Starter Solenoid question.

David Fulford · 02-21-2001, 10:23 AM

I purchased a Ford motorcraft starter solenoid from National parts depot for my 69 fastback. I took the wires from my existing one off one post at a time and put them on the new one. When I hooked the negative battery back up it sparked big time and sounded like the motor wanted to turn over. Is it possible that the new solenoid is wired different than the old. Any help would be appreciated.

Clark Rodgers · 02-21-2001, 10:49 AM

David,
It sounds like you are doing everything correctly, Why did you change this in the first place? It sounds like the solenoid or the ignition switch is stuck if the engine is trying to turn over.

------------------
69 351W Sportsroof deluxe

David Fulford · 02-21-2001, 11:15 AM

I wanted to change it simply because all the posts and connections were so rusty and corroded. I don't know what I did maybe I mixed up one of the wires but I don't think so. I'll get another one and see what happens.

Clark Rodgers · 02-22-2001, 10:13 AM

David, I would just try hooking up the old one to see if it is the solenoid or not.

Rev · 02-22-2001, 05:24 PM

OK., here's what I think happened. The lead from the starter got transferred from the front terminal to the rear terminal. We're talking the small terminals on the relay. When the key is on, the starter terminal (front) will not be hot, giving voltage to only the ignition and to all the other things connected to it (rear). If the starter wire is connected to this (incorrectly), then the starter motor will turn the motor over even in the "key on" position. The starter motor should only be energized when the front terminal is connected. This occurs only when the the key is twisted to the "start" position. Use a test lifgt to find out what is energizeed in these different posions of the ignition switch. If this is confusing, e-mail me or continue here.

Rev

------------------
'66 Coupe, 306, 300 HP, C-4, 13.97 e.t., 100.3 mph
1/4 mi.

David Fulford · 02-24-2001, 09:09 PM

OK, I was at Autozone buying some odds and ends and decided to spend the 5 bucks on another solenoid. Put it on and fired it up.
???????????????????? who knows.

Matt Elfstrum · 02-28-2001, 04:05 PM

The new solenoid you bought was most likely defective and the contacts could have been stuck. I would try, just for the heck of it, if you have a battery handy try grounding the solenoid and putting power to the small relay terminal. You should be able to here the solenoid clicking as you hook up and unhook the power if it is working properly.

02-21-2001, 10:23 AM	#1
David Fulford Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Charlotte NC Posts: 193	Starter Solenoid question. I purchased a Ford motorcraft starter solenoid from National parts depot for my 69 fastback. I took the wires from my existing one off one post at a time and put them on the new one. When I hooked the negative battery back up it sparked big time and sounded like the motor wanted to turn over. Is it possible that the new solenoid is wired different than the old. Any help would be appreciated.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Quick Starter Install Question	Evil Joe	Windsor Power	3	09-16-2003 08:50 PM
identify the wires to starter solenoid	Bad89stang	Windsor Power	13	04-24-2003 08:57 PM
Battery..Solenoid..Starter problem	abesmith69	Windsor Power	6	04-09-2003 09:39 AM
Starter Relay Solenoid - Buzz	66emberglo	Classic Mustangs	1	01-13-2002 09:23 AM
Starter Solenoid problems?	fastsvo	Classic Mustangs	1	08-22-1999 08:30 AM

02-21-2001, 10:49 AM	#2
Clark Rodgers Registered Member Join Date: May 1999 Location: Rowlett,Texas Posts: 306	David, It sounds like you are doing everything correctly, Why did you change this in the first place? It sounds like the solenoid or the ignition switch is stuck if the engine is trying to turn over. ------------------ 69 351W Sportsroof deluxe

02-21-2001, 11:15 AM	#3
David Fulford Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Charlotte NC Posts: 193	I wanted to change it simply because all the posts and connections were so rusty and corroded. I don't know what I did maybe I mixed up one of the wires but I don't think so. I'll get another one and see what happens.

02-22-2001, 10:13 AM	#4
Clark Rodgers Registered Member Join Date: May 1999 Location: Rowlett,Texas Posts: 306	David, I would just try hooking up the old one to see if it is the solenoid or not.

02-22-2001, 05:24 PM	#5
Rev Registered Member Join Date: Nov 1998 Location: Houston, Tx. Posts: 3,887	OK., here's what I think happened. The lead from the starter got transferred from the front terminal to the rear terminal. We're talking the small terminals on the relay. When the key is on, the starter terminal (front) will not be hot, giving voltage to only the ignition and to all the other things connected to it (rear). If the starter wire is connected to this (incorrectly), then the starter motor will turn the motor over even in the "key on" position. The starter motor should only be energized when the front terminal is connected. This occurs only when the the key is twisted to the "start" position. Use a test lifgt to find out what is energizeed in these different posions of the ignition switch. If this is confusing, e-mail me or continue here. Rev ------------------ '66 Coupe, 306, 300 HP, C-4, 13.97 e.t., 100.3 mph 1/4 mi.

02-24-2001, 09:09 PM	#6
David Fulford Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Charlotte NC Posts: 193	OK, I was at Autozone buying some odds and ends and decided to spend the 5 bucks on another solenoid. Put it on and fired it up. ???????????????????? who knows.

02-28-2001, 04:05 PM	#7
Matt Elfstrum Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 14	The new solenoid you bought was most likely defective and the contacts could have been stuck. I would try, just for the heck of it, if you have a battery handy try grounding the solenoid and putting power to the small relay terminal. You should be able to here the solenoid clicking as you hook up and unhook the power if it is working properly.