What Does a Starter Solenoid Do and How to Tell if It's Bad?

The starter solenoid is the component responsible for transferring current between the heavy equipment ignition system and the engine starter motor. Starter solenoids are very durable components and throw various warning signals before they become damaged. Understanding what a starter solenoid does and how to tell if it's damaged can help equipment owners solve problems on time and avoid financial losses due to equipment failure.

 

What Does a Starter Solenoid Do?

What does the starter solenoid do and how does starter solenoid work? When the driver turns the key or presses the starter button, electricity flows from the battery to the starter solenoid, creating a magnetic field. This magnetic field pulls a plunger into the solenoid, narrowing the gap and closing an internal contact. When the contacts close, the high current from the battery can pass smoothly to the starter motor. The starter motor receives enough power to turn over and start the engine. In short, the starter solenoid valve plays a key role in the starting process by controlling the current flow to ensure that the engine can operate properly.

 

The activation of the solenoid on the starter serves two purposes in this process.

1. Connecting the Circuit

The starter solenoid on the starter transmits a high current to the starter motor by closing an internal switch. Without its proper operation, the starter motor would not receive enough current to turn the engine over.

 

2. Protecting the Starter Motor

The starter solenoid on the starter also serves to protect the starter motor. It prevents the starter motor from being switched on for a long time to avoid burning out.

Overall, the purpose of the starter solenoid on the starter is to provide the starter motor with the power it needs to start the engine and ensure that heavy equipment can be started safely.

 

How to Tell if Starter Solenoid Is Bad?

How can you tell if a solenoid is bad? Knowing how to tell if the starter solenoid is bad can help you quickly diagnose a starting problem and take the appropriate steps to resolve it. Here are a few common symptoms that signal a problem with the starter solenoid:

signs of a bad starter solenoid:

1. The Starter Motor Does Not Turn Over

The first symptoms of a bad starter solenoid. You can't hear the starter motor turn when you turn the key or press the starter button. When the solenoid is damaged, it is unable to transfer current to the starter motor and the engine cannot be started.

 

2. Hearing a Clicking Sound When Starting

When you try to start the engine, you hear a continuous clicking sound, but the starter motor does not turn. This may be due to poor contact with the solenoid valve and the current is not being transferred smoothly. A damaged starter solenoid can cause the internal contactor to not close properly. The starter solenoid is unable to provide sufficient power to the starter motor.

 

3. The Starter Motor Turns Slowly

If the starter motor turns slowly at startup, this may indicate a faulty starter solenoid. This condition is due to the contacts inside the solenoid being worn and becoming less conductive. Although the solenoid can operate, it is not able to provide enough current to the starter motor, resulting in a lack of power to the starter motor.

 

4. Burning Odor or Smoke

If you smell a burning odor or see smoke when you try to start heavy equipment, it is possible that the starter solenoid is damaged and current is not passing through it properly, causing the wires or electrical components to overheat.

 

5. Intermittent Starting Problems

Sometimes the heavy equipment will start and sometimes it will not. This intermittent failure indicates that the starter solenoid is gradually failing. Over time, all three terminals inside the starter solenoid (battery terminal, starter terminal, and ignition terminal) become corroded. Corrosion of all three terminals can impede the flow of current.

 

Solutions for a Damaged Starter Solenoid

If you confirm that the starter solenoid is bad, you need to replace it as soon as possible to avoid more damage to the starter motor and engine. There are many aftermarket starter solenoid valves on the market, which are no less than the original parts in terms of performance and quality, and even more cost-effective.

 

How to Choose an Aftermarket Starter Solenoid Valve?

1. Suitability

First, make sure the starter solenoid you choose is suitable for your heavy-duty equipment model. Aftermarket starter solenoid valves usually cover a wide range of equipment types, including excavators, bulldozers, loaders, and more.

 

2. Quality Assurance

Choose a brand that has quality certification or offers a long-term warranty to ensure the longevity of your aftermarket starter solenoid valve.

 

3. Reasonable Price

Compared with the original parts, the price of an aftermarket starter solenoid valve is usually more affordable. However, when purchasing, do not only pursue the low price but also pay attention to its performance and durability.

 

Where to Buy Aftermarket Starter Solenoid?

Many online platforms offer a variety of aftermarket starter solenoid valves, with MyMROmarts suppliers providing customers with excellent quality heavy duty starter solenoid valves. By choosing the right starter solenoid valve, equipment owners can have peace of mind and avoid unnecessary downtime.

 

Understanding the role of the starter solenoid and how to determine if it is damaged can help heavy equipment owners react quickly when faced with startup problems. By replacing or repairing your starter solenoid valve on time, you can avoid financial losses due to equipment failure.

 

If you're looking for aftermarket starter solenoid valves of exceptional quality, consider an online supplier like MyMROmarts, which offers its customers a complete assortment of engine parts that guarantee proper fit and high-performance support. Whether it's price or quality, MyMROmarts has your equipment covered.