Solenoid diagnosis, replacement

[Exploderman09]

Heya forum,
I think I have a bad solenoid in my 93 xlt but wanna hear what you guys have to say. First of all, I haven't been the one driving it lately due to left knee surgery and the fact that I can't use the clutch because of it ...nonetheless my mom brings it back to me one morning saying it won't start. Sure enough when I try and start it all I hear is a single click from right behind the battery. To make sure this is the problem I checked the battery and starter and both seem fine. Am I on the right track here? Any other suggestions before I go out and buy a new one?
Thanks

 

[KobeJ05]

just replace the solenoid there like 10 to 20 bucks. either that do the screw driver trick im not sure how that works.

 

[rodywl]

is better if you take it out and have it test it... at an autozone or something like that...

 

[Exploderman09]

Okay, sounds good. Thanks guys

 

[hardpike]

its was $12 at autozone. I just got one. Be carefull when install it. the plastic around the copper stud is VERY weak. will crack off with just a little amount of pressure.

 

[92exp4x4]

If the solenoid is working, it will click. However it may have a large volt drop across the tips inside it.

To test with out a meter, short the two studs with a screwdriver. It will spark and send voltage to the starter, you are bypassing the tips inside. If the engine cranks, most likely the solenoid is bad.

If you have a meter, then put your leads from stud to stud of the solenoid. Have someone try to start the truck. You should see less than 1 volt and the starter should turn. If you see close to battery voltage, then the solenoid tips are bad. Check also that you are getting battery voltage to the starter.

If you get a replacment, get motorcraft. I fried two of the cheapies trying to fix my 94 EB a few years back.

 

[Exploderman09]

K, so bad news. Replaced the solenoid today, still just a click. Thought it might be the ignition switch so replaced that too. Still just a click. Now thinking the starter might just be stuck and the teeth are just not spinning the flywheel. It is pretty greasy and gross down there. What do you think? Spill the $80 for another (cleaned up) starter or keep troubleshooting...wires next maybe? haha

 

[Iron Weasel]

I'd continue troubleshooting - it's cheaper than throwing parts at it.

Wiring would be the next place I'd look. Make sure you have a good connection from the starter relay (the solenoid you just replaced) to the starter itself. Grab a meter and check for voltage at the starter while someone else tries to start it, if there's no voltage then you most likely have a broken wire or loose / missing connection.

If all the wiring checks out OK, grab a hammer and again have someone try to start it while you give the starter a couple good whacks. If the starter is binding you might be able to knock it loose.

If both of those fail, then most likely the starter is bad - pull it and have it tested at Autozone or some place.

 

[hardpike]

Mine did the same. ended up being rust on the neg wire to the battery. I did the starter and the solenoid before looking at that. some sand paper and a few mins did the trick