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        General >> Problems >> No power to starter solenoid
        
(Message started by: KennethH on Nov 6^th, 2006, 7:24pm)

Title: No power to starter solenoid
Post by KennethH on Nov 6^th, 2006, 7:24pm

I have a realy irritating problem that I can't solve. I hope someone is able to help me solve it.
I have a Ford Scorpio -94 with v6 engine. When I turn the ignition key, all the way, to start the engine nothing happens. I have discovered that there's no power to the starter solenoid when I turn the key. If I leave the ignition on and connect a separate cable between the solenoid and the batteri, the engine starts immediately.
Obviously it's an electric problem somewhere. Does anyone have any suggestions what to do?

Title: Re: No power to starter solenoid
Post by Spannerdemon on Nov 6^th, 2006, 8:30pm

If there's no power to the Starter Solenoid, then you either have a defective Ignition switch, or the cables to the starter solenoid from your battery are not connected firmly.

As with all high tension circuits, the cables must be clean at their ends, and be securely bolted up. Be careful not to earth the LIVE cable on the body of the car as you can get an extremely severe burn or shock if you do so!!

The correct way is to totally disconnect the battery before starting any work, and THEN diagnose the fault.

I'd start by checking the cables from your battery, and looking for any corrosion, defective cables, bad earth connections or damage especially at the terminals. Then move to the starter. If everything is OK, then it's pointing to the Ignition switch being suspect.

Starting your car the way you are doing is highly dangerous, due to the risk of sparks, and leaving the 'new' cable connected could cause serious electrical overheating, not to mention fire. :o :o

It will also mess up your other electrics bigtime!!!

The starter circuit takes an awful lot of current!!

I'd find the problem ASAP. ;)

**On the Scorpio Ultimas 1995 0n, there's a start inhibitor relay, R11 for automatic transmissions, which would be worth checking, but I'm not sure if your vehicle has this being a 1994 model or indeed if your car is Automatic.

Title: Re: No power to starter solenoid
Post by TiberiuS on Nov 6^th, 2006, 8:37pm

Start inhibitor relay sticking?

Try that (Relay 11 in the main fusebox) and check the main fuses (less likely); pull the inhibitor relay and give it a couple of sharp taps and see if it works. This (http://www.fordscorpio.co.uk/temp.htm) page may help you trace the fuses/relays.

Hope this helps. Regards, Bruce.

Title: Re: No power to starter solenoid
Post by philgood on Nov 8^th, 2006, 11:09am

Is your car an automatic?
if so it could be the inhibit switch, which prevents the engine being started in drive. The engine should turn over if P or N selected.

Title: Re: No power to starter solenoid
Post by Spannerdemon on Nov 8^th, 2006, 8:24pm

Thought of that, but thought.....surely he knows that?
But you never know!!! ;D ;D ;D

We'll see! ..........If he comes back to tell us that is.

Title: Re: No power to starter solenoid
Post by TiberiuS on Nov 8^th, 2006, 9:19pm

Sometimes the inhibitor switch on the selector mech goes faulty and it won't even start in P or N unless you give it a wiggle :D

Sometimes not even the inhibitor relay or wiring at fault.

Used to happen on the Capri, you didn't see the state of the wiring loom underneath though :o