Service Manual

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

7 - 24 Mid-Mount Z Service Manual

Purpose

The solenoid’s purpose is simply to protect the ignition

switch from the high current drawn by the starter motor.

How It Works

The solenoid has really only two parts. One is a coil of

wire wrapped around an iron core. Whenever 12 volts

is applied to the coil, it becomes a magnet. The other

part is a steel bar type switch. Because it is made of

steel it can easily handle the high current loads

produced by the starter motor. So how does it protect

the ignition switch? When 12 volts is applied to the coil,

it becomes an electromagnet. This quickly pulls the

steel bar toward the contacts and closes the switch.

When power is removed from the coil, the spring

loaded bar returns to its “normally open” position. Note:

The solenoid closes and opens the switch very quickly.

This minimizes the “arcing” that can damage other type

switches.

Testing

1. Disconnect the solenoid from the wiring harness.

2. Check to ensure that terminals “c” and “d” are not

continuous.

3. Apply a 12 volt power source to “a” and the case.

You should be able to hear the solenoid switch

“click” when you make the connection.

4. Verify that the switch has closed by making sure

that terminals “c” and “d” are closed when power

is applied to terminals “a” and “b”.

Solenoid