how will I test solenoids or defects?

Question

As a new cadet, I'm very interested in troubleshooting of electrical components such as this. Last time, I've encountered several problems on how to test the solelnoids in our Automatic Transmission for Excavator Crawler, if it is still functioning or not.

Answer 1

youve gotten some lams answers let me give you a good one buy a test light (less thain $10 ) this will become youre best friend
test for power at the solenoid
also test for ground
apply power to the corect side or ground to the other (depends on what is missing as some switch the ground others switch the pos )
listen for the click
if your testing a electrical relay get out the test light and verify the out puts to ensure the contacts arnt burned out
if its a solinoid for hydrolics you may need to visually inspect it
watch it work when you apply power to it also inspect any o rings
hope this helps

Answer 2

The solenoid's electromagnetic coil is easily tested to verify it's correct resistance (R) in Ohms using an inexpensive Digital Multi-Meter (DMM) available at Sears ($15). Look up the solenoid's manufacturer's coil resistance specification in ohms and set the DMM scale to the lowest Ohm's scale because you will be reading resistances of typically 5 Ohms or less. Of course any much larger reading in Ohms means you have an "open" coil and the solenoid coil winding is discontinuous and or open at some point.
Next, apply the proper voltage to the solenoid to observe it's opening and closing as you actuate the on/ off solenoid control switch. Some solenoid's open or close high current switch contacts (as with an automobile's starter solenoid) and some open or close mechanical valves of various types as in your crawler's transmission. Of course even though the solenoid's control coil winding is actuating the controlled switch or mechanical valve, the controlled switch or valve itself may be defective as when a car's starter solenoid has burned contacts or the mechanical valve is leaking etc.

Answer 3

Using jumper cables touch the hot cable to the side of the nut on the top side plus+ post next to the large nut on top of the solenoid, if the starter engages the solenoid is fine. With the exception of ford most other solenoids can be repaired simply by taking them apart and cleaning all the arc burns off all the copper and rotating the copper disk so the other side burns for a while. If all it does is click take it apart and clean everything in it.