how to test lawn tractor solenoid

Lawn tractors have become a popular tool for homeowners to maintain their gardens and lawns. These tractors make work easier and more efficient. They are installed with various components, including the solenoid. The solenoid is responsible for starting the engine on the lawn tractor. You need to test the solenoid regularly to ensure it is functioning at its optimal level. This article aims to take you through the process of testing the lawn tractor solenoid efficiently.

Tools Required

Testing the lawn tractor solenoid is an easy task. The process requires specific tools to make it successful. The tools required include a multimeter and a pair of pliers. The multimeter will be used to test the strength of the battery, while the pliers will assist in connecting the two terminals on the solenoid.

Steps to Follow

Before beginning the testing procedure, ensure the tractor ignition is switched off, and the battery is disconnected. Follow the below steps to test your lawn tractor solenoid successfully:

1. Locate the solenoid. It is usually located in a visible position on the tractor. It is cylindrical in shape and connected to the starter motor with two bolts.

2. With the battery still disconnected, measure its voltage to confirm that it is in good condition. If it is below 12 volts, charge it with a battery charger to ensure it is fully charged.

3. Using a pair of pliers, connect the two terminals of the solenoid together. You will hear a clicking sound immediately you bring the terminals together, which is an indication that it is working correctly.

4. Turn the ignition to its \"on\" position and touch the multimeter's red lead to the terminal on the starter motor. Touch the black lead to the terminal on the solenoid.

5. Press the ignition. If the multimeter readings show zero voltage, the solenoid is not working correctly and may require replacement.

Testing the Solenoid's Ground

A faulty solenoid ground could cause the tractor's starter system to malfunction. To test the solenoid's ground, follow the below steps:

1. Attach the multimeter's red lead to the solenoid terminal and the black lead to the metal bracket that holds the solenoid in place.

2. Press the ignition. If the multimeter reading shows zero voltage, the solenoid is not correctly grounded. You need to connect the metal bracket firmly to the frame of the tractor to ground it adequately.

Troubleshooting the Solenoid

If the solenoid is not functioning correctly, troubleshoot it by performing the following procedures:

1. Check the solenoid wiring to confirm that there are no cuts or loose wires.

2. You can clean the solenoid if there are any dirty sets of contacts. The dirt interferes with the voltage passing through the solenoid.

3. You can replace the solenoid once you have exhausted all the testing and troubleshooting procedures.

Conclusion

Testing your lawn tractor solenoid does not require technical expertise. Anyone with basic knowledge of the tractor's components can carry out the test successfully. A functioning solenoid ensures that the tractor's starter system is always in good condition. Regular testing and maintenance save you the cost of replacing the entire system.