- 1). Locate the positive post on the solenoid. One way to find this is to look for a thick braided cable that attaches the solenoid to the starter. The post with the braided cable is positive.
- 2). Place the positive lead of the voltmeter on the positive post of the solenoid. Ground the negative lead of the voltmeter on the body of the vehicle. If the starter is activated and the voltmeter shows zero volts, the solenoid needs to be replaced immediately. If the voltmeter shows 12 volts, then the solenoid may still be good, but the terminal plunger is unable to link the conductors.
- 3). Tap the solenoid gently several times with the handle of a screwdriver. Occasionally the terminal may stick, either to the contacts, or the sticking prevents the terminal from reaching the contacts. In either case, rapping on the solenoid can loosen the terminal and restore proper operation of the solenoid, at least temporarily.
- 4). Remove the voltmeter and activate the starter again. There is a good chance the solenoid will function normally, but there is no way to predict how long it will last. If the solenoid still does not start the engine and it continues making clicking noises, it needs to be replaced.
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