[daregister]

i'm not sure if there is a difference between a relay and a solenoid. I read you can bypass to have the starter turn over by using a screw driver. I did and sparks flew. I don't know if I did it right and also do you think i messed anything up becuase of the sparks?

[66vertproject]

Yes, when you bypass the soleniod, you definately will see sparks. A soleniod is a type of a coil. When it is energized, it pulls together the contacts on either side, completing the circuit and allowing the car to start. You can jump the soleniod with a screwdriver, but make sure it is insulated well, or you can burn the crap out of yourself if something goes wrong. Wrap the handle with electrical tape, or wear leather gloves. It is unlikely that you will screw anything up by doing this a few times, but it obviously shouldn't be done too often. If you play with live electrical too much, you will get burned. Sparks are an indication of a dead short, which is actually what you would want in this situation.

BE CAREFUL!

[davedbutch]

Originally Posted by 66vertproject

Yes, when you bypass the soleniod, you definately will see sparks. A soleniod is a type of a coil. When it is energized, it pulls together the contacts on either side, completing the circuit and allowing the car to start. You can jump the soleniod with a screwdriver, but make sure it is insulated well, or you can burn the crap out of yourself if something goes wrong. Wrap the handle with electrical tape, or wear leather gloves. It is unlikely that you will screw anything up by doing this a few times, but it obviously shouldn't be done too often. If you play with live electrical too much, you will get burned. Sparks are an indication of a dead short, which is actually what you would want in this situation.

BE CAREFUL!

Yep...

and two other things.

1. Make sure, ESPECIALLY if it is a clutch, that you are not standing in FRONT of the car. Old cars have often times had the starter safety switch removed. So PLEASE stand to the side of the car.

2. I have found that rubber wrapped pliers work the best to jump the solenoid.