How to Wire a Starter Solenoid: Automobile Guides

Are your mechanic bills spiraling out of control?

Chances are you are paying for a repair job you could do yourself.

Unfortunately, many modern vehicle owners lack the basic knowledge of how a car functions.

For example, do you know where your car’s starter solenoid is?

Or Are you aware of how to wire a starter solenoid?

If the above questions sound Martian, buckle up and continue reading.

Below is Cloom’s DIY guide on the starting system.

With this information in mind, you can replace the starter solenoid or relay it yourself.

What is A Starting System?

Diagram showing a car starter system

Although technology has changed much of what is in a car, the ignition components are still more or less the same.

Battery Cables

Car battery cables

For your engine to start, it needs a high current which usually comes from your car’s battery.

The cables that carry this charge from the battery must be thick enough to withstand the high amount of electricity flowing through them.

When you look at your car battery, you usually see two cables.

These cables connect the battery to your car’s starting system.

First, the red one connects the starter solenoid to its positive terminal.

This wire is usually live, so be careful when handling it.

Then, a black or greenish-yellow cable connects the starter motor to the battery’s negative terminal.

Starter Relay

Car starter relay

A starter relay controls when the high current flows to the starter motor.

That is, it’s responsible for igniting the starter solenoid so your car can start.

It does so by sending current to the ignition switch.

As such, you can use the battery power for other things, such as using your power windows and car radio without cranking the engine.

The starter relay is thus crucial to the ignition because the high current passing through would fry your car if the relay weren’t there to keep it safe.

Starter Motor

Assorted Car Starter motors

The starter motor is the reason why your car’s engine starts.

It’s usually around where your car’s engine is, but it could also be a separate unit like in BullDozers.

It needs a healthy supply of 12-Volt charge from the battery to perform.

Neutral Safety Switch

neutral safety switch

A neutral safety switch prevents your car from jerking when the engine starts.

The neutral safety switch usually works the same in automatic and manual cars, using your car’s PCM inputs to engage.  

Starter solenoid

starter solenoid

The starter solenoid has two functions in your car’s starting system.

Firstly, it completes the circuit between the starter motor and the power source (car battery).

Then, it engages the starter gear to the engine flywheel facilitating it to crank up.

How does the starting system work?

Start the engine

Moving the ignition to start allows the current to flow to your starter solenoid.

Next, the starter solenoid pushes the motor gear to engage with your engine’s flywheel.

So, the starter motor turns the flywheel that spins the crankshaft, forcing the engine to start.

You should also know that the starting system only works when the car is in Neutral or Park.

Furthermore, the system cuts off once the engine starts revving.

Symptoms that you need a replacement of your starting system

Do you know that most problems are related to the solenoid?

car starting problems

You are missing the distinct click noise when starting the engine.

Most cars produce a clicking sound right before an engine starts.

It results from the starter relay switch completing the circuit and the starter solenoid engaging the starter motor with your engine’s flywheel.

So, failure to hear this sound when powering your car indicates a problem with one of the two.

You experience a continuous clicking noise when starting your engine.

Any rapid noises from your vehicle or show that something is wrong.

For example, if your car keeps clicking rapidly with each start, you have solenoid problems.

In most cases, such noises mean the power received is not enough to start your motor.

So, before you rush to replace your solenoid, check your battery and alternator first.

Your engine has a noticeably slow crank.

Engine cranking is a fast motion that only takes a few seconds.

Yet, sometimes your car sounds like it is struggling to get going.

Some instances may result from a low battery.

But, if the issue persists after jumping the power source, the chances are that you have a solenoid with burnt contacts.

Thus, your only way out is to replace it with a new one.

No crank of the engine.

Finally, you know you must replace your solenoid when your engine doesn’t start.

For example, as you turn the ignition key, all car functions are fine, but the starter motor won’t engage no matter what you do.

The first opinion is to check for poor connections.

If everything is fine, then your best bet is to replace the starter solenoid, which is likely why your car won’t start.

The Importance of a Starter Solenoid

A solenoid is a vital part of your car’s starting system. The solenoid efficiently engages your starter motor, protects the motor from damage, ensures safety, and assists in prolonging the life of your car’s electrical system.

If you’re experiencing any issues with the solenoid, it’s important to have a professional electrician or mechanic take a look.

Caption: Starter Solenoid

Symptoms of a Failing Starter Solenoid

The symptoms of a faulty starter solenoid could overlap with the symptoms of a faulty starter; however, the opposite doesn’t apply. Therefore, any whining noise, clicking, and cranking but failing to start aren’t symptoms of a faulty solenoid, just your starter.

The primary symptom of a faulty starter solenoid is the absence of a response from your engine once you turn your ignition key.

The best method of testing a solenoid is by attempting the shorting method or checking the voltage using a multimeter across the large poles with and without turning the ignition key. If no current is detected, this is a clear sign that the mechanism of the solenoid is faulty.

Caption: Multimeter

How to Replace a Starter Solenoid

The process of replacing a starter solenoid is not so difficult. All you need is a socket set or a couple of wrenches and, in some cases, a wire brush for cleaning wires. Simply follow the steps below.

1. Find your starter solenoid, usually mounted in your starter or on the side of your engine bay.
2. Keep track of the mounting positions for your wires and make marks if necessary.
3. Disconnect the ignition wire and unscrew any bolts, keeping the power lines in position.
4. Unscrew the solenoid mounting bolts.
5. Install your new solenoid and reconnect the wires.
6. Try starting your engine to ensure everything works.

Then, How do you Wire a Starter Solenoid?

Starter solenoids come in two types.

Firstly, you can use the on-starter solenoid that directly mounts on your car’s starter motor. 

Or, you can also opt for a remote-mounted solenoid.

These types of solenoids operate across a wide temperature range and are pilot-operated.

Additionally, they feature a single coil spring return and come with SIL 2 & 3 certification.

Furthermore, they can either feature a 3-pole or 4-pole solenoid switch.

The procedure is different when you use either pole.

On-Starter Solenoid vs. Remote-Mounted Solenoid

on-starter solenoid

1. First, secure your vehicle using chokes on the front and back tires. Then, disconnect your car’s negative battery terminal.
2. Secondly, lift your car using the stock jar to a height with enough space to get underneath. Additionally, add a jack stand near the jacking point for extra security.
3. Then, crawl underneath and mark each wire referencing their respective connection locations. You can use masking tape and a marker for the labeling. Additionally, use a wrench to disconnect each wire and unplug the wiring harness from the solenoid.
4. Subsequently, remove the starter motor carefully by unbolting it from your engine. You will need to unbolt remote-mounted solenoids for their specific installation area.
5. Finally, reconnect the wires to the new solenoid as per the labels. Then, lower your car from the jack and reconnect your battery’s negative terminal.

3-pole starter solenoid vs. 4-pole starter solenoid

4-pole starter solenoid

The main difference between a 3-pole starter solenoid and a 4-point starter solenoid is how they work and their connection to the field coil.

In 4-pole starter solenoids, the four terminals speed up the motor.

On the other hand, in 3-pole solenoids, the terminals’ primary function is to launch the starter motor.

Furthermore, 3-pole solenoids feature a series connection with the field coil compared to the parallel one in 4-pole solenoids.

Thus, 4-pole solenoids can still function with varying battery charges since the NVC and field winding are on different circuits.

However, the connection process is generally the same. If you position it on your bumper or another part of your engine bay, then the solenoid’s backplate acts as a ground; therefore, you won’t need any grounding wire.

Four Pole Solenoid

You can easily identify the 4 pole solenoid thanks to the two front-facing poles and the other two poles protruding to the right and left. 

The left pole functions as an input connecting to your battery cable. On the other hand, the right pole functions as an output towards your starter. The two poles are distinguishable by thickness and ability to facilitate heavy gauge wires transporting high currents.

On the front side of your solenoid, there are two poles opposite each other. The thinner wire travels from your starter switch through your neutral safety switch (and, in some cases, relay) down to your left pole. Therefore, acting as a control for the relay while your starter and battery poles transfer power.

Three Pole Solenoid

The 3-pole solenoid connects similarly to the 4-pole solenoid. However, they do not have a smaller terminal for the ballast resistor or ignition coil connection.

Depending on the pole’s orientation, it could be difficult to determine the purpose of the poles.

Some designs have the poles sticking out right, left, and up of the solenoid, meaning none of the poles face forward.

The slim pole should face up and connect to the starter switch. While the right pole connects to the starter and the left connects to the battery.

Some designs have all the poles facing forward; however, the same rule applies with the starter pole always at the top, splitting the right and left poles.

To play it safe, it’s always best to check the solenoid instructions before jumping to conclusions.

Tips For Troubleshooting Starter Solenoid Wiring Issues

If you are having some problems with the starter wiring, here are some tips to help you resolve the issue.

• Check your battery – first, check your battery to ensure it’s fully charged and has at least 2.6 V. If your battery’s dead or low on charge, it could be the root of your problems.
• Inspect your wiring – inspect the cables from your starter to your battery for any signs of damage like frayed cords or corrosion. If there are any issues, replace or repair them accordingly.
• Check your solenoid connections – check the connections at your starter to ensure they’re secure and tight. A loose connection could cause the solenoid to experience some issues.
• Test your solenoid – test your solenoid for voltage and continuity using a multimeter. If there’s no voltage or continuity, you might need to replace your solenoid.
• Check your starter – if no red flags appear on the solenoid test, you’ll need to check the starter itself. Ensure your starter is properly connected and all the wires are in good condition. If you find the starter defective, you’ll need to replace it.
• Check your ignition switch – if both the solenoid and starter are properly functioning, the problem could be the ignition switch.

Conclusion

Starter solenoids and starter relays are essential parts of any vehicle’s ignition system.

They need regular maintenance checks and wiring to continue working properly.

But no matter what kind of help you need, Cloom is always available to provide you with the best automobile wire harness solutions and guides to ensure your vehicle is always running.