How do I check the starter solenoid?

SuperStang83

Founding Member
Mar 21, 2001
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Boyertown, Pa
My buddy has a 98 F150 and it is starting intermittenly right now. It is getting worse over the last two days though. I took out the starter yesterday and cleaned all the connections, but it wouldn't start again twice today when he needed it. We went to pick it up and it wouldn't start so I am thinking it may be the solenoid, but I am not sure how to test if it is good or bad.

Will a bad starter cause intermitten starting? I have always thought that when a starter goes that it is done, and won't start the car at all anymore. Thank you very much.
 
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A large rubber handle screwdriver across the two solenoid posts with the key in the on position will tell you if the solenoid is bad. Once you bridge the two posts the truck should start to crank over....if it does everytime, then the solenoid is most likely bad internally.