Starter Solenoid

The starter solenoid is also often referred to as a starter relay. The starter solenoid is the large coil that sits at the top of a car's starter and is responsible for sending power to the starter of the car.

How the Starter Solenoid Works

The starter solenoid can be seen as an electric switch. The solenoid is activated when the car owner turns the key. When the solenoid is "hit" it pushes the starter gear forward to connect with the engine's flywheel. Once the two connect the car starts.

Problems With a Starter Solenoid

The starter solenoid will encounter problems if the internal coil is bad. If the coil is bad then it does not have the ability to engage the Bendix or turn the starter of your car on.

Clicking Sound

When you attempt to turn the key and all you hear is a click, more than likely your solenoid is bad. The clicking noise you hear is usually the first clue that the starter solenoid is in fact engaging properly but the starter is not turning because the charge is not strong enough.

Quick Check of Starter Solenoid

An easy quick check of the starter solenoid is to see if the lights, radio and signals are working; if so, this rules out the battery. Then try to bypass the solenoid and start the car. If when you bypass the solenoid the car starts, you have a bad solenoid.

Source:

Samarins

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