How do I check the starter solenoid?

SuperStang83

Founding Member

Mar 21, 2001

1,693

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49

Boyertown, Pa

Nov 14, 2007

#1

• Nov 14, 2007

• #1

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.

 

Darrin

New Member

May 4, 2003

184

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0

Cocoa, Florida

Nov 14, 2007

#2

• Nov 14, 2007

• #2

You can always take it to the parts store like autozone or advance and have them check it for free. That was if it is bad you are already there.

 

SuperStang83

Founding Member

Mar 21, 2001

1,693

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49

Boyertown, Pa

Nov 14, 2007

#3

• Nov 14, 2007

• #3

You can take the solenoid there too?

 

SuperStang83

Founding Member

Mar 21, 2001

1,693

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49

Boyertown, Pa

Nov 14, 2007

#4

• Nov 14, 2007

• #4

Cool, thanks I called them and they said that they will.

 

SuperStang83

Founding Member

Mar 21, 2001

1,693

0

49

Boyertown, Pa

Nov 14, 2007

#5

• Nov 14, 2007

• #5

I got over my brain fart and remembered how to test it. That wasn't the problem, so we put new terminals on and will find out shortly if that is the fix.

 

Fett

New Member

Nov 2, 2004

766

6

0

Nov 14, 2007

#6

• Nov 14, 2007

• #6

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.