remote solenoid install problems
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: canada
Car: 1985 irocz
Engine: l69 5.0ho
Transmission: 5 speed
remote solenoid install problems
I've been reading all the posts dealing with this install and have found two others that are having my problem but they didnt describe how they fixed it.
I've installed the summit remote solenoid kit as per the instructions given but as soon as I reconnect the battery the starter runs without even the key being in the ignition. I've checked all my connections and even compared them to other diagrams on the web and every thing is correct. here is how I connected it:
1] I disconnected the b and s posts from GM solenoid.
2] the b post had the main cable from the batt and 2 other wires joined at the tip by the loop connector. I added the extra length of cable to the purple wire from the s post and to the 2 wires on one loop from the b post.
3]to the remote solenoid I connected the + of the battery and the 2 wires on one loop that I lenghthened to 1 of the large posts.
4]from the other large post I ran the large battery cable to the b post on the gm solenoid which is connected to the s post by the jumper supplied.
5]I connected the purple wire to the s post on the remote solenoid.
6]went to reconnect the battery and then the starter ran on its own. no key in the ignition.
Any help would really be appreciated the only thing I can think of is that the solenoid is defective like it is permanently switched on.
I've installed the summit remote solenoid kit as per the instructions given but as soon as I reconnect the battery the starter runs without even the key being in the ignition. I've checked all my connections and even compared them to other diagrams on the web and every thing is correct. here is how I connected it:
1] I disconnected the b and s posts from GM solenoid.
2] the b post had the main cable from the batt and 2 other wires joined at the tip by the loop connector. I added the extra length of cable to the purple wire from the s post and to the 2 wires on one loop from the b post.
3]to the remote solenoid I connected the + of the battery and the 2 wires on one loop that I lenghthened to 1 of the large posts.
4]from the other large post I ran the large battery cable to the b post on the gm solenoid which is connected to the s post by the jumper supplied.
5]I connected the purple wire to the s post on the remote solenoid.
6]went to reconnect the battery and then the starter ran on its own. no key in the ignition.
Any help would really be appreciated the only thing I can think of is that the solenoid is defective like it is permanently switched on.
Last edited by ZedorZee?; Sep 14, 2010 at 06:03 PM.
Supreme Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 19
From: Cary, North Carolina
Car: 1992 RS
Engine: Carbed 350
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42 posi
Re: remote solenoid install problems
The purple wire should be the ONLY wire connected where ever it's connected, and it should run a path to the S terminal of the starter. If there are any other wires connected anywhere on the same path as the purple wire (or it's extension), then they need changed to the other terminal.
In other words - Anytime the S connector on the starter gets 12v, the starter will turn.
In other words - Anytime the S connector on the starter gets 12v, the starter will turn.
Re: remote solenoid install problems
You just need to break it down and understand what you're trying to do and how it's supposed to work.
At the starter originally you had a battery cable, a wad of fusible links, and a purple wire.
The fusible links need to be connected to the battery at all times, so they need to be extended to wherever you're putting the remote solenoid. They need to be connected to the same terminal on the new solenoid as the battery.
The jumper from the B to S terminals on the starter are basically making the solenoid on the starter ON full time.
So then you run a battery cable from your new solenoid to the starter.
Finally you connect the purple wire to the switch terminal on your new solenoid.
At the starter originally you had a battery cable, a wad of fusible links, and a purple wire.
The fusible links need to be connected to the battery at all times, so they need to be extended to wherever you're putting the remote solenoid. They need to be connected to the same terminal on the new solenoid as the battery.
The jumper from the B to S terminals on the starter are basically making the solenoid on the starter ON full time.
So then you run a battery cable from your new solenoid to the starter.
Finally you connect the purple wire to the switch terminal on your new solenoid.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: canada
Car: 1985 irocz
Engine: l69 5.0ho
Transmission: 5 speed
Re: remote solenoid install problems
You just need to break it down and understand what you're trying to do and how it's supposed to work.
At the starter originally you had a battery cable, a wad of fusible links, and a purple wire.
The fusible links need to be connected to the battery at all times, so they need to be extended to wherever you're putting the remote solenoid. They need to be connected to the same terminal on the new solenoid as the battery.
The jumper from the B to S terminals on the starter are basically making the solenoid on the starter ON full time.
So then you run a battery cable from your new solenoid to the starter.
Finally you connect the purple wire to the switch terminal on your new solenoid.
At the starter originally you had a battery cable, a wad of fusible links, and a purple wire.
The fusible links need to be connected to the battery at all times, so they need to be extended to wherever you're putting the remote solenoid. They need to be connected to the same terminal on the new solenoid as the battery.
The jumper from the B to S terminals on the starter are basically making the solenoid on the starter ON full time.
So then you run a battery cable from your new solenoid to the starter.
Finally you connect the purple wire to the switch terminal on your new solenoid.
Exactly how I have it but for some reason the starter is getting power without the key being turned... just in case I tried putting the purple to the other post on the new solenoid even though I knew it wouldnt help but at that point I was willing to try anything I even flipped the solenoid upside down to change the flow even though I knew it flows in either direction but all of this did nothing. And to make me sound even stupider I graduated from trade school ,guess which trade? .......CONSTRUCTION ELECTRICITY.
so it's not like I don't know how to read a wiring diagram. Does anyone think the new solenoid could be defective. unless it isn't grounded properly . But I don't see why there is a constant supply to the starter . Re: remote solenoid install problems
If you're sure it's wired right, troubleshoot it.
What happens if you disconnect the purple wire from the solenoid? Does it still try to crank over? Check the purple wire with a test light or a DVOM and see if it's got voltage full time.
If the starter kicks over with the purple wire disconnected, then remove the solenoid, and use a DVOM and check for continuity between the two posts. If you have continuity with it disconnected, then yeah the solenoid is probably bad.
What happens if you disconnect the purple wire from the solenoid? Does it still try to crank over? Check the purple wire with a test light or a DVOM and see if it's got voltage full time.
If the starter kicks over with the purple wire disconnected, then remove the solenoid, and use a DVOM and check for continuity between the two posts. If you have continuity with it disconnected, then yeah the solenoid is probably bad.
Supreme Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,337
Likes: 29
From: Aurora, OR
Car: 87 IROC Z28
Engine: 355 cid TPI
Transmission: Custom Built 700R4 w/3,500 stall
Axle/Gears: QP fab 9" 3.70 Truetrac
Re: remote solenoid install problems
Disconnect the purple wire from the S terminal of the remote solenoid. Reconnect the battery. Does the starter run? If so, the solenoid is stuck on. If not, test for 12v at the purple wire to the S term. Does it have 12v all the time? If so, check your wiring. Look for a short between the fuse links and the start circuit(purple wires). Look for any other way that the start circuit could be getting power with the ign switch off.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: canada
Car: 1985 irocz
Engine: l69 5.0ho
Transmission: 5 speed
Re: remote solenoid install problems
I'll try it, I also have a buddy whos gonna lend me a ford solenoid hes got laying around. But as I've described it does it sound like my connections are right does anything sound strange.
One thing I forgot to mention was that when I was trying different things I was only tightening the connections by hand . when I flipped the solenoid upside down it worked then I shut the car off went and disconnected the battery to tighten all the connections when I went to reconnect the battery the same thing happened again.
One thing I forgot to mention was that when I was trying different things I was only tightening the connections by hand . when I flipped the solenoid upside down it worked then I shut the car off went and disconnected the battery to tighten all the connections when I went to reconnect the battery the same thing happened again.
Last edited by ZedorZee?; Sep 14, 2010 at 07:26 PM.
Trending Topics
Supreme Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,337
Likes: 29
From: Aurora, OR
Car: 87 IROC Z28
Engine: 355 cid TPI
Transmission: Custom Built 700R4 w/3,500 stall
Axle/Gears: QP fab 9" 3.70 Truetrac
Re: remote solenoid install problems
Sounds like a bad solenoid. As I said, if the starter runs with the purple wire disconnected from the remote solenoid, the solenoid is bad. The solenoid cannot operate without the purple wire connected unless its stuck closed.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: canada
Car: 1985 irocz
Engine: l69 5.0ho
Transmission: 5 speed
Re: remote solenoid install problems
Solenoid was defective borrowed one from a friend and it worked but for some reason the positive connection on the battery heated up to the point that I couldn't touch it ...theres something up ... so I reconnected everything back to stock, just got fed up.
Supreme Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,337
Likes: 29
From: Aurora, OR
Car: 87 IROC Z28
Engine: 355 cid TPI
Transmission: Custom Built 700R4 w/3,500 stall
Axle/Gears: QP fab 9" 3.70 Truetrac
Re: remote solenoid install problems
A hot connection usually means a poor connection.
Supreme Member
iTrader: (33)
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 5,945
Likes: 1
From: Boosted Land
Car: 92 Z28
Engine: Boosted LSX
Supreme Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,337
Likes: 29
From: Aurora, OR
Car: 87 IROC Z28
Engine: 355 cid TPI
Transmission: Custom Built 700R4 w/3,500 stall
Axle/Gears: QP fab 9" 3.70 Truetrac
Re: remote solenoid install problems
Apparently this thread is concluded but I would like to add a comment on aftermarket relays and solenoids. All electrical parts are not created equal. There is a good reason why quality brands are more expensive. Relays and solenoids are no exception to this rule. I have seen too many cheap aftermarket relays for various devices fail prematurely, leaving customers stranded or at least frustrated. If its worth doing it's worth doing right and that incudes using quality parts from reputable manufacturers. The bit of extra $$ you spend now will likely save you a great deal of aggrevation later.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post









