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Wiring the starter solenoid, wiring diagram needed?

Tiny
DEB7273
  • MEMBER
  • 1989 CHEVROLET 1500
  • 5.0L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 92,000 MILES
I am trying to track down the wires that connect to a new 4 pole starter solenoid behind someone else and I am having a hard time.
I put new battery in and all lights, gauges, fan, fuel pump, etc, ones on, and there is a 12-volt rail on firewall.
I've had a bench test on the starter, and it says it's great, but when I try to get it wired up, click!
I take it down, connect my wires on my one man push button tool, and it spins over easily.
Then unhook it and repeat! I shimmed the starter 1/8 of inch away from flywheel. I have tried to watch videos after several attempts, but I'm getting nowhere, and I can't afford to take it to a mechanic or I would have a week ago. My family needs a vehicle going, and I don't know what else to do.
I would greatly appreciate your help.
Thank you in advance.
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Saturday, March 2nd, 2024 AT 3:46 AM

8 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,758 POSTS
Hi,

I'm not completely sure I understand what is happening. When you say it only clicks when it is installed, are you sure the engine isn't locked? Also, are all battery connections clean and tight? Is the ground from the battery to the engine block in good shape and tight?

I attached the wiring schematic below, so you have it as a reference. Take a look at it and let me know if it helps.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.
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Saturday, March 2nd, 2024 AT 11:40 AM
Tiny
DEB7273
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Thank you, sir, this is a good start.
And, no, the motor is not locked up. My husband made sure that he could turn it with his hand before he bought the truck.
When he put a new battery in it, he also bought new terminals and they are tight. He has the positive terminal hooked to big post on starter/solenoid.
Is there any way that you can say what color wires go on a starter/solenoid, and where or an 88 Chevrolet 1500 with a 305 v8 automatic engine? The previous owner had pulled the wire ends off the old. Starter. See a small red, small purple wire, and the big positive terminal. Can you tell me what color wires go where and how many wires that need to be hooked up to the starter solenoid, please?
Thank you
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Saturday, March 2nd, 2024 AT 9:42 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,758 POSTS
Hi,

The purple wire goes to S terminal on the starter solenoid. The large power wire from the battery goes to the large post on the starter solenoid. You indicated a red wire and I'm not seeing it on the schematic.

I need you to confirm something for me. In the heading, you indicated the model year as a 1989. In the last post, you asked about an 88. Let me know which one you are working with. I don't want to get you the wrong information.

I attached a pic from the manufacturer showing a black wire (heavier gauge from battery) and a purple wire (lighter gauge/trigger wire). This purple wire will not have power to it until the key is in the start position.

Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, March 2nd, 2024 AT 11:18 PM
Tiny
DEB7273
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
It's a 1989 1500 step-side truck with a 305 engine that came out of a 1985 El Camino SS.
My apologies for any inconvenience.
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Sunday, March 3rd, 2024 AT 11:10 PM
Tiny
DEB7273
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  • 5 POSTS
1989 Chevrolet 1500 truck that came with a 350 engine. The factory engine was Replaced with a 305 engine that came out of a 1985 Chevrolet El Camino SS.
My husband can turn the engine by hand, but he is having trouble (going behind someone)finding the wires that connect to a new starter.
What color wires go to what posts on the starter solonoid?
Thanks
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Monday, March 4th, 2024 AT 2:13 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,758 POSTS
Hi,

According to the manual, there should be a purple (smaller gauge wire) to the S post and a heavy gauge black wire to the larger post on the starter.

When working on the starter, make sure the battery is disconnected.

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, March 4th, 2024 AT 7:07 PM
Tiny
DEB7273
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Thank you, Joe.
So, the small purple wire is the ignition/switch wire? And it goes to the S terminal? And the thick positive battery terminal goes to the biggest post on the starter solenoid?
I will try this again in the morning, and hopefully reply back to you with no more issues. If there are more issues, I will try to add a picture with my reply. Thanks again.
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Monday, March 4th, 2024 AT 10:24 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,758 POSTS
Hi,

What you described is correct. The purple is the trigger wire that engages the starter motor when you turn the key. The heavy gauge black wire is what powers the electric motor once the starter engages.

Just be careful not to cause anything to short. Take your time and I look forward to hearing from you.

Take care,

Joe
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Tuesday, March 5th, 2024 AT 7:21 PM

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