Hey there! As a supplier of DENSO Starters, I often get asked about how to check the solenoid of a DENSO Starter. It's a crucial part of the starter system, and a faulty solenoid can lead to all sorts of problems. So, I thought I'd share some tips on how to check it.
First off, let's talk a bit about what a solenoid does. In a DENSO Starter, the solenoid is like a little electrical switch. When you turn the ignition key, it sends an electrical signal to the solenoid. The solenoid then uses that signal to engage the starter motor's gear with the engine's flywheel and also to send power to the starter motor to crank the engine.
Tools You'll Need
Before you start checking the solenoid, you'll need a few tools. You'll need a multimeter, which is a handy device for measuring electrical voltage, resistance, and current. You'll also need a wrench set to remove the starter if necessary, and some safety gloves and goggles to protect yourself.
Step 1: Safety First
Safety is always the top priority when working on any vehicle's electrical system. Make sure the vehicle's ignition is turned off and the battery is disconnected. This will prevent any accidental electrical shocks or short - circuits.
Step 2: Locate the Solenoid
The solenoid is usually mounted on top of the DENSO Starter. It's a small, cylindrical device with a couple of electrical terminals on it. You might need to remove some engine covers or other components to get a clear view of it.


Step 3: Visual Inspection
Once you've located the solenoid, give it a good visual inspection. Look for any signs of damage, like cracks in the housing, burned or corroded electrical terminals, or loose connections. If you see any of these issues, it's a pretty good indication that the solenoid might be bad.
Step 4: Check the Electrical Connections
Use your wrench to gently check the tightness of the electrical connections on the solenoid. Loose connections can cause intermittent problems with the starter. Make sure the terminals are clean and free of corrosion. If you see any corrosion, you can use some sandpaper or a wire brush to clean it off.
Step 5: Testing the Solenoid with a Multimeter
Now, it's time to use the multimeter. Set the multimeter to the resistance or ohms setting. First, touch the probes of the multimeter to the two large electrical terminals on the solenoid. A good solenoid should have a low resistance reading, usually between 0.1 and 5 ohms. If the reading is infinite or very high, it means there's an open circuit in the solenoid, and it's probably bad.
Next, check the small terminal on the solenoid. This terminal is where the ignition signal comes in. Connect one probe of the multimeter to the small terminal and the other to a good ground on the starter or the vehicle's frame. When you turn the ignition key to the "start" position, you should see a voltage reading of around 12 volts (assuming a 12 - volt battery system). If there's no voltage, there might be a problem with the ignition switch or the wiring leading to the solenoid.
Step 6: Bench Testing (Optional)
If you're still not sure if the solenoid is working properly, you can do a bench test. Remove the solenoid from the starter (using your wrench set). Connect the large terminals of the solenoid to a 12 - volt battery (make sure to connect the positive and negative terminals correctly). Then, use a jumper wire to connect the small terminal to the positive terminal of the battery. When you do this, you should hear a clicking sound as the solenoid engages. If you don't hear the click, the solenoid is likely faulty.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- No Click Sound: If you turn the ignition key and don't hear the solenoid click, it could be due to a few reasons. It could be a dead battery, a faulty ignition switch, a broken wire in the ignition circuit, or a bad solenoid. Check the battery voltage first. If it's low, charge or replace the battery. Then, check the ignition switch and the wiring for any signs of damage.
- Clicking Sound but No Crank: If you hear the solenoid click but the engine doesn't crank, it could mean that the solenoid is engaging but not sending enough power to the starter motor. This could be due to a bad connection inside the solenoid or a problem with the starter motor itself.
Some Popular DENSO Starter Reference Numbers
There are a bunch of different DENSO Starter models out there, and each has its own reference number. For example, you can check out these models: Reference Number :DENSO:1280005600, 1280005601, 1280005602, 2280000020, 2280001190, 4280001690, 4280001691 WAI:19614N,19614R NEW HOLLAND:86992395 Application: CASE 580 NEW HOLLAND B95. Another set is Denso 280 - 0374, 4280001190, 4280003330, 4280003331, 4280005940, 4280006110 Cummins 4090084, 4934925, 4982056 DODGE RAM 5.9L L6 W. And also Reference Number:DENSO:4280006980, 4280006981, 4280006982, 4280006990 Hino:2810078190, 28100E0310, 28100E0310A WAI:19336N Application:HINO J08E.
Conclusion
Checking the solenoid of a DENSO Starter isn't too complicated if you follow these steps. By doing a simple visual inspection, checking the electrical connections, and using a multimeter, you can quickly figure out if the solenoid is the culprit behind your starting problems.
If you're in the market for a new DENSO Starter or need any parts for your existing one, we've got you covered. We offer high - quality DENSO Starters at competitive prices. Whether you're a mechanic looking to stock up on parts or a vehicle owner in need of a replacement, feel free to reach out to us for a purchase and start a negotiation.
References
- Automotive Repair Manuals
- DENSO Starter Technical Documentation
