Off-car starter testing - Power to ignition terminal spins starter - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

240sxdrive · 08-08-2017, 11:32 AM

Hi,

I actually posted this on an Acura forum also since it's for my TL but I've done the same testing on my 240's starter before and think this forum may be a bit more technical. I've attached a diagram below for reference.

I'm using jumper cables from a battery to the starter for testing. When connecting positive to the "B" terminal in diagram below (terminal that normally has battery positive to it), then using a screwdriver to make connection between it and terminal "S" (the one the ignition switch cable would be on), the starter pushes the gear out and spins as it should, though it doesn't seem to have much force. I've done this with another starter before and the whole starter jumped with the force of the gear extending and spinning.

When using a screwdriver to connect from "B" terminal to "M" (the one with the small wire leading from solenoid to starter motor) the starter just spins without pushing out the gear as it should.

The problem is, when I connect the positive jumper cable to JUST the "S" terminal by itself without bridging any other terminals, the gear extends and spins (again without much force but not really "slow") when it should just be popping out the gear without spinning.

Any ideas as to what is going on or what to look for when opening up the starter or solenoid?

Thank you for any help!

240sxdrive · 08-08-2017, 12:12 PM

Argh, just read that photobucket requires paid membership for 3rd party hosting lol. If you click the photobucket error link I think it takes you to the picture on my album.

Basically, when connecting positive to the terminal that has a spade connection for the ignition switch wire, the solenoid pops out the gear and the starter spins it when it should only be popping out but not turning.

240sxdrive · 08-08-2017, 12:24 PM

pic attached

Starter resized.jpg

240sxScores · 08-08-2017, 11:13 PM

It sounds like the solenoid on your starter is bad. The signal wire should not be powering the starter motor. As far as i know, centrifugal forces cause the gear to pop out and engage the flywheel for starting. It shouldn't pop out but not spin.

08-08-2017, 11:32 AM	#1
240sxdrive Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: PA Posts: 24 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Off-car starter testing - Power to ignition terminal spins starter Hi, I actually posted this on an Acura forum also since it's for my TL but I've done the same testing on my 240's starter before and think this forum may be a bit more technical. I've attached a diagram below for reference. I'm using jumper cables from a battery to the starter for testing. When connecting positive to the "B" terminal in diagram below (terminal that normally has battery positive to it), then using a screwdriver to make connection between it and terminal "S" (the one the ignition switch cable would be on), the starter pushes the gear out and spins as it should, though it doesn't seem to have much force. I've done this with another starter before and the whole starter jumped with the force of the gear extending and spinning. When using a screwdriver to connect from "B" terminal to "M" (the one with the small wire leading from solenoid to starter motor) the starter just spins without pushing out the gear as it should. The problem is, when I connect the positive jumper cable to JUST the "S" terminal by itself without bridging any other terminals, the gear extends and spins (again without much force but not really "slow") when it should just be popping out the gear without spinning. Any ideas as to what is going on or what to look for when opening up the starter or solenoid? Thank you for any help!

08-08-2017, 12:12 PM	#2
240sxdrive Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: PA Posts: 24 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Argh, just read that photobucket requires paid membership for 3rd party hosting lol. If you click the photobucket error link I think it takes you to the picture on my album. Basically, when connecting positive to the terminal that has a spade connection for the ignition switch wire, the solenoid pops out the gear and the starter spins it when it should only be popping out but not turning.

08-08-2017, 12:24 PM	#3
240sxdrive Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: PA Posts: 24 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	pic attached Starter resized.jpg

08-08-2017, 11:13 PM	#4
240sxScores Zilvia Junkie Join Date: May 2005 Location: Pocono's PA Age: 37 Posts: 304 Trader Rating: (2) Feedback Score: 2 reviews	It sounds like the solenoid on your starter is bad. The signal wire should not be powering the starter motor. As far as i know, centrifugal forces cause the gear to pop out and engage the flywheel for starting. It shouldn't pop out but not spin.