Follow up question concerning starter solenoid

77JEEPDJ5

MEMBER
13 POSTS

OK. I've been trying to figure out how to say this and here's what I have.
Call me a big dummy ignoramus or what ever.
This morning as I lie awake in bed at about 0200 I was thinking on the next step and I decided I would try a different battery.
So I pulled the battery out of the Jeep, which has always registered 12.3-12 volts, and replaced it with a battery out of my 66 F100.
Guess what? The Jeep started on a dime!
I have been pulling what's left of my hair out for 3 months with this electrical dilemma and it was the battery?
Now I don't understand how a battery that registers 12 volts is bad but then again what the heck do I know.
I have to admit that all the advise you guys provided helped with the problem solving and I couldn't of done this without your expertise.
I am indebted to all.
Thank you again and I am sure there will be other dilemmas I will request help on in the future.
Till the next problem.

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Sunday, April 28th, 2013 AT 12:00 PM

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,871 POSTS

I'm a dummy too. When I mentioned the rapid solenoid clicking was the result of too much current, as in a shorted starter, or too little current, as in a bad connection, I should have included too little current available due to a bad or discharged battery.

For future reference, a fully-charged battery will measure 12.6 volts. A good but discharged battery will read 12.2 volts. When you find around 11 volts or less it has a shorted cell and must be replaced.

12.3 volts is too low and suggests it may simply not be fully-charged. There could also be so much lead flaked off the plates that it just can't provide the needed current for cranking. That will draw the voltage down so much that it causes the solenoid to turn off, then the voltage goes back up, the solenoid turns back on, the current demand draws the voltage down again, and that rapid clicking results.

To be sure the charging system is working now that the engine is running, measure the battery voltage again with it running. You must find between 13.75 and 14.75 volts. If it is low, the old battery is likely okay but just discharged.

Very happy to hear the solenoid problem is solved.

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Sunday, April 28th, 2013 AT 2:07 PM