7 replies to this topic

[mr_doggy]

Hi,

I have a problem with the power going to the starter.

There is power going to the ignition and there is power coming back and the coil is powered when the ignition is on. Not sure what the thing is called all these wires attach to, some sort of relay for the starter I guess. Is it that thing that is causing the problem?

Its on a 84 1000 mini.

[Retro_10s]

i think you mean the starter solenoid buddy

local motorfactors sell these for about £6

[dklawson]

Yes, it sounds like you're describing the solenoid.

What do you mean that no power is getting to the starter? Obviously you mean that it's not turning over when you turn the ignition switch but you need to troubleshoot this a little before going out to buy a new solenoid even if they aren't expensive.

Start by confirming that the battery isn't discharged or weak. Make sure you have 12V on the battery.

There should be a small red/white wire on the starter solenoid. If you have a volt/ohm meter, measure between this wire and chassis ground while a friend turns the ignition key to engage the starter. (If you don't have a meter, take a small 12V light bulb and attach wire leads to it so you can use it as a test lamp. ) With the key held in the start position you should see 12v on the terminal with the red/white wire (or your test lamp will light up). If you don't see 12V look for a problem (like a break) in the red/white wire or a problem with/at the ignition switch. If you've got 12V on the red/white wire while the key is held on, did you hear the solenoid "click"? If it did click, move your meter (or test lamp) to the BIG terminal on the solenoid going out to the starter motor. If you don't find 12V on this terminal with the key in the start position (and there IS power on the red/white wire) then replace the solenoid. If you find 12V on the big terminal but the starter isn't turning, the problem is in the starter.

[mr_doggy]

Sorry I didnt explain it very well. I used a volmeter and there is 12 volts coming from the big wire from the battery, 12 volt reading at the coil with the ignition switch on but nothing from the big cable going to the starter (well a flicker of about 0.3volts) when the key is turned to start.

Don't know if it has anything to do with this but the electrics work for heater in the car but not for lights indicators etc. Am I correct.

[jonny d]

HI Doggy if you put an insullated handled srew driver across the two terminals on top of the solenoid and the starter works then the problem will be in the solenoid,if it dosent work
then it is the starter, make sure the car is out of gear and that you only touch the two large wire connections don't earth the srewdriver on any surrounding places or a big
spark will occur and could burn you. hope this helps J.D.

Edited by jonny d, 25 May 2007 - 04:32 PM.

[dklawson]

If you're only getting real low voltage on the big terminal going to the starter WHILE the key is in the start position (must be held in that position) this would imply it's the solenoid... but only if you heard it click.

There must also be 12V on the red/white wire at the same time that the key is held in the start position. If there isn't, it means the problem is in the wire or ignition switch. It doesn't matter that other electric things in the car are working. You need to look for voltage on the red/white wire.

IF you have 12V on the red/white wire AND you do NOT see 12V on the output terminal to the starter motor THEN go buy a solenoid.

The method described by JonnyD will get your car started as long as the starter is in working order but it won't determine if the problem is in your ignition switch or the red/white wire. I've used JonnyD's method to get home from the grocery store when my solenoid decided to die... however, I used an insulated pair of lineman's pliers to bridge the heavy terminals instead of a screwdriver.

[mr_doggy]

Thanks for all your advice.

There is 12 volts on the red/white wire when the key is turned to start position but nothing on the output wire to the starter. I picked up a new solenoid at the bristol mini show but thats the same, I guess it's a dud. I'll hopefully be picking up a new solenoid from the local motor factors today. Fingers crossed that will be the end of it.

I tested the starter straight from the battery and it worked a treat.

[dklawson]

OK... so you've got 12V on the red/white wire but when 12V is there you have NO power to the starter from the OUPUT side of the solenoid? Is that what you've observed?

Did you hear the solenoid "click" when the ignition is switched on? When the red/white wire goes to 12V it should pull the solenoid "in" and you should hear it click. If you've lost a good ground connection for the solenoid it won't work. Is there any chance you've lost the ground strap between the inner wing and the engine/gearbox?

I would not return the new solenoid until you've confirmed that it (and the starter) have a really good ground connection. by the way, most electrical parts are not returnable... you may find if this is a ground issue that the old solenoid was also OK. Don't throw the old one out, keep it as a spare.