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Starter solenoid sticks on


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So as per title, so best plan was to buy a new one.

Bought a Lucas as hoped would be same quality.

 

Eventually got it on, quite a fiddly job and hey presto, sticks.

Well stuck, had to pull off battery lead again.

 

Doh, have I got a duff one or can it be something else.

Push rubber button and let go and just churns until leads smoke, bashed it still no joy.

 

RobG

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Are you sure the coil of the solenoid isn't getting some power from somewhere? It won't disconnect if the coil is still energised even if only partial. Try taking off the connections to the solenoid.

Edited by RobH
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David,

I agree, nuts were mm not A/F, terminals shorter, and just looked made in China.

 

Just looked at Durite equivalent, wow £94 vs £21, must be good.

 

RobG

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What made it fiddly to fit?

 

I thought it had two big cables held by nuts a couple of push on smaller cables and two screws to attach it to the bulkhead

10 minute job once the tools are in your hands.

 

Perhaps the green box Lucas product has bitten again.

Peter W

Edited by BlueTR3A-5EKT
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I too thought it would be straightforward.

Just the placement under the steering column and other cables and it was just a pain.

Also the terminals are too short and not even A/F, just expected a straight swap.

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RobH,

 

Thanks for good suggestion.

Replaced again but with only main cables to battery and starter motor.

Works fine, engages and disengages as expected.

Will now add back the other wires one by one and see when it all goes up in smoke.

I have a separate one from ignition, one with small connector and one with larger connector (ammeter).

Any preference for connecting ?

 

RobG

Edited by RobG
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RobH,

 

Thanks for good suggestion.

Replaced again but with only main cables to battery and starter motor.

Works fine, engages and disengages as expected.

Will now add back the other wires one by one and see when it all goes up in smoke.

I have a separate one from ignition, one with small connector and one with larger connector (ammeter).

Any preference for connecting ?

 

RobG

Not really - just do it one at a time so you know which is causing the trouble.

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Good test. This is getting interesting in a nerdy way.

Attached ammeter lead and again ok engages and disengages.

Attached smaller brown wire and good same again.

Attached red and white ign lead and using rubber push good.

But, turn ignition key and zilch, nowt, will not turn the engine.

So, at this point the solenoid is free hanging, not attached to bulkhead so me thinks earthing.

Attach jumper lead to Earth and solenoid and hey presto ignition key turns the engine.

 

But, wiring diagrams do not show the solenoid needs to be earthed, so me thinks I got an earthing problem ?

Or does the solenoid need to be a good earth through the attaching screws ?

 

RobG

 

Edit as a note it did not stick in any of the above tests.

Edited by RobG
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The solenoid body needs to be earthed via the fixing screws. Without that connection the solenoid cannot pull in.

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Ok thanks RobH.

This could be part of my problem, will attach earthing wire as well as screws, maybe too much paint and copper grease.

Still does not explain why it got stuck on first time but could be a dodgy earthing.

Will reassemble all correctly and retest.

 

RobG

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I had the same problem but it only stuck when i pushed the rubber button, works ok with the key and starter button. I wasnt happy with the new one so went back to the original, the only reason i changed it was the rubber buton was perished, found out after you can buy the rubber button on it's own

 

Graham

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Thanks Graham.

Well all back on now and does not stick, so far.

Not any different to the first time so must have been a one off hopefully.

Will keep new one for now and put old one in boot.

 

Cheers all,

 

RobG

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Rob,

 

Another good reason to install a battery cutoff switch INSIDE the car.

 

Like you say, the battery leads can heat up and start to burn.

By the time you’ve opened the bonnet, found the right spanner, and removed the battery terminal, it could be too late.

 

Charlie.

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