The solenoid is a critical component of a vehicle’s starter system. This electromagnetic coil is located near the starter motor and is activated when the ignition is turned by the key. The solenoid, or relay, draws power from the battery to engage the starter motor and crank the engine. When this commercial truck part goes bad, your vehicle won’t start. Here are five signs that you need a new solenoid. 

5 Signs Your Vehicle Has a Bad Solenoid  

1. Intermittent Starting 

When a solenoid begins to fail, it will often continue working sporadically. If you have continuous trouble starting the engine but are eventually successful at getting it running, the solenoid may be going bad.

2. Clicking Sounds  

In some cases, a faulty solenoid will produce a clicking noise whenever you turn the key in the ignition. A single click indicates that the part is trying to engage but is unable to work with other components.

Continuous clicking often means that the battery is dead. However, if the vehicle's power source is charged properly, and you still hear this noise, the solenoid may be to blame.

3. Continuously Running Starter 

Sometimes a bad solenoid can successfully transfer power to the starter motor but won’t disengage from it when it’s supposed to. When this happens, you’ll notice that this commercial truck part keeps running when you’re done turning the key in the ignition. This continuous operation can cause significant damage to the starter motor, so consider shutting off the vehicle until the component is replaced.

4. Spontaneous Starting

While it is rare, bad solenoids may direct electric current to the starter motor without any input from the driver. If it kicks on even though you didn't turn the ignition key, you likely have a bad solenoid.

5. High Mileage 

Solenoids tend to last much longer than many other car and commercial truck parts. However, they typically need to be replaced between 100,000 and 150,000 miles. If your starting system is acting up, and you’ve hit this mileage mark, have the solenoid checked out by a mechanic.

If starter system problems are impacting your vehicle's performance, George J. Hust Co. has the resources to get you back on the road with confidence. This Cincinnati, OH, supplier is stocked with a vast inventory of boat, school bus, tractor, heavy truck, semi, and fleet truck parts. Their knowledgeable team will connect you with the right products for your specific vehicle—whether you need a new solenoid, alternator, or starter motor. Visit this commercial truck, agricultural, and landscaping equipment and parts company online to learn more about their offerings. Call (513) 681-3120 for help with ordering fleet truck parts.