QuestionWe were given a MDT. and it was working fine, the next day I went to start and all I got was a spinning sound from the starter, so we replaced the soleniod.Now all I get is a clicking noise and it won't do that very long. we had the battery checked it is fine, the gear on top of the starter was stuck so I freed it so it would move freely. but it still won't start or ingage the starter. What do you think.
Mary
PS the clicking comes from the soleniod.
AnswerHi Mary,
The spinning starter pointed to the frozen starter gear as you addressed. I think that would have solved the problem. By replacing the soleniod, I suspect the wiring is incorrect or the new solenoid is defective. Follow my general "no crank" proceedure below.
I would check the starter first. Jump the positive battery terminal to the starter and it should crank over. If not, jump from a car battery that you know is good. If still nothing, the starter is bad. If good, then you will need to trace the entire circuit from the starter to the battery. The solenoid, switches the battery power to the starter, when power from the key switch is sent to the small terminal on the solenoid. To test the solenoid, first make sure that you have power at its large terminal which comes from the battery. Then jump power from that terminal or the battery positive post, to its small terminal. You should hear a click and the other large terminal that feeds the starter should be energized. If not, then the solenoid is bad. If good, then continue tracing the power through the key switch to the battery until you find the break in the power path. All testing can be done with a 12 volt light or a voltmeter. Most equipment has safety switches in the seat and on the blade engagement lever. Check them by temporarily bypassing with a small jumper wire.
Let me know how you make out.
Michael
