If you’re having problems with your starter, one common reason may be the starter solenoid.
The solenoid is essentially a huge relay that looks like a cylinder and is located on top of the starter.
Its task is to engage the starter with the flywheel while saving you’re ignition switch from burning out at the same time.
So, a crucial car part, and here’s how to recognize when it starts going bad.
Besides this website, you can also watch videos on our YouTube channel, where we have many car-related videos that may help with maintenance, driving, etc.
SYMPTOMS OF A BAD STARTER SOLENOID
1. CLICKING SOUND
The first and most common symptom of a bad starter solenoid is a distinct clicking sound when you turn the ignition key to crank.
So, just clicking, no cranking.
When the problem is just beginning, the starter may click once, and after that, crank normally several times.
Later, as the problem gets worse, the clicking intensifies. The starter first clicks a couple of times and then starts.
The cause of this is usually bad copper contacts inside the solenoid or a bad wire connection to the starter.
At this point, you can also try to tap the starter; more about that in an article you can read by clicking here.
2. SLOW CRANKING
Next, you may notice slower cranking than usual.
The turnover is weak, and it much resembles a weak battery problem.
Here, the common causes are the copper contacts inside the solenoid, but also a damaged solenoid coil.
3. NO CRANKING AT ALL
What may also happen is no cranking at all. So you turn the ignition key and nothing happens at all.
It’s almost the same as when the starter has bad brushes.
With this symptom, the car may suddenly crank again after you turn the ignition key a couple of times.
The reason is a damaged or severed wire within the solenoid coil or a bad wiring connection to the starter.
For more detailed information about starter problems and solutions, click here.
4. THE STARTER WORKS RANDOMLY
A bad starter solenoid causes the starter to work randomly.
For instance, one week the starter works fine, but the next week, some of the previously mentioned symptoms may occur.
As the problem gets worse, the intervals when the starter actually works will get shorter and shorter, and this is the red line to make a check and fix the issue, unless you don’t want to get stranded.
5. SMELL OF BURNING WIRE
Finally, the most dramatic but rarest symptom is a smell of burnt wire coming from the starter.
The smell comes from the copper coil and contacts within the solenoid being severely damaged from heat or, very rarely, a short circuit.
The most common reason for this is either very heavy cranking or neglecting this problem and using a bad solenoid for a longer period of time.
CONCLUSION
In the end, know that a bad solenoid problem can mimic various other starter problems like bad brushes, bushings, a bad rotor, and others.
So, be sure to make a good diagnosis before buying parts and making the repair.
Also, always check the car’s wiring installation and contacts to the starter solenoid to ensure they are clean and tightened.
This is a common cause of problems, and overseeing this can also lead you to buy a new solenoid for nothing.
Written by: Sibin Spasojevic
Former car technician, life-long car and DIY enthusiast, author for Despairrepair.com
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