the solenoid is ok,
2004 Toyota Camry. Thought starter was going out. Give it a little tap and would start. One day wouldn't start at all. Replaced started. Cars starts sometimes. It's clicks once. I play with the key and sometimes it starts. Sometimes it doesn't. Any advice? I have several spare keys. It's the same with all of them.
Could be ignition switch related. You'll want to check power to the S terminal on the starter when the key is in the start position. Could also be the transmission range switch. Mike Becker, Senior Technical Instructor
I have a 1992 V-6 Eddie Bauer Aerostar, when I turn the key to start it, the dashboard lights up, but the engine won’t start, I try this several times and then it will start. I don’t think it is the battery because I usually charge it after the car has been setting in my air conditioned insulated Barn and I keep the Barn heated in the winter. Can you give me an idea of what to try? Oh, I am the original owner and bought it from the Ford Lima Engine Plant where the V-6 engine was built.
It could be one of the above. What is the year, make, model and engine size? I can then tell you the easiest way to test and most common cause for the issue. Mark Hicks Wells Vehicle Electronics
So, if the solenoid starts when bridging the main connectors, will not start by key but the key wire is showing signs of power, does that mean the solenoid needs replaced?
I understand exactly ... thank you for the update! Glad you found the issue. Sometimes lessons are tough to swallow. Take Care, Mark Hicks Wells Vehicle Electronics
The coil could be the cause, but it is rare. If you can, check for an injector pulse. You will need a noid light to do this. You can borrow one at your local AutoZone store. If you do not have an injector pulse, chances are your crankshaft sensor is defective. Let me know what you find, Mark Hicks Wells Vehicle Electronics
Wow thank you for the kind words! Our videos are done by master techs. No editors, shooters just techs. We do our best, your words mean a lot to us! Mark Hicks Wells Vehicle Electronics
@mybasshas7strings Hello, I am not sure why the starter would make a rattling sound at mid temperatures, but that sure does not rule it out. I would have a friend turn the key and I would go under the hood to try to pinpoint the problem. Put your hand on the starter, feel and listen to see if it is the cause. Id you are listening by the engine you kust might be able to detect the problem. Let me know how it turns out of if you have any further questions, Mark Hicks Wells Vehicle Electronics
The solenoid does a single click when you try to start the engine. So I connected a jumper cable to the large post on the starter (key in "off" position, of course) and connected the other end to the "s" terminal and the starter cranked. Then I tried a jumper cable from the battery positive post to the "s" terminal and again the starter cranked (a similar test, I know). So I'm guessing the wire from the "s" post on the solenoid down to the push on fitting on the starter is bad?
I have a 2000 Honda Accord that has been experiencing faults for about 3 month now. It all started when i left my lights on one day and had to jump start. Since i tend to often do that, after that jump start, my car started to have a click when i yank the ignition to start it, then the second yank would turn it on.First thought was the starter, but then the starter was replaced 2012, so i was doubtful. The car had survived with the start up problem until yesterday. I try to yank it for about 5 minutes and it would get a feeling just off the edge to start but not enough power.Now it completely died, no sound at all. I jump start my battery and left it on for about 20 minutes, turned it off and on a few times after that, and it was ok. Woke up today and the entire car has dim lights, there is a short rattle noise in the first yank, follow by no sound at all. Not sure what my next move is after watching all these informal videos, any help would be appreciated. Thank you
so if i take the black connector off of the solenoid and bridge that connector it will start right up...if I hook it back up to that solenoid it wont start...doesnt even make 1 click noise. but if while that connector is on there is i bridge the 2 studs that they are bolted to with a metal wrench it starts right up. is that a bad solenoid? i just changed it 3 yrs ago its probably got less than 10000 miles on it. all that voltage testing looks confusing but i guess im gonna have to figure that bad boy out. any info is greatly appreciated thank you
If the starter is spinning but not engaging the flywheel. Either the bendix drive in the starter is bad or there are teeth missing or wore on the flywheel. Pull the starter and inspect the flywheel. If looks good have the starter tested and probably replaced. Mark Hicks Wells Vehicle Electronics
Will a bad starter solenoid cause the 15amp fuse to blow out...i changed it and it started once cut it off went inside to get money to go eat and it will not start also it blew the fuse I just replaced
Hey KangoKid Kidd, thanks for watching! The solenoid is just allowing current to flow to the starter. It really shouldn't directly cause that fuse to blow. I'd be looking for something else in that circuit. Mike Becker, Senior Instructor
@@GoTechTraining shit man I am not smart to do all that but just so you know I think if the starter solenoid is bad it will send current double back to the fuse that is what I think happened so in saying that I replaced the starter solenoid then replaced the fuse and it started flawlessly I mean I barely had to turn the key all the way...and it's being starting like a new excursion...so I am not saying your wrong and I ain't to professional but my theory worked and thanks to YOU...i was like well if the starter solenoid is bad then that's why the fuse is being blown out...i just keep it simple...and also by taking a screw driver from post to post on the starter solenoid it started up with no problem at so ...yiu guys have to say stuff like if you jump the starter solenoid and truck or car starts then it has to be a bad starter solenoid....that would have saved me lots of time...truck runs great and I thank you and all the you tubers who take the time to make video's like yours...thank you from the bottom and top of my heart...you rock man...
have a strange problem, maybe you've seen it.I have a 1984 cj-7 with a 4.2.Cranking it yesterday there was a click then a lot of smoke.The positive and negative battery cables had heated up to a point where the plastic coating had melted.The solenoid was fairly new, the starter old and with a dead spot.Nothing similar to this had ever happened.Any advice you can give will be appreciated, thanks
It sounds like the dead spot in your starter has become a dead electrical short. Get your starter tested and check those wires and cables very closely and repair where needed and questionable. Mark Hicks Wells Vehicle Electronics
@trungdtbk It is our pleasure. If you have a video you would like to see, or you need repair diagnostic information be sure to let me know. Mark Hicks Wells Manufacturing L.P.
Hi, Ive an e39 Bmw 1999, Was driving perfect but today I go to drive it and turn the key all lights come on buy nothing else happens... no click and no crank? Any ideas before i bring to garage?
Hi, I replaced my solenoid, but it still wont crank... the car will start if i short the solenoid with a screw driver but it does not start when i turn the key. any suggestions?
Hey Mark, I have an issue with a 2003 Hundai Accent 1.5 manual. It has worked fine all along, and was just left sitting for a short period, a few weeks, now it won't start. The battery is fine, as is the starter relay, when you hit the ignition the starter can be heard spinning fine, it just seems like it's simply not extending the gear to mesh with the ring gear to crank the engine. Sound like just a solenoid issue to you? There is no unusual noise, just the starter spinning away contently.
This problem was happening before I decided to rewire my 76 ford pickup but I'll probably end up replacing the starter because it's in pretty rough shape it looks like its been hammered on and there is copper shavings inside
I just bought a brand new solenoid but my car still won't start. I have to use a screwdriver to jump the solenoid by touching the two copper posts. Any suggestions?
Hi mark, I was wondering if you could give a possible insight on a car issue. I have a 1994 Honda accord. The car wouldn't crank when I turned the key, it was just silent. I took the battery and starter to autozone and they tested good. Replaced the main relay. Also the fuses are good. Fuel pump sounds like its working. Any insight would be helpful thanks in advance.
Check the Black/White wire at the automatic transmission gear position switch located underneath the shifter. If no power to the Black/White wire at the automatic transmission gear selector position switch, check the ignition switch. If there is power at the Black/White wire, check to see if the power is going through the switch and to the starter. If power is coming out of the switch on the Black/White wire, check for an open wire or poor connection. Let us know how it goes, Mark Hicks Wells Vehicle Electronics
What if my battery will charge fine and it starts fine at first try but after i turn off the car the battery losses voltage and it clicks like on your video. i replaced the old alternator before i had this problem. I have checked all the terminals and cables and all are good. It seems like their might be a short circuit.
The voltmeter reading was good it read 14.52 .I checked the battery and it is working. What else could be draining my batteries voltage when my car is not on.
Tried spraying starter fluid in throttle body would not start. Could you tell me where to start for spark. It drove home one evening and later that night just would not turn over.
