Solenoid HELP
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Saskatoon SK Canada
Solenoid HELP
Does any one know a NAPA part number or a vehicle that uses a 12v solenoid that is activated by grounding out the circut? I need one for my '51. I want to use the original starter button. HELP IS REALLY APPRECIATED!
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Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Monroe, LA
What does the 12V solenoid do? Is it the starter switch, or an overdrive solenoid? Any relay can be operated by switching the ground - that's the way a horn relay is usually wired. The OD relay that energizes the OD relay is energized by grounding it through the governor (speed switch) on the OD transmission. The OD relay on my 64 F100 is nothing more than a horn relay with a fuse in the power supply to it, whereas, the OD relay on my 55 Customline is a real OD relay with a fuse clip built on it. Horn relays are easier to find and less expensive. I replaced the horn relay on my 64 F100 about a year ago. Found one at O'Rileys for a 79 - it worked.
good luck
good luck
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Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
I don't mean to pirate Nathan's thread, but while we are on the subject of relays could someone describe exactly how a horn relay works? I have been having a problem getting my horn to activate on my project. I think I may have inadvertently cut out the horn relay from the Chrysler wiring and may have to add one back. How is a horn relay wired and how is it activated? I thought I knew this, but nothing seems to be working... 
Vern
Vern
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Lead Driver
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From: Saskatoon SK Canada
It's the starter solenoid. First I got an ST82 but that required power to activate. Then we got out the book and found a ST73 that had an insulated ground. I got that the next day but it's either a dud because I couldn'y get it to work at all on power or ground. A 12v horn relay costs just as much as the solenoid.
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From: Valley Center, CA
I know some say relays should be expensive, but I used the little Kragen units for my headlights and they work just as well as the 12 dollar unit I got from Vintage for my horn. Vern, depending on the requirements of the manufacturer, the horn relay has to have power coming in from the main source, a power line out to the horn, and a wire to the horn button which is the ground. I don't know if all horn circuits are this way, but even when the horn is not engaged, my wire coming back to the horn button shows hot. It is getting power from the relay. It sounds strange but works great. AHHUUUGA! John
John
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From: Monroe, LA
Originally Posted by GreatNorthWoods
I don't mean to pirate Nathan's thread, but while we are on the subject of relays could someone describe exactly how a horn relay works? I have been having a problem getting my horn to activate on my project. I think I may have inadvertently cut out the horn relay from the Chrysler wiring and may have to add one back. How is a horn relay wired and how is it activated? I thought I knew this, but nothing seems to be working...
Vern
Vern
NC (closed when the coil is not energized and opens when the coil is energized),
NO (open when the coil is not energized and closes when the coil is energized),
C (common to both NC and NO contacts).
On my 55, 6V, with negative ground, the horn is connected thusly:
Coil (+) terminal, + usually jumpered from the voltage regulator right next to it
Coil (-) terminal, switched - from the horn button on the steering wheel. All the horn button does is provide ground for the relay coil. It does not switch the + wiring.
C terminal, +, jumpered from the coil + terminal
NO terminal, the wire to the horn(s)
This same wiring scheme is how the horn relay is wired on a 12V system - such as my 64 F100.
Be sure to pay attention to whether you have a + or - ground, and wire accordingly. Just think of + and - as voltage and ground, and you will be ok.
I hope this helps.
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