What is a Starter Solenoid and How To Jump It

starter motor cables

A simple mechanism that sends out electrical current from the battery to the starter is known as the starter solenoid. A starter solenoid is an automotive relay being placed between a vehicle’s battery and its starter motor. A solenoid responds to a small electric current from the ignition system then switches a large electric current from the battery to the starter motor.

Every time the key is being turned, the solenoid engages. The starter solenoid uses an electrical motor in the starter to keep the car engine running. If it is not functioning properly, the vehicle may not start. However, a solenoid is not always the root of the problem. Determining whether the cause of the issue is the starter solenoid, battery or the starter itself is important to save time and money by repairing it yourself or seeking someone for help. More reading on why does the car battery keep dying here.

When a faulty starter solenoid or a good solenoid does not get enough power from the battery, it fails to run a vehicle. How to jump a starter solenoid is important to know because it will work well for both testing the component and starting a vehicle even if it has a defective solenoid. So, let’s dig into the necessary steps to jump a starter solenoid and narrow down the causes that may make the car fail to start.

starter motor cablesHow To Jump a Starter Solenoid

Installing solenoid may sound difficult to be done because sometimes it has a dangerous procedure which will cause a shock. Bear in mind that when a solenoid goes out, you can’t make your car start and typically, it will leave you stranded when ignored.  This is why you have to do it and you will get it done.


In jumping the starter solenoid, you will be turning the screwdriver or other metals employ into a manual switch. Be careful in performing the process for it can turn your body into the conduit as well. Always get the screwdriver off of the contacts soon enough or burn the starter motor out.

Bear in mind that this is a dangerous procedure, don’t do it unless you absolutely have to start the vehicle. Use a rubber-handled screwdriver and be careful in every step you take.

Step 1

Pop up the hood and find or locate the starter solenoid. The solenoid can be found in the fender well of the vehicle. This is something like near the battery.

Step 2

Get a screwdriver and touch the metal end of the post leading to the starter. It is opposite to the one that leads to the battery. Turn the screwdriver into a manual switch. It should bypass the solenoid in the process.

Step 3

Then drop the other end of the screwdriver down. To make it done well, you still need to touch the metal on the shaft of the solenoid to both terminals on the solenoid.  Have your assistant to turn the ignition in order to make the vehicle start at the same time. In doing this, you may notice a lot of sparks which could pass electrical current through your body. To avoid this, use a rubber-handled screwdriver and don’t touch the connection lengthily.

Step 4

Lastly, remove the screwdriver from the starter solenoid. Never left it on too long because it can arc the weld itself to both terminals and it will give a pretty bad effect on the process. At this step, the vehicle should be running without any interruptions. However, if it is not, do repeat the process again.

Going Deep with Starter Solenoid

A starter solenoid is the part of an automobile. The starter solenoid can be found above the starter motor. It changes a large electric current to the starter motor, in response to a small control current. In turn, the engine starts. The function of a starter solenoid is the same to that of a transistor. The only difference is that it is using an electromagnetic solenoid rather than semiconductor to perform the switching.

In case your starter solenoid is needed to be changed, buy a new one ensuring it will keep you up. You can look on Autofella.com for more tips and a wide variety of choices.



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