How to Bypass Starter Solenoid?

Engine starting is accomplished by the engine starter motor, which receives its battery current from the starter solenoid. Still, there are occasions when the starter solenoid fails and your equipment won't start up correctly. Owning heavy machinery can help you quickly restart your machinery in an emergency by understanding how to bypass the starter solenoid.

 

What Does the Starting Solenoid Do?

Before discussing how to bypass a starter solenoid, it's important to understand the basic function of a starter solenoid. The starter solenoid is an electronic switch. When the user turns the key, it turns on a circuit. Current flows from the battery to the starter motor. If the starter solenoid fails, the starting signal is not transmitted and the heavy equipment will not start.

 

When Do I Need to Bypass the Start Solenoid?

If the unit won't start, you can tell if it has a problem by checking the start solenoid. Here are a few situations when you need to bypass the start solenoid.

The relay is not responding

There is no sound or response when you turn the key.

The starter motor doesn't work

You can hear the relay “click” but the starter motor does not turn.

The battery is fully charged, but the unit won't start

You confirm that the battery is fully charged, but the heavy-duty unit still won't start.

If you are experiencing these issues, you will need to consider bypassing the starter solenoid to troubleshoot the effects of the problem.

 

How to Bypass Starter Solenoid?

Before attempting to bypass the starter solenoid, ensure that your device is in a safe condition for operation.

1. Prepare the tools

Prepare the following tools before proceeding.

Screwdriver or wrench

Insulated gloves

Starter cable or wire

 

2. Locate the starter relay

The starting solenoid is usually located near the starting system of a heavy equipment vehicle and connects the battery to the starter motor. The location of the starter solenoid varies depending on the make and model of the vehicle. However, it is usually located on the starter motor or top of the transmission on heavy-duty vehicles.

 

3. Check battery connections

Before proceeding with how to bypass the starter solenoid, make sure the battery connections are secure. Loose wires or poor contact with the battery can cause starting problems.

 

4. Locate the power and starter terminals

The starter solenoid usually has two main connections. One is the power terminal connected to the battery and the other is the starter terminal connected to the starter motor. Transferring current through these terminals bypasses the starter relay.

 

5. Connecting the power and starter terminals with wires

Wearing insulated gloves and using a starter cable, connect the power and starter terminals of the starter relay directly. This method is manually transferring current, bypassing the relay and allowing current to flow directly to the starter motor.

 

6. Starting the device

Once the connections have been made, attempt to start the unit. If the unit starts successfully, the starter solenoid is faulty and needs to be replaced. If the unit still does not start, the problem is with the starter motor or the battery.

 

Notes on Bypassing the Starter Solenoid

Bypassing the starter solenoid is only a temporary solution and is not suitable for long term use. Once the starter solenoid is damaged, it is recommended that the user should replace it as soon as possible.

When bypassing the starter solenoid, always make sure that the heavy equipment is in a safe condition first. And that you have put on insulated gloves.

You should also take special care when connecting the power end and the starter end.

 

How to Prevent Starting Solenoid Valve Problems?

To avoid frequent problems with how to bypass a starter solenoid, it's important to check and maintain your equipment regularly.

Regularly check the battery connections to make sure the battery wiring is secure and not corroded.

The starter solenoid valve will deteriorate after some time and regular replacement is recommended.

Regularly check the condition of the starter motor and wires to ensure that the entire starting system is functioning properly.

 

For those who own heavy machinery, in particular, being able to bypass the starter solenoid is a useful ability. In a crisis, it can assist you in promptly identifying equipment issues and implementing temporary fixes to bring the system back up and running. It is advised that you replace the defective starter solenoid as soon as the issue is fixed because this is only a temporary fix.

 

Since this article's beginning, I assume you are already familiar with the procedures and safety measures involved in bypassing a starting solenoid. Replacement starter relay solenoids are expertly supplied by MyMROmarts.MyMROmarts offers starting solenoid valves that work with different brands and models.