Before I go and drop some $$$$ on a new solenoid I would like to make sure it is bad.My truck will not start unless I hold up the solenoid.I get power to where the solenoid plugs in.Power to the red wire with the key on and power to the white(center) while cranking.


Thanks
Lug

 

I've worked on a lot of solenoid problems and have never found one bad solenoid except when the starter contacts stuck and visibly burned up the solenoid. The solenoid is a simple heavy duty unit that should last longer than the rest of the truck. I'd venture to say that more than 99% of solenoids are replaced needlessly.

I would remove the solenoid and clean it up then test with a wire straight from the battery positive to the red/violet wire and another to ground. If the solenoid lifts up your problem is elsewhere. You could be getting a voltage reading at the solenoid but not enough amps to lift it due to a bad relay or a corroded blue fusible link at the battery.

 

Thanks infidel. I pull the solenoid and the boot is rotted.going to clean it up and give it a shot.

 

My solenoid was indeed bad soon after I bought the truck. I had replaced the relay earlier, but it started acting up a few months later. My '98 doesn't have the fusible link, so that's not it..

The boot on my old one was indeed rotted badly, and no amount of cleaning brought it back to life (bench testing)

I think not keeping the boot in good shape will allow the solenoid to be damaged... at least it did on my truck..

 

If you guys are talking about what i ithink you're talking about, there's a guy somewhere that sells HD solenoid contacts.

 

David.Your talking about the starter contacts. The fuel shutoff solenoid doesn't have contacts. Like infidel said, I've never seen a bad solenoid either. The boot rots and lets trash in. A good cleaning and a new boot will usually take care of that problem. The relay can give a lot more trouble than the solenoid. If the pull circuit and hold circuit work, that's all that's there.

..Preston..

 

Sometimes if the boot has been missing for awhile the cleanup can be quite involved, the inner barrel can be full of rust, a small round wire brush is necessary. I use the kind that you can turn with a cordless drill.
A very thin coating of silicone grease on the plunger will also help

 

My solenoid also has a rotted boot. I have cleaned it to keep it going, but a new boot would fix everything. In this discussion, it is suggested that the old boot can be replaced. From my observations, it cannot be replaced, but if I am wrong, smack me and set me straight. Where can I get a new boot?. It would be great to fix and not have to replace the solenoid.

 

Yeah, I shoulda paid more atten...but the HD starter sol contacts are nice...

 

Baja.......Why wouldn't it be replacable? Take the solenoid off. Cut the zip tie, and off the boot, or whats left of it, comes. Get the new one, from slip in on, new zip tie and there you are. Now was that so hard?

 

Thanks for the advice, which a lot of us are here for, but I could use a little less of your attitude.

 

Is there a replacement boot available?

Mine is still OK but it will go bad eventually and, since apparently a good boot helps keep the solenoid working, it would be nice to be proactive for a change.

I figure a length of bicycle innertube and a couple of ty-wraps will work in a pinch.

 

www.sourceautomotive.com I believe, for the boot.

And Baja. no problem.I will not post to your questions again. Good luck.

..Preston..

 

Boot for $27 here http://www.fostertruck.com/dodge/default.htm

or do what I do, use a 3-4" section of 1.75" puncture proof bicycle inner tube and two cable ties. Cheaper and lasts longer than the OEM.

 

You were asking for a beating