starter solenoid wire is always supposed to be hot right?

1992 FORD TAURUS
150,000 MILES
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TRICIA52369
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  • 6 POSTS
The small wire that clips on to the starter solenoid is always supposed to be hot right? If there is no juice in it what might be the problem? This is the wire that shorted on a bolt above it by the oil filter. We spliced in a new wire but there is still no power in it. I know it plugs into the solenoid and goes to a plugin near the distributor. What is that plugin?
Feb 26, 2012 at 3:27 PM
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CARADIODOC
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Do you mean "hot" as in it has 12 volts? No, when 12 volts is switched on that wire, it engages the solenoid to engage the starter drive and turn on the high starter current. If you use a jumper wire to apply 12 volts on that wire from the battery positive terminal, the starter should engage.
Feb 26, 2012 at 3:49 PM
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FIXITMR
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 9,989 POSTS
unless solenoid has 2 small posts with wires. then 12v is activated on the extra post when solenoid clamps and starter is turning. on some vehicles this is used to boost spark output for better starting.
Feb 27, 2012 at 2:25 PM
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