Charging and Starting System
90-8M0050731 MAY 2011 Page 2B-29
Start Solenoid Test
IMPORTANT: Before testing the solenoid:
• Ensure all battery cable connections are free of corrosion and secured to a fully charged battery.
• Ensure all connections to the solenoid are secure and free of corrosion.
1. Measure the voltage at the positive (+) copper terminal. Place the red meter lead to the positive (+) copper terminal and the
black meter lead to engine ground. Turn the key switch to "START" and crank the engine. This test should result in battery
voltage for 2–3 seconds. If so, the solenoid is operational; no further testing is required. If battery voltage is weak, or is not
present, proceed to step two.
Example Description Reading
Place the red lead to the negative (–)
copper terminal. Place the black lead to
engine ground. Crank the engine.
Battery voltage for 2–3
seconds
2. Measure the voltage between the positive (+) copper terminal and ground. Place the red meter lead to the positive (+) copper
terminal and the black meter lead to engine ground. This test should result in battery voltage. If so, proceed to step three. If
not, inspect the cables and connections leading to the positive (+) terminals. If no problems are found, replace the solenoid.
Example Description Reading
Connect the red lead to the positive (+)
pin. Place the black lead to engine
ground.
Battery voltage
3. Measure the voltage between the positive (+) silver terminal and engine ground. Place the red meter lead to the positive (+)
silver terminal and the black meter lead to engine ground. This test should result in battery voltage. If so, proceed to step four.
If not, inspect the circuit and connections leading to the positive (+) terminal. If no problems are found, replace the solenoid.
Example Description Reading
Connect the red lead to the positive (+)
pin. Place the other lead to engine
ground. Crank the engine.
Battery voltage for 2–3
seconds
4. Use an ohmmeter to check for continuity between the negative (–) silver terminal and engine ground. If this test passes,
proceed to step five. If not, inspect the ground wire for fault. If no problems are found, replace the solenoid.