QuestionMy starter solenoid won't disengage. When I let go of the key, if moves back into the "run" position, yet the starter keeps cranking away. I have to disconnect the battery to get it to stop turning the motor over. Sounds like a solenoid, but could it be a starter switch? Puzzled I am. THanks for reading. Jim
AnswerHi jim
1/ take the red lead off the starter soleniod that goes to starter motor, @ the solenoid connection -reconnect your battery disconnect the small wire @ the solenoid ( which activates when key is turned to start mode )- connect voltmeter between this disconnect wire and earth, select 20 volt d/c scale on meter and check that battery voltge is been switched on and off correctly when going from start to run mode if not faulty ignition switch but if switching voltage off and on correctly at solenoid terminal - faulty or sticking solenoid .
2 /take the red lead off the starter solenoid that goes to starter motor, recconnect your battery- get a voltmeter , select 20 volt d/c and connect red lead to the solenoid terminal ( the one that had lead going to starter motor ) then clip the black lead to earth , sit on seat, engage clutch / park brake and turn ignition switch to start as you normally would -
watch the voltmeter when this happens does it show full battery voltage ? then release key position from start mode to run mode as you would , does the voltmeter still show battery voltage accross the heavy contacts of the solenoid when in run mode position @ the switch -? if so most likly ignition switch is faulty - especially if if feels abnormal when going through it normal movement.
at worst you may need to replace solenoid and ignition switch - but check ignition switch 1st as it should disconnect voltage from the solenoid windings, when key is released to run mode and is more likly.
note always be aware of potential arching, sparks when checking testing electrics around machines with fuel in tanks etc
take a look
let me know if this helps
cheers paul
