DIY: How to Test a Solenoid

What would the fourwheeler do if the solenoid was bad and you tried starting it?

Thank you this video really helped

Will it click if its bad?

Just use a non contact magnetic field tester.

Italiano no ?

7 years later and helped me diagnose one today. Thanks

Hi its july 23 of 2023 thank you. I'm going to go test my solenoids.

U can’t get shocked from a 12 v battery

What’s the point of having a 4 post as opposed to a 3 post?

Thank you!

What happens when you get the click but no continuity?

Good video. Too the point and explained what should be happening. i'm at that point now tying to figure out why this troy Bilt Pony isn't clicking or bumping the starter. It might be a safety switch also...just don't know yet.

How do i know how many volts to give my solenoid. Its for a fridge water valve

I have what I think is the same solenoid on an old lawn tractor i'm working on. I was actually able to rebuild it. One of the screw connectors was corroded. I cleaned that up. I thought it was ok but still not working right. I was testing like you are with a multimeter set to ohms. I had continuity most of the time. I didn't realize at first my measurement wasn't near 0 ohms.. I ended up drilling out the rivets and took it apart.. there is a copper plate at the top that was corroded. I sanded that and the spot it connected to. When I had it back together and riveted again, I did the same test. The ohms were now near 0.
I still have to try it back in the lawn tractor. I can post an update for everyone.

I took my solenoid off and now I can’t remember which wire goes to which post on the bottom. I have one white and one black :-(

Thank you

Perfect thanks 👍

Good video. I've just tested my 4 post solenoid and I get the clunk and contact but no continuity which I find odd. Any idea's please.

let me tell you how to test solenoid on the mower turn key to start if you only get a click stop use a pr. of pliers short 2 big bolts on slenoid if starter spins replace solennoid this test tell you battery is good but solenoid is bad take solenoid with get same type so mounting holes and wire will fit if you rev. small leads no problem

I guess multi-meter was just for looks

My tractor has a 15 hourse kohler engine n won't charge battery

there is not voltage to the top post because the bottom two connectors are not passing current to them.

Would a bad solenoid drain my battery.... What would constantly drain my battery?

I have the same solenoid but can't remember to which way the small terminal wires go on?

Thanks 👍

Not helpfull all because I was drunk

But if the connection internally is not 100% than you wont be getting 100% of the charge to the starter so could still be bad if its engaging..

My solenoid checked out as you said. Got it to click with the ohms meter but when wiered up it doesn't click ? All wires are working when key is on and peddle depressed transferring voltz to low voltage but no click??

Can't be shocked from 12V lmao

What dose it mean if u hook up your postistive and the positive one sparks

Good morning

Thanks for the tip.

Thank you. Did this, and determined my solenoid was good.

It's a sOlenoid, not a sIlenoid.

​*BiLLy Hurst;*
Thank U for ReMinding ME, as to WHY I Voted for Joe Biden!!!
After the MONEY to ILLeGals Thing, I ALMOST Switched Sides!!!
To U the PuBLic; a Trump P iii g, just CaLLed Me a COMRADE!!!!
I Know wut that means to these Trump P iii gs!!!! 🔥🔥🔥
Thank U BiLLy Hurst!!! I Hate a LOT about DeMonRats!!!
But You NaZI IN-Breeeds, are just WORSE Again!!!!
U can Find me at Key Words=> 666 Eugene PoLice, Justin Martyr

i had an MTD Gold mower exactly like that one.
had to replace the head on it the first time. . . the valve seat for the intake worked itself out.
the head that arrived through the mail , was put on, then 2 seasons later it just zood over then backfired and it all went up in flames.

kohler engines self destruct.

good thing it was in an open field and not near the house.

short and clear

Does the solenoid need to be completely removed from the mower to test it?

Very Good!..

Can’t see

My multimeter has 6 settings in the ohms section, 200 to 2000k, and one with an arrow/plus symbol. Where do I set it for that particular solenoid, to test continuity ?

Mine clicks but no power is going from one side to the other when activated. Strange but something failed.

thank you good goin keep it up Awesome work Been trying long time nobody wood explain so thats why Joined You

on my mower i can jump the solenoid across and my mower starts it wont start by the key switch considering in 2020 i had the same problem replace my key switch and it worked

when i couple up batter on pigtails it clicks then measure across the terminal poles i get .004 then it goes back to 0 is this dud then needs replacement?

it be for any external starter solenoid lawn tractor, some tractors and all Ford vehicles the best solenoid to use if it goes bad be a good quality Cole Hersee 3 or 4 post solenoid depending on the application of the lawn tractor as this Cole Hersee metal body solenoids will replace these plastic Trombetta solenoids in these lawn tractors and riding mowers and zero turns. Some engines the solenoid is mounted on the starter motor. which that in addition to closing the contacts it moves the pinion gear to mesh with the flywheel ring gear.

How can find the problem on my artic cat i put the switch on and the dash board not showing nothing battery is OK fuses they ok i guees .. But have a short then i replaced the bad fuses but screen not work is a 2007 artic cat 400

My local electrical shop will test solenoids, starters, generators and most electrical components for free. 24 hour turn around.

Should the 2 small posts have continuity between the 2 of them?

I can't find solenoid on a 2003 ford expedition .its not on the inside fender well. Tell me where to look