One thing after the other

[pcarlson]

Hey guys -

I got a spare wheel and tire today, when I left the shop, my plow wouldn't lift or angle. No big deal, I borrowed a jack, and used the chain to hang the plow off the ground.

When I got home I started to tinker. When the control is operated, I can hear the solenoid click.

I started by cleaning all the connections.

no luck.

So, I decided to replace the solenoid. I have one so I grabbed my emergency kit and got started.

That is when I noticed that the solenoids were different.

The solenoid in the truck that was working earlier today has a positive and negative connection and TWO small connectors. The wires come from the control box, and one goes to each small connector. One of the connectors is jumped to the frame as a ground.

The new solenoid has a positive and negative connection, but has only ONE small connector.

I hooked it up and simply grounded the two wires that were on the second connector.

Still didn't work. Now I don't know if it a different problem all together, or do I need a different solenoid.

It is also interesting to note that the controller is a fisher controller.

Your help is greatly appreciated.

pc

[pcarlson]

do I have a fisher solenoid because of the fisher controller?

[John DiMartino]

A simple test light,or DVOM could be used to test the solenoid,or my method when im in a hurry.This is not an "approved" method though.I grab a 3/4" wrench and quckly whack it across the soleniod,and let the sparks fly for a second.If the circuit works, your on the right track.You could have a wire broken under the insulation,or a bad solenoid.If you have power at the motor and a good solid ground,it could be either frozen with water, or the motor is in need of help/rebuilding. if you arent able to test the components,you might be better off taking to someone then throwing parts at it.

[pcarlson]

Doh I didn't even think to check if the solenoid had current running across it.

My contractor said "solenoid is bad" so I changed it.

pc

[Garagekeeper]

pcarlson sounds like your replacement solenoid was for an older cable operated system that needed one wire to operate.
The solenoid should have clicked when you hooked it up, unless you had a Meyer solenoid in your emergancy kit.
Your need the two terminal solenoid that works with current coming from your controller.
As John said check for battery voltage at other battery terminal on the solenoid and then at the motor while someone works your controller.
If you do you should check the ground to the motor and the motor it's self.
Make sure the power plug is in good shape going to the plow and plugged in.



:rolleyes: John.....................

[pcarlson]

Please bear with me. When the old solenoid is connected, and I operate the control I hear the solenoid clicking. This tells me that the solenoid is good. Just like when the battery is dead on a car and you hear the solenoid in the starter clicking. therefore, my issue must be clsoer to the motor. Either it is not grounded, or a connection is loose, or it is burned out.

John - I hate to throw parts at anything, but my motivation for the self fix goes beyond saving cash, I actually want to learn how to do all this stuff! your help is greatly appreciated!

pc

[wyldman]

You can test the motor with a set of booster cables.Connect one to the battery positive post,and touch the other to the positive stud on the motor.If the motor doesn't run,go to the next step in checking the ground side.If the motor runs.Then you have a problem with the wiring between the battery and the motor.Most likely a bad connection.Don't forget to check the grille connector,it could be dirty or corroded.

You can also do the same thing to check the ground side.Connect one end to the battery ground terminal,and the other to the ground terminal on the side of the motor.Now try the plow and see if it works.If it does,you have a problem between the battery negative terminal,and the motor housing.

You can also do both at the same time (positive and ground side),as you may have a problem with both if the grille connector is in really bad shape.

Stand well clear of the blade when trying anything,as the blade may move suddenly,and can injure you (or someone else).

[pcarlson]

Chris - I didn't get our post until after I had the problem solved, however, I followed some convaluted version of your suggestion. I was thrilled to see the plow twitch when I jumped it!

I then started at the solenoid and worked to the plow, checking with my volt meter and cleaning every connection. Of course as was suggested earlier, it was the ground connection on the motor itself.

The benifits of this whole situation, obviously I learned a s load, I also had a crash course in changing a solenoid so it will be easier in the field, and I got the correct solenoid from angelo's last night. the one that came in my e kit was for a cable controlled plow.

thanks for all your help guys, this whole thing is dependant on keeping the equipment running at the least possibe cost.

I think it goes like this:
New solenoid 7.95
Socket set 24.99
help form snowplowing-contractors.com Priceless

thanks again!
pc

[wyldman]

Glad to hear it is fixed ! Now you just need some snow to go use it. ;)

[Joe92GT]

where did you find this 8 dollar solonoid?? Very curious!