Quick technical query to the floor

[j-j]

Hi shiterz, I have a problem with the CX's starter switch. Basically for the last 3 days nothing happens when you turn the key to operate the starter motor. The solenoid wire emerges from the loom right next to the battery +ve terminal and has a bullet connector there that allows you to touch the male connector to the battery to operate the starter in the event of the switch being gubbed, this works every time so the motor, and solenoid are OK. I tested the circuit at the motor and it is getting 12.5 volts via the switch so the circuit is complete. But it is not energising the solenoid. I think there is a loss in current over the length of the 34 year old wire - it's also quite a long route on the RHD cars.

 

Skip to the end!

 

So I want to fit a relay in where the bullet connector is to the solenoid - pretty common mod on a CX. But where to get a proper relay for this? I don't know how to 'rate' a relay for purpose and I'm certain the 5 spare relays I have are too small as they're for elec windows and air blower, rad fans etc. I guess the solenoid relay would need to be a beefy chap.

 

Any advice?

[Pete-M]

 

So I want to fit a relay in where the bullet connector is to the solenoid - pretty common mod on a CX. But where to get a proper relay for this? I don't know how to 'rate' a relay for purpose and I'm certain the 5 spare relays I have are too small as they're for elec windows and air blower, rad fans etc. I guess the solenoid relay would need to be a beefy chap.

 

Any advice?

 

Why do you need to use a big relay? The solenoid is a big relay, the wire to the bullet is just a trigger to engage the solenoid which isn't going to need big current..

[j-j]

Thanks, I realise the solenoid is a relay but it is not triggering despite the current getting to it from the switch. The switch on these is known to sink current with age and due to the distance from the switch. Fitting a relay nearer it to boost it is a common thing to do on these early versions. The solenoid works perfectly if I bridge the bullet connector to the battery so the fault has to be with the switch or wiring, still it gives 12v when measured so why doesn't it call the solenoid to action? Surely a relay added in here would do the job of me touching the bullet connector on the battery?

[j-j]

Also, hoping to get one that has an external switch on it so the engine can be cranked over via this (DSs had a switched relay for this next to the battery and I always found it really handy)

 

Gonna try Maplin for this first.

[j-j]

Fitted and now the starter operates fine - knew the switch was at fault.

[chaseracer]

Tech query resolved within five posts, by the OP?

 

[Rod/b]

Bash a smaller socket onto it with a hammer. If that fails, chisel it off.

[mattblack]

Has the battery got square terminals?

[chaseracer]

Has the battery got square terminals?

It's a Citroen CX. They will be pentagonal, offset from each other by 20degrees, and held on with Camembert...