Faulty solenoid?

[Gresley]

Hi guys,

Well, it had to happen sometime didn't it? My Stag broke down on the way to work this morning

I stopped at a garage, came back to it, turned the key and it was dead...I immediately suspected the immobiliser, but I think I have a faulty starter solenoid, what do you think? I have connected a test lamp to the small wire on the solenoid, switched the ignition on and the lamp lights. I have connected the lamp to the large terminal with the big red / white wire, diasarmed the immobiliser and the lamp lights when I turn the ignition key. I have cleaned the ususal connection. Also, when I connect a jump lead to the nut on the solenoid and touch the battery, the starter operates, so I suspect the solenoid. Has anyone else had this?

I must give some praise to Footman James here...I used the recovery on my insurance today and 25 mins after phoning them the Stag was on a truck and we were heading home. Excellent!

Many thanks,
Brian (who knew he had boasted about his Stag's reliability too much!!!).

[Andrew S]

Hi Brain, you can clean the solenoid as mine was covered in what looked like dried white grease or something. Clean it up well and then wet and dry the surface as I am sure a solenoid does not suddenly pack up, it just becomes lazy. Look at part 520473 and click on the photo icon on the right and you will see what it looks like new.

http://www.jamespaddock.co.uk/Stock.aspx?SubCategoryID=12&VehicleID=1&category=1

Cheers
Andrew

[V Mad]

One thing you didnt try was connecting the jump lead to the solenoid starter wire (thick red/white). If it doesnt turn over then, it is a faulty solenoid/motor.

[Gresley]

Many thanks Andrew and Chris.

I cannot get any life out the solenoid so I have removed the starter and taken the solenoid off. It looks fairly clean inside (not like the JP photo though) but I will clean it up later and see what happens. If that doesn't work it will be a trip to Paddocks in the morning...!

Brian

[martin]

Hi Brian, I like the way Andrew calls you B R A I N, that's some complement ! Martin.

[Greenstag]

Hi Brian

Certainly sounds likes a solenoid. However the 12v feed that runs through the bulkhead does tend to get very brittle (did on mine anyway)...worth checking

At least I bet 4G were glad you were late in so they didn't have a test!

Dave

[Andrew S]

Hi Brian, I like the way Andrew calls you B R A I N, that's some complement ! Martin.

[Gresley]

hi brian, i like the way andrew calls you b r a i n, that's some complement ! :d martin.

:d:d:d:d

[Gresley]

Hi Brian

Certainly sounds likes a solenoid. However the 12v feed that runs through the bulkhead does tend to get very brittle (did on mine anyway)...worth checking

At least I bet 4G were glad you were late in so they didn't have a test!

Dave

Thanks Dave, I'll check it! My class thought it was hilarious that I had broken down!!!!

Brian

[Andrew S]

Tell them that Stags dont break down, they rest and become lazy, a bit like students!

[Gresley]

Tell them that Stags dont break down, they rest and become lazy, a bit like students!

Definately!! The difference is Stags wake up again!

[Gresley]

Thanks for the advice and encouragement guys, I'm glad to say that she lives again! I had to go into work today so went via Chester and called into Paddocks for a solenoid. Fitted it this afternoon and bingo! I disconnected the king lead (I think it is called that) from the toop of the coil and put it to one side to make sure that the starter would turn the engine continously. I was amazed to see that the spark jumped a good 2 1/2 inches!!

Brian

[martin]

Thanks for the advice and encouragement guys, I'm glad to say that she lives again! I had to go into work today so went via Chester and called into Paddocks for a solenoid. Fitted it this afternoon and bingo! I disconnected the king lead (I think it is called that) from the toop of the coil and put it to one side to make sure that the starter would turn the engine continously. I was amazed to see that the spark jumped a good 2 1/2 inches!!

Brian

Good news indeed ! I'll bet you've got electronic ignition ? Martin.