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Replacing ignition solenoid question

July 22, 2016, 09:34:24 pm

I need some direction on how to install this new ignition solenoid I purchased.  The current one on my GV has only one small post the new one has two. The pics below are of the new one front and back.

Thanks
Woodie

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Re: Replacing ignition solenoid question

Reply #1 – July 22, 2016, 09:50:23 pm

The bracket that the original solenoid is bolted to has a ground wire on it because the original grounds through the case. Your new one uses a post for the ground rather than the case. Move the ground wire from the bracket to one of the small posts. Also on mine because the single small post was centred and with two posts they are pointed at a different angle I ran into a clearance issue and had to raise the solenoid up a bit. Just don't get too greedy raising it up or you will run out of wire to reach.

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Re: Replacing ignition solenoid question

Reply #2 – July 22, 2016, 10:02:27 pm

on the two small posts which one gets the ground?

Woodie

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Re: Replacing ignition solenoid question

Reply #3 – July 22, 2016, 10:04:52 pm

Also on the back of the housing their is a P on one side and an X on the other?

Thanks again
Woodie

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Re: Replacing ignition solenoid question

Reply #4 – July 22, 2016, 10:33:43 pm

you can hook grnd to either
JohnH

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Re: Replacing ignition solenoid question

Reply #5 – July 22, 2016, 10:38:11 pm

Thoughts on the P and X on the back?

Woodie

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Re: Replacing ignition solenoid question

Reply #6 – July 22, 2016, 10:53:09 pm

something to do with quality control I guess??
The way they work is that a magnetic field pulls the centre pin with a thick "washer" on it  when it gets energized and moves up to make contact with a thick copper lug on both sides which are connected via the 2 bigger posts to on one side the 12v power and when all parts contact each other the power is passed thru to the other post-simple.
JohnH

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Re: Replacing ignition solenoid question

Reply #7 – July 22, 2016, 10:54:50 pm

Don't think the P and X are significant.  This type solenoid is (far as I know) bi-directional - i.e. it doesn't care which big terminal is BATT and which is hot with ignition.

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Re: Replacing ignition solenoid question

Reply #8 – July 22, 2016, 11:57:52 pm

P is stamped into case and x is like a rubber stamp, so they are probably not related. 

We all believe that this type of solenoid does not care which side is battery and which side is switched load. 

But could P stand for Power / battery?  But I would think that if Cole Hersee had a recommended  way to  connect, the marking would be next to terminal, not on end. 

I join others with either should work for battery connection...

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Re: Replacing ignition solenoid question

Reply #9 – July 23, 2016, 06:53:04 am

Sorry I went to bed. I agree it doesn't matter which post gets the ground. Also on the new one the larger posts are shorter. I cheated a little the old nuts aren't as thick as a full nut on the end of the stud but are full thickness at the insulator. I carefully removed the nut at the insulator and used a thin nut in its place and then another thin nut on the end (two thin nuts from old solenoid and two came with new one) that gave me just enough stud for all the wires.

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Re: Replacing ignition solenoid question

Reply #10 – July 23, 2016, 07:37:34 am

Thanks everyone.

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Re: Replacing ignition solenoid question

Reply #11 – July 23, 2016, 01:51:18 pm

Ok have the new one installed I ran a ground from one of the small posts to what I hope is a grounding bar see pic below.  I haven't turned the engine battery back on yet I want to make sure indeed that's a ground. I don't like messing with electrical stuff but need to save $.

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Re: Replacing ignition solenoid question

Reply #12 – July 23, 2016, 02:25:20 pm

use your VOM to test that ground. One clip on framework somewhere and the other end on post. Should show continuity.
JohnH

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Re: Replacing ignition solenoid question

Reply #13 – July 23, 2016, 02:27:52 pm

Yes, that is the dash ground bus at the front far left of the dashboard.  Easy test:  check your voltmeter from the chassis battery lug of the ignition solenoid (one lead) to that buss (other lead).  Should read chassis voltage.

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Re: Replacing ignition solenoid question

Reply #14 – July 23, 2016, 02:33:55 pm

Ok turned the battery on and it reads 13.02 volts coming grounding to the bus ground seems reasonable?

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Re: Replacing ignition solenoid question

Reply #15 – July 23, 2016, 02:58:16 pm

Yup.

With the ignition off, you will have 13.02 from one lug (the chassis battery side) of the ignition solenoid to that ground bus.

With the ignition on, you will have close to 13 from EITHER lug on the ignition solenoid to the ground bus.

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Re: Replacing ignition solenoid question

Reply #16 – July 23, 2016, 03:01:51 pm

Great one project wrapped up. 

Thanks
Woodie

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