39 starter circut
 

I am having problem with getting starter button to work. I understand button provides ground to wire to solinoid. Does not work even with button grounded directly to batt. If I apply ground directly to solinoid terminal, nothing. If I apply power ( negative ) to term. it works. If button grounds wire at dash, shouldn't it work with term. grounded? What am I missing? Thanks, Mark It is positive ground.

Re: 39 starter circut
 

Did this solenoid work before or is it a new solenoid? If it's a new one it may
be the wrong one.

Re: 39 starter circut
 

Marko, two things come to mind.
1) Repop dash switches are TOTAL CRAP! I can't stress that enough. JUNK! If you have a repop, find an authentic button / switch.
2) Did this circuit ever work properly with the solenoid you currently have installed? Some solenoids (Chrysler?) LOOK correct but internally are not functional with the Ford.

Re: 39 starter circut
 

You probably have the wrong type solenoid. Check for 6 volts (6 volt system) at the button (center) terminal, if you have 6 volts there, you have the correct solenoid. If you have less than 5 volts there, you have the wrong or bad solenoid.


My guess is that you have a solenoid that requires voltage to the button terminal in order to work. This requires a 2 terminal dash button.

Re: 39 starter circut
 

TomO, was I correct that the ones that appear correct but are not, were Chrysler?

Re: 39 starter circut
 

Mike, my Lincoln uses the one that requires the 2 terminal starter button and after Ford converted to 12 volts some Fords used them. Chrysler and other manufacturers did use that type also.

Re: 39 starter circut
 

No voltage at terminal, only works if I apply voltage. I was thinking it was solenoid, this one is of unknown origin , I have some others I can try , just making sure I wasn't missing something. As for the button yes it is crap. It is a repop and stuck in about the third time I pushed it! Thanks, Mark

Re: 39 starter circut
 

You need a solenoid with insulated base, circuit #2.

Re: 39 starter circut
 

Re: 39 starter circut
 

I tried an old crusty Ford solenoid an bingo! Works like it should and I learned something new. This site is a wealth of information. Now for a different button, does anyone sell nos. or Nors. ones? Thanks, Mark

Re: 39 starter circut
 

My brand new repo starter button was very intermittent. Found an original on Ebay for $15, which is a little high, but much better than the other one on Ebay which was priced at $45. No problems since. You might need to brighten the insides of the hole in the dash, where the button clips go.

Re: 39 starter circut
 

If concourse correct (button color) is not too important to you, then eBay is a good place to find a NORS button. You can usually tell if they are truly old stock if the "start" is stamped in the stainless bezel deeply and is quite legible. The repops are stamped very lightly. It's a noticeable difference.

When you install your "new" switch (dash button) I'd suggest you solder a wire to the body of it. Run that wire to a nearby ground. Rest assured, this makes a huge difference.
In every one of my restorations I carefully do this so the "extra" wire can't be detected.

Re: 39 starter circut
 

Will start looking, I remember your tip from past posts and am going to do it.