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====== IH: Engine Control - Sub-02A ======
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====== Bench Testing an Ironhead Solenoid  ======
{{:techtalk:ih:engctl:solenoid_test_by_ironmick.jpg?direct&300|}} ((photo by IronMick of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/140741-how-to-bench-test-a-solenoid-pic-vid?t=1525907))
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**Three tests to bench test the solenoid, text and video** ... ((IronMick of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/140741-how-to-bench-test-a-solenoid-pic-vid?t=1525907)) \\

**To test the pull-in coil**:
  - Insert a deep socket part way into solenoid.
  - Connect battery -ve to the large short stud of the solenoid (normal output to starter motor).
  - Momentarily apply +12 volt jumper wire to the small terminal of the solenoid (normally from the starter relay).
  - The socket should pull in. \\ Leave it pulled in to test the hold-in coil.

**To test the hold-in coil**:
  - Move the battery -ve jumper from the large short stud to the solenoid case.
  - Apply +12 volts to the small terminal and leave it connected.
  - Try to pull the socket out of the solenoid. \\ The hold-in coil should resist your effort to pull the socket out while +12 volts is applied to the small terminal.
  - Remove the +12 volts from the small terminal. \\ The socket should slide easily back out of the solenoid.

**To load test the high-current contact plate of the solenoid**: \\
A headlight bulb works well for this.
  - Jumper from batt +ve to to +ve of light.
  - Jumper from large long stud to -ve of light.
  - Jumper from batt -ve to large short stud.
  - Manually push in the plunger. \\ The bulb should light up.

**And here is the YouTube video**: [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjzcTye0ZS8|Bench Test Solenoid from IronHead Sportster ]]

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