Can A Bad Solenoid Drain Your Battery In 2022

One of the commonly asked questions: Can a bad solenoid drain the battery? The answer is no! The solenoid’s primary and most basic purpose is to ignite the engine and nothing else. There are other causes that negatively impact battery performance; below; you can check out the details about them.

Solenoids establish a quick and firm connection between a starter and ignition. Overall, you should be very confident that solenoid does not negatively affect your battery’s performance. If you often spot the problem that your battery is getting drained, you should check it on your end physically. You might spot visible issues for sure. If the issue is major, replace the battery as soon as possible.

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Is it possible for a solenoid to drain your battery?

No, the solenoid does not drain your battery. It only ignites and starts the engine. There can be other causes which drain or damage the battery. You must properly check and inspect the battery to look for the possible reason why it is getting drained daily.

Most importantly, a solenoid is directly connected to the battery. But you should not blame a bad solenoid for negatively affecting the battery’s performance. Always remember that if you have got a faulty solenoid, it will create other troubles. Like, the engine will not get started.

Which elements drain the battery? Tips to fix a drained battery

It is commonly seen that corroded terminal posts present on the battery cause draining. In addition, a faulty voltage regulator makes the battery problematic. You can troubleshoot these issues with utmost convenience.

You must fix a faulty solenoid if you suspect it drains the battery. Though there is no conclusive evidence that a lousy solenoid drains the battery. However, you should be on the safe-hand side and fix a faulty solenoid as soon as possible.
In addition, check and inspect the engine! If you spot an issue in the engine, it can be the possible cause that it is draining your battery.
Corrosion and lose wiring hamper the battery’s performance. So, it is advisable to fix the loose wiring and keep the terminal posts corrosion free.

Signs of a Bad and Faulty Solenoid

Below we have written down the details which tell you have a bad and faulty solenoid.

The engine will not start if the solenoid has become damaged and faulty. Most noteworthy, the lack of auditory feedback has become a vital indication that the solenoid has become defective. The ignition process will not get started.
A working solenoid always produces a loud clicking noise while it is turned on. And if there is no sound, there seems to be a significant problem.
Loose solenoid connections make it defective as well. Whenever you see that the connections have become damaged and corroded, it means that the solenoid has broken down.
An intermittent operation is a common sign that a solenoid has become failed. In other words, your car will start at times, and sometimes, it will fail to start.

Which other factors cause a bad solenoid?

You can experience a bad starter solenoid if there is a blown fuse. We have generally noticed that a blown fuse present in the starter circuit turns out to be a sure-shot cause and primary reason for a no-start problem.
Corroded wiring leads to a faulty If the wiring is broken, it will prevent the solenoid from functioning correctly. Corroded wiring fails to generate enough power and stops it from reaching the starter.
A lousy alternator might make the solenoid defective and ultimately stops the engine to start smoothly.

How to test that the solenoid is bad?

You only need a metal screwdriver and gloves to test whether the solenoid has become defective. Wearing gloves remains a must because, during this whole process, you will be touching wires. So, keep yourself safe as much as you can.

It is suggested to wear rubber-insulating gloves. They seem to be the best fit so far for such testing purposes. The other option is to get latex gloves or leather gloves. They also ensure protection against electric shock.

The first step is to keep the brakes fully engaged.
Put on the gloves and access the solenoid.
Look for the two terminal posts present on the solenoid.
The next step is to turn on the engine.
You must properly connect the gap existing between the terminal posts. Perform this step with the help of a screwdriver.
If the starter spins, it signifies that the solenoid has become defective. However, if nothing happens and you hear no spinning, the solenoid is OK.

How to get rid of a Bad Solenoid?

One of the most straightforward and quickest solutions is to replace the solenoid.
The other way is to repair it. You can do that on your own or fix it by contacting a professional technician.
Prevent the solenoid from getting in contact with insects and flying debris.
You need to ensure that nothing hinders or hampers the solenoid’s connection. If you notice any obstruction, what you can do is to readjust and clean the device.
Not a single wire should be knocked loose. Reconnect and re-tighten the cables. Or you can replace them if they have become frayed and wholly damaged.

Conclusion

Do you still have any questions on the discussion: Can a bad and faulty solenoid drain the battery? Giving you a simple answer, it is no! It does not damage the battery.

In fact, these loose cables, faulty voltage regulators, corroded terminal posts, cracked battery body and internal corrosion drain the battery’s performance. A solenoid only serves as a crucial link and essential connection between the starter and ignition. It ignites the engine primarily. Stay tuned for more updates.