Starter solenoids

[chinkamon]

Do they ever give up?

Haven't started my car for a few weeks the battery's full and when I tried to start it rather sluggishly turns once maybe twice and that's it?

There's 12v at the solenoid when I try to start it drops right down to 5v then goes back up to 12v? The starter was reconditioned about 9 months ago?

[colr6]

Try another battery first.You can soon elimate solenoid, just put a screw driver across the two nuts. Watch out for the Sparks. That will throw the starter in. If problem still same try engine and battery earths and starter connections make sure clean and tight. Problem still there? Starter motor

[chinkamon]

Yea I was a bit unsure about going across the terminals with a screwdriver...?

[colr6]

Just added a bit more

[chinkamon]

I was going to jump it from my focus but she was at work so had the car

Could try that first as I haven't a spare battery an this one is only a year old

[colr6]

Yep try things that are free before throwing your cash around on starters and batteries

[Veemax]

yes they can go down, they are just a giant contact switch, so over time the internal contacts get burnt and pitted, I've had some get me by success in the past as with some solenoids they have a small hole in one side which i have sprayed contact cleaner into, which has got the bugger working again for quite a while, 

but best bet as they aint dear is to replace it if yr not sure,

 

Pete....

[chinkamon]

Cheers Pete

Yea it's the original one from the factory an most other bits are new, was unsure wether to replace it anyway just to avoid the time when it won't start at the petrol station, or some other embarrassing location!