starter solenoid

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tjjensen - 28 Sep 2007 05:43 GMT

I have a 1990 ford t-bird. I recently had to replace the alternator and
battery due to a fire. I have been able to get the car running again but the
battery charging light comes on and stays on, indicating the battery is not
charging. I took the car in and had it checked and was told there was a short
in the battery wires (the large black ones that go from the solenoid to the
alternator). I traced back the wiring and could not find a short. I changed
out the connectors and still have the same problem. I have power to the
solenoid at the positive battery terminal, but none coming out the starter
side, yet the car starts. Is there a problem with the solenoid that is not
allowing the battery to charge and the alternator to get power? or anyone
have any suggestions? BTW I have checked all fuses and relays and they all
appear to be good.

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Big Al - 28 Sep 2007 06:34 GMT

>I have a 1990 ford t-bird. I recently had to replace the alternator and
> battery due to a fire. I have been able to get the car running again but
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
> have any suggestions? BTW I have checked all fuses and relays and they all
> appear to be good.

Not likely. The solenoid ONLY passes power when the key is in the start
position. You need to check the large wire from the alternator to the
positive side of the battery. If it's good, the alternator is not charging
for a different reason. Defective alternator or something wrong with the
control circuit. Lots of Fords had a problem connector where the large wire
connects to the alternator. There is a kit to replace the push on connector
and a crimp connector to splice the original wire.

Al

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tjjensen - 29 Sep 2007 03:52 GMT

>>I have a 1990 ford t-bird. I recently had to replace the alternator and
>> battery due to a fire. I have been able to get the car running again but
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
>
>Al

Ok, my next question, can you tell me how the wires connect to the solenoid.
Currently they are like this. The wire to the starter, the battery power
wires to the alternator, and a small yellow and white striped wire, which
also goes to the small alternator connector, are on the negative (powerless)
side of the solenoid. The positive cable from the battery and another large
wire, which leads into the wiring harness, are on the positive, (powered)
side of the solenoid. Is this correct wiring connections?

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Tom - 29 Sep 2007 10:33 GMT

nope. all wires should be on the hot side except for the wire going to the
starter

>>>I have a 1990 ford t-bird. I recently had to replace the alternator and
>>> battery due to a fire. I have been able to get the car running again but
[quoted text clipped - 25 lines]
> wire, which leads into the wiring harness, are on the positive, (powered)
> side of the solenoid. Is this correct wiring connections?

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