Solenoid testing question

[grusnak1001]

I'm trying to figure out my electrical problem. I thought it was the solenoid, but when I installed the new solenoid I got same response (nothing). I bought 2 new solenoids figuring at least one of them should work and tested them both with a multi-meter OFF THE SEADOO and they both failed. WHAT AM I DOING WRONG? Here is what I did....I set the multi-meter to the lowest ohm setting (200). when I touched the 2 probes (one on each solenoid terminal) I got no reading on both. I know the ohm meter works because when I touched the 2 probes together, I get a low reading (which is what is expected). can anyone verify if both are bad or am I doing something wrong?

 

[burtshaver2021]

Would the solenoid not be open till power is supplied to it?

 

[grusnak1001]

I am not understanding your question. I got the info how to test disconnected from the battery from CHAPCHAT AI. It said with the solenoid disconnected from the battery I am to get a low reading in ohms. No reading or infinite reading is a failed solenoid.

 

[mikidymac]

They are pretty simple devices.
The two small connections should always have continuity. The two large copper ones should not.

Apply 12V DC to the small ones and that will close the solenoid and you should have continuity between the two large copper ones until you remove the 12V DC current.

 

[grusnak1001]

I assume you are talking about the 2 tiny prongs inside the plug coming out of the solenoid. When I put the ohm meter on those 2 prongs I get a reading of about 3.5. So what I THINK you are saying is to plug the plug going from inside the electrical box to the solenoid (With battery connected) and disconnect battery going to the solenoid terminals. THEN take my multi-meter to the 2 solenoid terminals to get a reading. RIGHT?

 

[mikidymac]

Yes those two small pins.
Determine which one is ground and which one is power from the ECM. Then on the bench just use a jumper wire to your battery and see if the solenoid closes. That would test the solenoid. Your meter will not activate it.

You would also hear it click if the ECM was activating it.

 

[grusnak1001]

I do not understand what you mean "on the bench". If I put one end of a jumper wire to the battery, where does the other end of that wire connect to the solenoid ? Also is there a way to test the little wires (one yellow & red, the other black) leading to the plug on the solenoid? If it is bad do I need a new wiring harness?