Relay chatter is usually symptomatic of a bad connection in the brown or
heavy current circuit.
If removing the battery cable released the solenoid then a mechanical
sticking can probably be ruled out. You could have another duff relay
(possible) or the ignition switch may not be disconnecting the 12v from the
relay, or the relay not disconnecting the 12v from the solenoid. You need
to check the relay winding (white/red) and contact (white/brown) to be sure,
either of these could also have a partial short to 12v giving enough voltage
to hold the solenoid once operated but not top operate it on its own. You
can do this without thrashing you starter if you disconnect the heavy
current cable from the solenoid but leave the white-brown on its own
terminal. If the browns connect to the heavy current cable at the solenoid
you will need to leave these connected to the heavy current cable i.e. off
the solenoid.
Remember, "You may have more than one fault", as Nory would say.
PaulH.
-----Original Message-----
From: Rick Roberts <rrobertsmg@hotmail.com>
To: mgs@autox.team.net <mgs@autox.team.net>
Date: 11 December 1998 03:37
Subject: Starter has a mind of its own (Christene)
>First started when trying to start nothing but relay chatter and then
>sometimes the starter and sometimes the solenoid would not disengage.
>
>I figured faulty starter relay. Replaced it with garden variety (NAPA)
>brand, all seemed to work fine for several, several starts.
>
>A couple of hours later the solenoid, again, will not release. Have to
>disconnect battery cable to normal it up.
>
>I replaced the solenoid a month or so ago. No problems, all seemingly
>went well.
>
>All wiring looks good.
>
>Any ideas what could be wrong?
>
>Thanks in advance,
>
>Rick Roberts
>Columbus, Ohio
>73 MGB
>
>
>
|