What is this????

[timstone]

What is this part with the battery cables connected to it called and what is it for???

 

[riverviewcontracting]

What is this part with the battery cables connected to it called and what is it for???

duh its the starter solenoid
and it controls the starter duh

 

[Shawn_248]

that's your starter solenoid. It's what engages the starter when you turn the key

 

[timstone]

Ok...so then what is the part that bolts onto the starter?

 

[timstone]

no one??

The reason I asked this question is cause I was quite confused. The part that I replaced yesterday had a bad post on it...and when I replaced it, it was a solenoid...are there two???

I replaced the battery cable as well...because my truck has been having trouble start sometimes...I would usually have to disconnect or loosen the positive terminal and wiggle it a bit to get it to start up...thought maybe corrosion was in the cable..but that didn't fix the problem it seems cause my battery meter was still showing a less than normal reading. (Needle was around the N in the word Normal)

 

[98 ranger xlt]

If your battery is showing a less than normal reading than your battery could be going bad

 

[timstone]

If your battery is showing a less than normal reading than your battery could be going bad

But I already tried replacing it and the new battery did the same...so I returned it. Plus I've had the battery and alt. both tested and they both tested good. I thought maybe there was a voltage regulator or something that could be going bad....because sometimes..although rare...my meter will bounce up and down rapidly showing a high voltage also.

 

[mwood1985]

you tried checking the negative side of the system? might have a bad ground to the frame

 

[timstone]

you tried checking the negative side of the system? might have a bad ground to the frame

The only ground I have ever seen was yesterday replacing the positive cable....and it was inaccessible to really see as it was on the block...where are the other grounds located?

 

[Rangermilitia]

Check n see if fuses r good.

 

[timstone]

Check n see if fuses r good.

I...guess I don't follow...?

 

[98 ranger xlt]

I...guess I don't follow...?

There is a main fuse for the entire charging system check and make sure it is not blown

 

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

to answer your original question. they gave you the wrong part at the parts store, the thing in the picture is the only starter "solenoid", its actually a heavy duty relay but its called solenoid for simplicity, a starter solenoid goes on the starter motor, which these fords do not use.

when you are having a starting problem, does it go CLICK CLICK CLICK? or does it do nothing? you said the battery and alternator tested ok. that leaves your starter relay, the wiring, the starter motor, and the negative battery cable.

 

[Nhaz]

The cabling can go bad as well. Wires age and pickup corrosion INSIDE the insulation. which increases resistance. which acts like a bad battery or bad solenoid.

So when in doubt or are unable to test the wire. Run a new one. make sure its good battery wire or it will melt =>

 

[yodaman1151]

to answer your original question. they gave you the wrong part at the parts store, the thing in the picture is the only starter "solenoid", its actually a heavy duty relay but its called solenoid for simplicity, a starter solenoid goes on the starter motor, which these fords do not use.

when you are having a starting problem, does it go CLICK CLICK CLICK? or does it do nothing? you said the battery and alternator tested ok. that leaves your starter relay, the wiring, the starter motor, and the negative battery cable.

these type are still called starter solenoids even though they aren't mounted on the starter...

cut back some of the insulation on the negative wire and make sure it isn't corroded up inside the wire