what makes a solenoid stick

Discussion in 'Technical' started by JHodges, Mar 9, 2009.

  1. JHodges

    JHodges thumper

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    On my way to school this morning I stoped at Jacks to get my morning breakfast. I go to crank my pickup up and the solenoid stuck. I could pull the key out and the truck stayed running. I pulled off the ground cable to kill the truck. Whenever I tried to hook it back up it sparked. I punched it a while and it was still stuck. I called dad and he was going to bring me a new one. I come back and hit it with pliers and it works fine. I wonder what causes this. The solenoid was only 2 months old
     
    JHodges, Mar 9, 2009
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  2. brainsboy

    brainsboy Member

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    They can stick for a few reasons. Chanking too long which heats up the inside, starting the car with a battery that isnt charged enough, starter that pulls too many amps, not having good tight connections. What ever the reason the main problem I have noticed in the past is that once they start to stick then its more likely to happen again and again. I replace mine as soon as it happens.
     
    brainsboy, Mar 9, 2009
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  3. JHodges

    JHodges thumper

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    I have a 1000 cold cranking amp battery the connections were tight and the truck hit on the 1st try. I am taking the solenoid back and getting a new one sometime today
     
    JHodges, Mar 9, 2009
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  4. Bryant

    Bryant forgot more than learned

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    the starter is probly drawing excesive current causing the contacts to stick togther. replace the starter and solenoid at the same time. also if this is a v8 ford you could up grade to the newer style starter. its lighter weight, more cranking power, and has its own solenoid so it doesnt draw curent through the other one. there is a tech artical on making this conversion on a the mavericks and could apply to your truck also
     
    Bryant, Mar 9, 2009
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  5. cdeal28078

    cdeal28078 Member

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    What gets my attention is killing the engine by pulling the ground. Why didn't the alternator keep the engine running?
    I can pull my battery all the way out of my truck and the engine will run without it. Not a good thing to do mind you.
    clint
     
    cdeal28078, Mar 9, 2009
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  6. Bryant

    Bryant forgot more than learned

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    the key is probly turned off when he pulls the ground cable.
     
    Bryant, Mar 9, 2009
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  7. cdeal28078

    cdeal28078 Member

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    D'oh! Yep makes a bit of since. lol
    clint
     
    cdeal28078, Mar 9, 2009
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  8. JHodges

    JHodges thumper

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    yea I had the key in my pocket
     
    JHodges, Mar 9, 2009
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  9. TUK101

    TUK101 Member

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    Usually too low of amperage is what makes a solenoid stick. Or the bendix on the starter can stick too.
     
    TUK101, Mar 9, 2009
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  10. baddad457

    baddad457 Member

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    Ditto, that's usually the cause.....low battery.
     
    baddad457, Mar 9, 2009
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  11. baddad457

    baddad457 Member

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    Ok, I'm confused.....................Did it keep running on just the alternator or did it die when you disconnected the battery ?
     
    baddad457, Mar 9, 2009
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  12. maverick5.0

    maverick5.0 Member

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    there is a ignition switch on the steering column that goes bad or it sticks in the start position and keeps the starter motor engaged !!!!!shoot some wd-40 and lubricate both key tumbler and the switch as PM...
     
    maverick5.0, Mar 9, 2009
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