The Ford Barn

19Fordy · 07-22-2025, 08:23 PM

I have several 6V solenoids I would like to test to see if they work.
I want to test them on the workbench as I don't have a 6V car.
I do have a 6V dry cell battery and a 6V/ 12V BATTERY CHARGER.
Also have a digital volt/ohm meter.

Can I use the above equipment and wire them up to see if they are good solenoids? If so, how do I wire them? The solenoids I have are originally 6V with one post and the big BATT and Starter CABLE TERMINALS. The little button on the bottom appears to be for decoration as it cannot be depressed to work. I recall my OEM 1940 Ford solenoid had the bottom button that allowed it to be used to start the car when working under the hood. This solenoid does not have that feature.

Thanks, JIM

petehoovie · 07-22-2025, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

I have several 6V solenoids I would like to test to see if they work.
I want to test them on the workbench as I don't have a 6V car.
I do have a 6V dry cell battery and a 6V/ 12V BATTERY CHARGER.

Can I use the above equipment and wire them up to see if they are good solenoids? If so, how do I wire them? The solenoids I have are originally 6V with one post and the big BATT and Starter CABLE TERMINALS. The little button on the bottom appears to be for decoration as it cannot be depressed to work.

Thanks, JIM

19Fordy · 07-22-2025, 08:56 PM

Thanks Pete. Sure makes a difference.

glennpm · 07-23-2025, 06:31 AM

Would a 6v output 110v input transformer like this one work? You would need one that could handle the solenoid amperage. Note I'm a Mech Engineer and not electrical so Koates, Tubman or a "sparks and arcs guy" could give us some guidance.

"6v output 110v input transformer"

https://www.amazon.com/UPMMUD-Transf...zcF9hdGY&psc=1

Sorry about that

tubman · 07-23-2025, 08:51 AM

That link doesn't work for me.

Terry,OH · 07-23-2025, 09:03 AM

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Put your ohmmeter across the Bat and the small terminal and you need to see some minimal resistance (NOT zero ohms or infinite ohms) if so connect the + or - of your dry cell to the Bat and the other polarity to the small terminal. With your voltmeter connected to the second large terminal and the small terminal you should read battery voltage when the solenoid picks up. Digital voltmeter, ohmeter is good.

07-22-2025, 08:56 PM	#3
19Fordy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Coral Springs FL Posts: 11,604	Re: How to test a solenoid Thanks Pete. Sure makes a difference.

07-23-2025, 06:31 AM	#4
glennpm Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Mid-Coast Maine Posts: 2,815	Re: How to test a solenoid Would a 6v output 110v input transformer like this one work? You would need one that could handle the solenoid amperage. Note I'm a Mech Engineer and not electrical so Koates, Tubman or a "sparks and arcs guy" could give us some guidance. "6v output 110v input transformer" https://www.amazon.com/UPMMUD-Transf...zcF9hdGY&psc=1 Sorry about that __________________ Archives of historical but relevant older articles: ------------- Hover mouse over the links below and click! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~--------------- Rumble Seat's Notes Techno-Source-for-the-1932-thru-1953-Flathead-Ford Last edited by glennpm; 07-23-2025 at 09:01 AM. Reason: fix link

07-23-2025, 08:51 AM	#5
tubman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys Posts: 11,633	Re: How to test a solenoid That link doesn't work for me.

07-23-2025, 09:03 AM	#6
Terry,OH Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 5,187	Re: How to test a solenoid Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Put your ohmmeter across the Bat and the small terminal and you need to see some minimal resistance (NOT zero ohms or infinite ohms) if so connect the + or - of your dry cell to the Bat and the other polarity to the small terminal. With your voltmeter connected to the second large terminal and the small terminal you should read battery voltage when the solenoid picks up. Digital voltmeter, ohmeter is good.