How Does a Starter Solenoid Work?

Ever wonder what happens when you turn the key or push the button on your vehicle to get it to start? This video will not only show you what part is responsible for this modern marvel, but it will also teach you something about the relationship between electricity and magnetism.
So please join me for the next 11min and we will explore the wonders of the starter solenoid.
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Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy®.

[@obiverse]

I never got a video to explain this topic easier than this video, this shows how much you understand your job and how good you are.

[@alphaomega8373]

I love when you break down how individual parts work! Thank you!

[@TheCapitalVice]

I love this video please have more like it! Taking such a simple mechanism and explaining it thoroughly is the best. Everyone treats their channel like a mechanic, not enough people treating it like a auto shop teacher! Maybe pick up a text book and have a whole series on it. Id watch every single one.

[@bruce6871]

Equally as fascinating as your lessons are the clean cuts you make to open the parts. Amazing work.

[@varshaiv]

You are so great because you put the point across in non-technical manner so we can easily understand. It shows how good and experienced you are in what you do. Excellent job done. Thanks.

[@trankt54155]

Solenoid=a fancy name for a switch activated by electricity-induced magnetism (converting electric power to mechanical power). You also see these mechanical switches as valves in home heating. When you have a furnace that supplies multiple rooms you would have a valve dedicated to each room and when you turn on the thermostat in that room you would send electricity to open the valve for that room and heated water would run to that room....

[@joemikos900]

Very good demo Eric. Always fun cutting open parts to get a closer look at how they work. Stay well.

[@janinewetzler5037]

Cheers for this. I am studying Level 2, apprentice diesel technician and just went through starting systems. This helped my understanding a great deal!!

[@robertgarcia1424]

Hey. This is awesome. For those of us that like learning how things work, in detail, I appreciate you taking the time to do this. Thank you

[@tickyul]

This is the best, clearest explanation of starter-solenoids that I seen.

[@winsky]

Thank you Eric. I miss these educational, old-style videos from you.

[@jamesdoherty9132]

Outstanding! Excellent verbal skills, great videography. Breaking it down to the basics. Your are a great example of how "it" is done right. I salute you sir!.

[@kevin15452]

Thank you so much for such a great video. I am studying automotive service technician, and the book overwhelms me.

[@DPShopTalk]

Great video Eric! I find its always super helpful learning how parts work and what's inside of them. The more you know and understand the easier it is to diagnose a problem. Would love to see more videos like this about other parts.👍

[@LPTDP]

The effort you put into your videos is insane. Really high quality, you clearly care. Thanks 👨‍🔧😀👍👍

[@morsecodereviews1553]

Well that hit the spot, I like these tear down videos and I was curious why the hammer trick worked lol. Plus I know now why old starter failed. Time to take it apart and harvest the guts 😁

[@docoolstuff8732]

Dude that was exactly what I needed to know Awsome video. Why the hell is my lawn mower solenoid $200. Thank man.

[@flatratemaster]

Glad to see you getting back to your regular style of videos!

[@azoresmarine]

I just knew the hammer trick worked, now after 60 years, I know why. Thank you very much!!!

[@yqwgjsg]

Generally that’s not why that works. Usually the starter solenoid (the one that engages the starter gear), is stuck and striking the starter housing can sometimes shake it loose. It can work if the windings are not open and it’s just crud preventing it from engaging. The easy way to tell if the solenoid he is showing is bad, is to make sure your vehicle is in park or neutral with the parking break on. Then turn the key on and use a pair of pliers to briefly short the 2 large lugs. This will bypass the solenoid and send power to the starter. If the starter engages, you most likely have a bad solenoid but you can verify by supplying positive 12 volts to the S lug which is just like trying to start it with the key. If it starts, you have other issues like a bad ignition switch or blown fuse.

[@stevenmckinnon1258]

Smart

[@stevee7774]

It works because 90% of the time the starter brushes are worn causing intermittent connection. A light tap of the hammer jiggles the brushes into better contact with the commutator.

[@saltpepperketchup7082]

​@@yqwgjsgl. Wow. This video is a gift that just keeps on giving. Lol. I came to comments to tell a little story elsewhere, and your comment brought back memories, of me, a girl, having to put my '68 Camaro into park, turn key to on, lock my car with spare key (so no one would jump in and run me over), shimmy under my car with a wrench and touch those two bolts to start my car. Sometimes in parking lots. I was busting open cracks on starter housings way too often. The solution to that dilemma came 5 years and 15 starters later when my Uncle Robin, who built public transportation busses, installed one of their Ford solenoids on my Chevy's firewall and i never had to replace another starter. Thanks for bringing back the memory.

[@EvilGeniusGaming84]

That’s why I love your videos Eric, Because I honestly never knew exactly how a starter solenoid worked😉 thanks for the info as always 👍🏽👋🏽

[@eo6637]

Thank you for taking the time to create this video!! I am learning about electromagnetic components, and even though today is the first time I even hear the word solenoid, I understand how it works thanks to you :D

[@mattburton3856]

Incredible video and concise well-worded explanations. I've been troubleshooting starter issues on my old 2-cycle golf cart. This video helped me eliminate the solenoid as a potential cause of my starting issue.

[@muasboy]

Only u and briansmobil1 can make simple easy to understand videos like this one Keep them coming.

[@rush1er]

Just used a screwdriver to bypass the ignition... always knew HOW, never understood WHY. Now I do thanx to you!

[@johnhawks7365]

I really like these videos of you dissecting parts. I watched you take apart the Honda Odyssey’s p/s rack the other day. My belief is that understanding how it all works aids in the diagnostic process. Thanks for your hard work in making these vids!

[@joshuamarble4752]

That was one of the best videos I've seen. I really learned a ton by watching this. I'll be checking out more videos.

[@barrygibbons]

This was incredible education. Well done. The images, parts, internal and otherwise, were well displayed and well explained. Thanks.

[@jeffcantley9203]

I was explaining a starter/how it works & found your video. You so solved everything for me THANKS!

[@pegjacobs957]

Thank you! We're learning about electromagnets and electricity and this is a practical application. Awesome!

[@TheBeemerfan]

Oh, man! You are very impressed with your super detailed explanations. Taking it apart and telling us all of this?! Very much appreciated. You are to “GUY” thanks a lot. 11:16

[@kmac6399]

Excellent video Eric! Many other car parts use the same principles example: fuel injectors, EGR valve, purge valve, variable valve timing control valves.

[@atillalawyer8526]

Hi there bro am from( Iraq) and i folow your tube every time its useful thax.شكرا لك اخي ايرك

[@MrSlowestD16]

Well that was quite insightful, something that always breaks and you replace it but ya never really know anything about. Thanks!

[@ploponmybigredcouch]

I spent the last two days fighting a solenoid on my old Ranger. Fix it last night and then here comes Eric with the video I needed two days ago! Haha, just my luck. Nice video Eric, keep these tear downs coming!

[@ericthecarguy]

Sorry I didn't get it to you sooner. ;)

[@chrisbayne3512]

Thanks for sharing. In high school we used wire around a piece of metal to create the magnetic field you talked about. Thanks again for this educational video.

[@darklorddylan1316]

Glad to see things are back to normal with your channel. Seems like these are just super beefy relays. Seems like these should be an easy fix. If it weren't for the manufacturer making them hard to take apart. Looks like you could buy some copper and shape it to the correct size for those parts or even buy premade copper pieces to replace the ones that are pitted.

[@Darwinpasta]

Some of the ones built into the starter are pretty easy to get at and replacement contacts are available.

[@darklorddylan1316]

Darwinpasta I was just referring to the rivets and the fact that things are mostly press-fit.

[@Darwinpasta]

Yeah, the remote-mount ones aren't built to come apart, unfortunately.

[@pault5179]

Imagine it in an EV with 400 or 800 Vdc!

[@tymom9313]

So easy to understand! Thank you! Hope this is the issue with my daughter's 06' corolla🤞 new battery, clean/tight connections, power to starter...

[@wavelymorta2751]

*Top stuff mate, walked through every step of the way to get a good understanding of how it works 👍 Australia 🇦🇺

[@brianpick8319]

Great video. I like the instructor type breakdown to better understand the why. Keep it up.

[@angtxsun4460]

Wow that explanation was so cool! Thank you, fixing my lawn tractor now!

[@SmittySmithsonite]

In the day, those Ford solenoids used to last forever. Just a couple years back I bought a genuine Motorcraft solenoid for our '86 Grand Marquis. It lasted ONE WEEK before it fused itself together, and created a PERPETUAL CRANK condition! That was fun! Luckily my wife was smart enough to kill the engine immediately. I had to run out there in my slippers and yank the negative cable right off the battery! Never a dull moment. Then not even a couple days later, I replaced a solenoid on my neighbor's '90 F-350 dump truck. 2 days later she calls me, stuck in the center of town with the same problem! WTF! That one came from NAPA, but looked to be made by the exact same manufacturer as the Motorcraft one. What a world we live in today ... :( Great vid Eric, btw. :)

[@nickdavis8286]

Got Damn! This video should be at the top of explanation videos. Thank u so much Eric. God u have no idea how hard it is to find some one that can explain something that you know and understand but need a more in depth on the fine details about it. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

[@jsmith1210]

Your presentation was outstanding, very easy to understand. Great job!! I am now a subscriber.

[@davidgagnon2849]

Excellent, excellent, excellent! You have a great knack for teaching as well as a great voice and delivery. You sound a lot like Mike Rowe (or he sounds like you). Great video!

[@usmale47374]

Great informative on solenoids that I hope everyone will appreciate, Eric.

[@trentonx137]

Fixed my lawnmower with this tutorial. Good job man!

[@xX_Kryptis_Xx]

Wish all car mechanics were like you, showing us how it works!

[@jahrah7042]

You know your. An avid Ericthecarguy subscriber when you watch new videos at 5am 👍

[@s4n714g000]

Great video cleared a lot of things really. Is there another part of a car/engine that you might want to explain like in this video? It really is great having an experienced person explain things so easily. Thanks Eric!

[@bobbyxperia8364]

Absolutely this video is very educational and entertaining. Got a complete idea on how a solenoid works. Thank you for this video.

[@andrewness2153]

Great video Eric! I know so many people who just cant wrap their heads around electricity

[@user-ut9ln4vd5m]

Refurbing a solenoid would go like the first part of the teardown - drill out the rivets, then instead of (breaking) the bolts, just sand or file them & the disk flat again. Then bolt/screw/rivet back together. The metal looked thick enough to last for another _lifetime_ of expected use. -> Excellent useful video!

[@AnthonyHigham]

Thanks Eric! I love how solenoids are so simple yet a lot going on in physics realm. This reminds me in war of the worlds movie, the cars weren’t working because of faulty starter solenoids. Although there are other solenoids in the car, like the injectors.

[@ericjoubert441]

Excellent video, I have the same solenoid on my 53 Golden Jubilee. Thanks

[@tyleru1585]

Good explanation, not to in depth and not to short

[@ifixem9585]

Putting things into perspective (especially to a waiting customer) can be difficult. Great explanation, keep it up. 👍

[@michelmorel9208]

Great explanation on how a solenoid starter works. i did enjoy watching the tear down as well.

[@jamesthomas3749]

Great job breaking that down. This was exactly what I was hoping to find

[@agentblaque1971]

Thank you! I have 1981 Yamaha XJ650 with a bad solenoid. As I wait for the new one to arrive I was wondering if I could rebuild the old one. After your video, I think I'll just sit tight and install the new one.

[@laurasalo6160]

I have always wanted to know what the solenoid was. So cool. I wondered what happened when you hit it. Thanks!

[@petertrom4397]

This was a fantastic explanation. Keep up the excellent work, Eric. I enjoy your videos!

[@Wyn61]

This was very informative! Thanks Eric!! Hi from Fargo, ND!!

[@het.valenzuela]

You don't know how many times I tried to make that, unfortunately never done, great video.

[@nickwilson1476]

welcome back.......old school ETCG!!! love it

[@shootr04]

Great video Eric! Now I know what causes that click when a starter is shot. Great visual explanation!

[@jamestackett2879]

Eric is back great video.

[@MrKlutch07]

So I knew how it worked in words, but seeing how it works is very helpful.

[@Ratlins9]

Thanks Eric, learned a great deal from your videos. The step by step disassembly made it easy to understand.

[@theindicacharmer1001]

Thank you, this explained things 10X better than other videos!

[@cameron7957]

This was the best video explaining how the solenoid works. Thank you!

[@Zombytes]

Thanks eric we like these educational deconstruction videos! I like when i watch one of your videos and learn something new, its very cool. Cut open/explain radiator inner workings next! That would be cool. Thank you for all your videos, 90 percent of what i know about cars, came from your videos.

[@andrewstewart01]

Great video, I learned something today, which makes me happy.

[@christophersipes4999]

Really enjoyed that, especially being a hands on/ visual learner.

[@snowflakemelter1172]

I'm fixing my solenoid today, your video has helped me find the fault, and saved me money, which I'm now going to spend on beer.

[@Michael-fw5ef]

Awesome, well explained video. I hope you make more simple videos like this that shows us how different parts of a car works.

[@m1garandm155]

thanks eric, you explain this like a real pro

[@jabelltulsa]

Great video! Thanks for the thorough yet simple explanation!

[@AwayFromTheWorld]

Its nice seeing the solenoid breakdown. One of many great videos, ty.

[@MyBlueZed]

Fantastic video! Both educational and entertaining. Thank you for posting. ❤️🇦🇺🚙

[@Liesaward]

Wow You are a very good teacher, congratulations. Good topic and very useful. Thank you.

[@MarkHeath-g7l]

That was a very helpfull when u don't have the 200 to buy a new starter u will fix it if possible.it was oil soaked copper winding.with a broken winding connection.got hot and cooked.i unwrapped winding and cleaned really good sanded whire re winded copper .soldered new piece to make new connection to copper stud.cleaned all oil from entire starter made new gasket and is still working today.desperate people learn things.thank u

[@cstar2839]

Again, another excellent video with useful information that a DIY guy me needed to know. Your the best!

[@uchis2k]

I always learn a ton from your videos! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@dandel351]

Nice job explaining that . My old Falcon had one of those solenoids.

[@Grotskii]

Cool, really learned something from this video that I didn't have some clue on before.

[@findvoltage]

thats how i like it, smash it apart so we can see whats goin on in there. great vid Eric guy

[@aleeah3532]

Hands down the best video on solenoids on youtube 8|

[@eugenevan100]

Brilliant, thanks for a detailed and logical explanation. Keep it coming.

[@smcic]

I had an 86 Ford ranger and the starter solenoid was easily accessible in the engine bay. Very easy to diagnose and replace.

[@elainegmorrison]

That was very informative. Provide electric charge to create a magnet to make an electrical connection to make a mechanical connection to start the propeller to start the engine. I suppose there's a reason we can't do without the first 2 steps?

[@AhmedHassan-dp8wk]

Thank you, the explanation on different Starter Solenoid is awesome

[@planet3599]

Such a great explanation! I completely understand what it does now. Thank you Eric!

[@InsideOfMyOwnMind]

Try that on a new car and you spend a day talking about safety lockouts, lien holder authentication devices, computer networks, CPU module crosschecks, boot loaders. memory address locations, stack pointers, shift registers, subroutines....well maybe not quite that intense but it sure would be fun watching any of the KZbin car techs tackle it. Thing is all of the above is true but we just don't dig that deep.

[@HELVETESKITSIDA]

Thank you for sharing your knowlage. Best wishes from sweden 💪

[@uzaiyaro]

I have no idea why but I always thought the solenoid was responsible for pulling the crown gear (if I’m remembering its name) into position to engage with the flywheel, I thought the starter relay was responsible for the current handling, but it makes sense why that’s not the case, the starter relay might only be 50A but the starter can pull 10x that for a short while. So basically when you turn the ignition key, that contacts one relay, which contacts the starter relay, which contacts the solenoid, which is like another big ol’ relay. I don’t know why I have the ideas that I do in my head, thanks for dispelling them, though! Except I’m an idiot that should’ve kept watching. The solenoid does that, too... cool! I also thought that the hammer trick works by scaring the crown gear, since solenoids can seize up, it might be just enough to engage the crown gear, and once the engine starts, the flywheel spins sufficiently fast enough that it throws the crown gear away out of position. Happy to be learned here, too.

[@Weezulguy]

That was awesome man, make sure to show em how to jump that solenoid if yer switch is dead too!

[@tonydellacer7771]

Great video. Well explained and demonstrated. Very helpful to me. Thanks Eric

[@HaAhyashahChaakam]

Question though, if you need a new starter, can you just replace the solenoid only or is it better to replace the entire starter with the solenoid included ?

[@bentnickel7487]

Thank you, I can go to bed now, I learned something new.

[@shehzada-e-habib1957]

Marvellous explaination. Really lucid and educational 👍