Get a Battery Disconnect Switch - Starter Solenoid issue resolved

[blackford]

I got a new solenoid and starter after my old solenoid stuck closed and the starter and cables fried. I also got a battery disconnect device.

So my new solenoid also stuck. A 3rd solenoid I had also stuck. :rant

I disconnected the S terminal and the solenoid continued to stick...definitely the solenoid is the problem.

I took one apart and I stretched the return spring and put dielectric grease on the plunger and reassembled.

Put it in and now it won't close...no CLICK... :wtf

I had the wife come out and turn the ignition switch while I monitored the voltage to the S terminal...it measured 8 volts. Disconnected, it measured 12.5V...so i've got a voltage drop occurring somewhere.

I bypassed the neutral safety switch and now the modified solenoid works fine. :thu

I reconnected the neutral safety switch harness and the modified solenoid still works fine!

I had a poor connection at the harness connector! :rant

So low voltage at the solenoid S terminal caused 3 different solenoids to stick closed??? :wtf

I guess this goes along with how some have said that a low battery can cause the solenoid to stick

 

[Horseplay]

I don't think your math adds up. Lower than optimum voltage on the S terminal would not cause it to stick. It might cause it to not pull in, however. The solenoid is simply a magnetic switch. Power applied to the "coil" causes an electro-magnetic function which closes a mechanical contact. I see no way low voltage application can cause the field to remain in place when power is removed.

Low battery voltage can cause it to stick as the amperage draw would be greater and could cause the contact to "melt" (I know it is not the right word) and adhere preventing a mechanical release.

If I am off somewhere I am sure someone here will correct me!

 

[blackford]

I agree with you horseplay. How could the low voltage on the electromagnet winding cause the solenoids to stick closed? Doesn't make sense initially, but 3 different solenoids stuck closed and now they don't...weird I know. :shrug

Maybe they were getting back powered somehow or it's alien technology