How to test a solenoid

19Fordy

Well-known member
I have several 6V solenoids I would like to test to see if they work.
I want to test them on the workbench as I don't have a 6V car.
I do have a 6V dry cell battery and a 6V/ 12V BATTERY CHARGER.
Also have a digital volt/ohm meter.

Can I use the above equipment and wire them up to see if they are good solenoids? If so, how do I wire them? The solenoids I have are originally 6V with one post and the big BATT and Starter CABLE TERMINALS. The little button on the bottom appears to be for decoration as it cannot be depressed to work. I recall my OEM 1940 Ford solenoid had the bottom button that allowed it to be used to start the car when working under the hood. This solenoid does not have that feature.

Thanks, JIM
 

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I have several 6V solenoids I would like to test to see if they work.
I want to test them on the workbench as I don't have a 6V car.
I do have a 6V dry cell battery and a 6V/ 12V BATTERY CHARGER.

Can I use the above equipment and wire them up to see if they are good solenoids? If so, how do I wire them? The solenoids I have are originally 6V with one post and the big BATT and Starter CABLE TERMINALS. The little button on the bottom appears to be for decoration as it cannot be depressed to work.

Thanks, JIM
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Put your ohmmeter across the Bat and the small terminal and you need to see some minimal resistance (NOT zero ohms or infinite ohms) if so connect the + or - of your dry cell to the Bat and the other polarity to the small terminal. With your voltmeter connected to the second large terminal and the small terminal you should read battery voltage when the solenoid picks up. Digital voltmeter, ohmeter is good.
 
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