Re: Testing a solenoid
About all you can check on a solenoid with an ohm meter is coil resistance. Just because the coil is good does not mean the solenoid works. So a better test is one using a voltmeter and a battery. If the solenoid is on the engine and connected, here is how you can test it.
1) Place the red lead of the voltmeter on the large solenoid terminal that feeds the starter.
2) Set the voltmeter to read 12 volts DC.
3) Connect the negative lead of the voltmeter to the engine block or the metal shell of the solenoid. (No paint here as the meter needs a good ground).
4) Using a short piece of wire bared at the ends, touch one end to the large terminal on the solenoid that has the POS battery cable connected to it.
5) Touch the other end of the wire to the small terminal ("S") on the solenoid.
6) If it works, you should hear a click, the starter should spin and the meter should show 12 volts. Even if the starter doesn't spin but you read 12 volts, that says the solenoid is fine and the starter is the issue. If not, you need to make sure you have a good battery, all battery cable connections are clean and tight on both ends. Remember, the solenoid can't work if battery and cables are not up to snuff.
