How to test solenoid with multimeter?

ba_50

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Apr 4, 2001
Messages
635
Would someone tell me how to test a solenoid with an ohms and volt meter without having to crank the engine? Thank you very much. Bob
 

OBJ

Supreme Mariner
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Dec 27, 2002
Messages
10,161
Re: How to test solenoid with multimeter?

Take the solenoid off the engine and put it in a small vice to hold it. Put your meter across the two large studs on the solenoid. Put one of the small terminals of the solenoid to the minus side of a battery. Using a jumper from the positive side of the battery, touch the open small post. You should hear an audible click when the solenoid picks up and the meter needle should deflect. This, however, is not a fool proof test. Ohm meters tend to deflect at the slightest connection. So you may test the solenoid good but the bar inside may not be clean enough to pass enough current to crank the starter sufficently.
 

phatmanmike

Captain
Joined
Oct 24, 2003
Messages
3,869
Re: How to test solenoid with multimeter?

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<br />you have to crank the motor, but if you do as the pic suggests, you should get 12 volts, also make sure your ground is good
 

AtlDawg

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Apr 5, 2002
Messages
97
Re: How to test solenoid with multimeter?

The two large posts should read near zero ohms when 12 volts is applied to the small posts but this doesn't take the high current needed for starter. Either remove the solenoid and test it on a bench or you could remove the wire that goes to starter and use volt meter to check for 12 volts on that post when key switch is turned to start. Might detect a bad solenoid that way.
 

OBJ

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Dec 27, 2002
Messages
10,161
Re: How to test solenoid with multimeter?

Nice pic Mikey!!
 
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