How To Wire a Starter Relay Solenoid and Neutral Safety Switch on Any Car Truck |
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.พ. 2025
- In this video I show how to wire a starter relay, starter solenoid, and neutral safety switch on an engine. I also explain how to bypass the solenoid if needed. This style starter circuit can be applied to just about any car. There are multiple ways of doing starter solenoid wiring, and this video shows two different options of start wiring that I personally like. The way that a GM / Chevy starter relay is wired is different that that of an older Ford - style starter relay. In this video I show how to easily add the Ford - style starter relay to a typical starter circuit. I also cover the benefits of adding a mega-fuse to the main starter feed wire, and the benefits of using a Ford - style starter relay.
Some benefits of using a Ford style starter relay:
It will remove power from the longest length of starter wire when not actually starting the engine (safer)
It simplifies the wiring on the starter solenoid itself
It provides a great power source under the hood
It allows you to easily bump the starter / crank the engine from under the hood
It may help with big block chevy hot start issues. (This works from some people, but is not a guarantee.)
Items used in this video (and a few more that are related):
🔗 Ratty Muscle Car Amazon store amzn.to/3JNd7Ra
🔗 100 Amp Mega Fuse amzn.to/3utc0Ql
🔗 Multi-Color Electrical Tape amzn.to/3utLSox
🔗 Neutral Safety Switches amzn.to/3HzdrjW
🔗 Ford-style Starter Relay / Solenoid amzn.to/3LfCmLV
🔗 Universal Ignition Switch amzn.to/3J698Nz
🔗 10 Pack of Fuse Holders - amzn.to/3cU4CoD
🔗 272 Piece Fuse Variety Pack amzn.to/3k48cNt
*As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Thank You for Watching my Starter Solenoid Relay Wiring video!
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😂 lol ahrcg
Can you do another video with this setup in relation to deal with an ammeter .
And also dealing with a 2 field alternator in a 1 field system.....- 60s 70s mopar charging systems
Hello I bought a few starter for my 76 Thunderbird which has this type of set up. Have a no crank no start condition. The starter is new, the relay and battery new, and also changed ground connections. The new starter that I installed only have one big terminal so you saying there needs to be a second wire on the actual starter for it to work? I can't even pop start it by using the screw driver technique. The relay just clicks when turning key.
@@omarchisolm7533 - your setup sounds correct. Some starters only have one large terminal. In your scenario - check to make sure your ground wires are connected securely. There is usually a ground that goes from the negative terminal on the battery to the body and to the engine block. If your engine block is not grounded, you will have your exact problem. Also use a test light or multimeter down at the starter and make sure that the power from the solenoid is going to the starter when the solenoid is activated.
Good luck!
@@WiringRescueok I will keep u posted. Thanks
Nobody else I’ve ran into or have seen on TH-cam explains Circuitry like you do with such ease. Really enjoy the content man, keep up the grind you’re awesome!
Wow! That’s extremely kind! Thank YOU for watching the videos! I really enjoy making these knowing that they are actually helping out fellow car enthusiasts!
Try @chris craft his videos help me rewire my 62 c10
great. I think that what teaching is all about. making easy to understand and follow the instructions to practical a solution. simple and effective.
@@VAPORhOLDER04 Just comes to show that Legends are truly at their own level.
Auto circuitry isnt hard at all
I can't begin to describe how stumped I've been on my '83 Land Rover starter system, and how helpful this video is! Thank you so much!
I’m absolutely thrilled that it helped you out! Thanks for watching and good luck on your project!
Concise and important information without all the stupid fillers you typically see in these videos. Nice Job Sir!
I appreciate the compliment, I try my best to keep things simple!
Just fixed my wife's daily driver - our '74 Suburban - based on this video. Thanks much!
With the basic knowledge in this video I built an independent starting system (so I could better kick the starter off a push button) with a covered arming switch and indicator light and an indicator light for when the starter fires. When I was in high school I dreamed of my 73 cobrajet having a starting sequence with lights and switches. You not only told me how to hook it up, but how it works and what each component does. It was easy to install and easier to expand on. I've been studying automotive electrical for over a year now and your videos are the most comprehensive and informative that I've found. I salute you for what you're doing for the culture. Think of all the ratty muscle cars you will keep from being junked because of your schooling. Keep em on the road, dirty side down!
Heck yes! That has to be one of the best comments I’ve received! Thank you so much for sharing your win with me. That totally made my day, and is exactly what I hope for when making these videos. You rock!
-Jeremy
This is the quickest and best explained video I have seen on you tube yet. No stupid BS and very well explained. Thank you.
Been a car guy (Lots of Custom rods etc) and never thought of intalling a relay under the hood. What a GREAT idea. So much easier to diagnose stuff!!!
Thanks! I’m glad you liked it! It’s something that took me a long time to realize as well. Lol. Happy hotrodding!
Very nice for when you're just wanting to bump the starter and you don't have a second person. You can install a momentary button in Engine Bay and be able to click the start from outside the cab. And can also do compression tests etc with that aswell
Jumping the solenoid on my 68 mustang was a life saver. Eventually just carried an extra solenoid in the glove box. Thanks for sharing brings back good memories. 👍
Excellent! Thank you for watching and sharing the story!
Great explanation and demonstration. Every high school should have someone just like you, sir, teaching our youth in an automotive class.
Thank you very much! I’ve thought about that for sure, but figure I can get a larger audience on TH-cam. I’ll probably expand into other automotive topics though!
Dude! You're a genius with a gift to dumb it down for the rest of us. Thank you!
Haha! Thank you! I’m glad you enjoy my wiring videos!
Thanks a lot for explaining it with that much detail, I have an issue with my solenoid and with your video I was able to find the problem
That’s excellent! I’m glad it helped you out. Thank you for watching!
Hey I just wanted to say thank you for your videos. They are very simple to understand. You explain all of it so clearly, a 4 year old can follow along. Thanks again. Keep up the great work. I am restoring an old VW and your videos are spot on. 👏✊👏👏👏
I’m always thrilled to hear that people are enjoying my videos. Also air cooled vw’s are frickin sweet, so I’m honored to be a small part of your VW project!
@@WiringRescue it's a 1972 VW invader GT. With a Subaru FB25 engine.
@@WiringRescue I know I am not the only one with a project that you are and helped already.
@@peterross9575- That’s going to be SO much fun. I really need an air cooled VW in my life again.
I can't thank you enough. I am rebuilding a 1978 ski boat with a Ford engine and understood little on how the ignition system worked. It is so refreshing to learn something by simple, clear, and direct explanation.
That’s great! I’m glad it helped you out, I have tons of other wiring videos too if you want to wire fuse boxes, lights, horns, etc. Good luck with your boat!
Was given a 1947 International truck with a FORD 302 in it. This was perfect in letting me know how to get the starter to work. Very clear and super helpful - thanks - In fact I just started watching your other videos - Wow! what a treasure chest of great resources.
That's awesome! I'm glad you are finding the videos to be helpful! If you have any questions along the way, post them up here! Thanks for watching!
Thank you so much! Your diaphragm is amazing! My XJ Cherokee starter did not have a ground so I hooked one up. I now realized that I shouldn’t use a ford starter relay, later I want to find a more simple, stronger solution because I don’t like the relay on my XJ.
There is not a tutorial as good as this is For rigging a BOAT! THANKS for showing not telling in a post!👍👍
I never even thought about boat wiring! Maybe I need more boating related wiring videos!
Love the advice for the fuse , many years ago I learned the hard way connected a wire and it heated up so fast that it started burning and I grabbed it with hand me to pull it off and burned the finger half ways through. The content on your video is excellent.
Thank you! Long ago, I did that too. It quickly teaches the importance of fuses and proper wire size! Thank you for watching the video and the kind words!
I love all your videos. I've learned so much about the individual electrical systems and have completely rewired my 87 Squarebody! You saved me so much headache! Thank you!
That is fantastic! I appreciate you taking the time to watch the videos! And congrats on your square body! One of my favorite vehicles!
I hope this channel keeps growing! I felt so daunted by the electronics for my Honda c100 project and this collection of wiring vids makes it so easy! Would love to see a video on regulator rectifiers 🙏 and maybe some 6v to 12v conversions!? Peace ✌🏼
You make amazing videos. I've just recently gotten into researching about how classic cars work and the wiring in your videos are spot on to what I'm trying to do. Thank you!
Thank you! I'm glad to see you are finding the videos helpful!
Some years ago at a cruise in with my 48 Plymouth my starter relay went bad. I happened to be across the street from Tractor Supply. Went over and grabbed a relay for tractors. It had a push button on it for turning the engine over. It was a great addition to car
This was the best demonstration and explanatory of how all that stuff works!!!!!
Thank you! I’m thrilled that people are enjoying my videos! I appreciate you taking the time to watch!
Man this channel is a goldmine! I don’t like electricals and they don’t like me…😂 But at the same time I don’t like not knowing how stuff works and I don’t like jumbled up wires running everywhere under my hood… I’m a little bit OCD and it absolutely drives me crazy. I’m gonna binge watch your videos until I learn it…😅😂 I gotta get my brake lights and blinkers fixed on my old Ford truck. It’s a 72 Ranger XLT, I’ve already found some burnt wires that were laying on the exhaust down the driver side frame rail so I’m definitely gonna start there and try to figure the rest out with your help hopefully. Thanks for taking the time to teach a feller…😂 I subscribed and I’m looking forward to learning as much as possible.
Haha! Starting at the burned wires seems like a smart move! Good luck with that Ranger! I’m sure it will be working right in no-time with your new electrical skills!
@@WiringRescue Thank you
Man this channel is so helpful Noone explains wiring so easy to understand
Awsome video, thank you. I am just starting to put back the electrics on a 1960 Land Rover and this video was a huge help.
Excellent! I’m glad it was able to help you out! Good luck with your project!
Best explination on YoyTube. Your video answers all my questions. I have M151a1 army jeep (24V) that has a floor starter that I want switch to push button switch. So, I run power to my ignition switch-out the ignition switch to my push button starter switch-to the starter relay solenoid. Create a jumper for the starter solenoid on the starter. They my + battery cable goes the starter relay solenoid in and out to the solenoid on the starter.
You have mastered the art of direct simplicity, sir well done
Thank you! I truly do strive to do that, and I’m glad that it is working! ❤
Outstanding explanation about the evolution of the starter circuit and how to modify it.
Thank you! If you liked that you might really like this one too! th-cam.com/video/Yz9kqxWkoHI/w-d-xo.html
Great example and presentation of the solenoid use as an auxiliary for additional use
Thanks! I’m glad you liked it!
wiring a neutral safety switch would be a great video to help me with my LS SWAP.
Thank you so much for your video, this helped me to solve my problem on my Ford Ltd 1975 😊
That is fantastic! Congrats on fixing the LTD!
I've been watching lots of videos on auto electrical and I like this channel the best. I really like how the circuits are demonstrated in a breadboard style. This makes it clear and easy to understand. Great content. Keep up the good work. Thanks for your channel. Subscribed
Thank you! That’s super nice! If you keep watching, I’ll keep making them!
Thank you sir your video was straight and to the point, I just got done wiring my drag car and had a brain fart with the neutral safety switch and your video solved the problem. SUBSCRIBED!!👍 THANK YOU!
Awesome! I’m thrilled to hear that my video was a small part in helping to get a drag car sorted out! Thanks for watching!
one of the best exsplanations ive ever seen great job
This has got to be the best video I’ve found trying to fix my 87 f250 yet, I tried to crank it one day to find out that it’s just making a very high pitched whining/screeching sound. Keep in mind I replaced the starter 2 weeks ago. I ended up replacing the relay on it but it still wouldn’t budge. After watching this video I think I’m going to just replace the whole setup after I order the parts. Any advice from y’all would be great!
I’d throw a test light or multimeter on it to see what your problem is before buying any parts. It would stink if you put all new parts on your truck and found out it was a bad ground on your engine block!
Im currently converting a pull start on a evinrude 30hp to a electric start and I just wanted to make sure I was wiring it correctly. thanks for the video it eased my concerns. :-)
That sounds like an awesome project! Thanks for watching the video!
Very usefull information! I got a 302 in a 1951 Land Rover and I´m hooking it up with a starter relay on the inner fender. Thank You!
That sounds like a super cool project! Good luck with it and thanks for watching!
Always wondered why Ford used two solenoids in the starter circuit. I know they had direct drive starters at one time which made sense to place the solenoid on the firewall/fender. It appears the engineers were actually thinking about the mechanics and making life easier for them, at least this one time.
👍💯😁
Superb clear and entertaining video. Think I have found the problem with my classic mini. Thanks !
Excellent! Thanks for watching and good luck with your mini! :D
Wow, thanks for taking the time to make that board.
You’re welcome! I’m glad you found it helpful!
Great video! Thanks (I just subscribed). I have 2.3 L Ford engine in a Railroad Motorcar which I am restoring. I have the Ford solenoid like is on your board. I want to put in a Master cut off switch. How do I wire this with the set up you are showing? Thanks, Joe
There are many ways to do it, but check out this video, as I think it will get you going in the right direction! Oh and thanks for subscribing!
th-cam.com/video/Yz9kqxWkoHI/w-d-xo.htmlsi=jig4bdh21MbhgpYA
Thanks for making things clear and sharing knowledge to keep us who love cars… to live the passion
That’s my goal! Thank you for watching!
Great explanation- just like sitting in a class.
Thanks a lot! I really appreciate it.
Great Video. When hooking up signal wire for the solenoid (Similar to a GM starter with the solenoid on the starter, it is very important to see the inrush current of what the solenoid creates. I have found when rewiring cars that this wire is always undersized. However, great video!
Thank you for watching, and sharing the info. I totally agree!
This would work well with a battery mounted in the trunk. The solenoid would only power the positive wire running the length of the car during cranking. I'm thinking of running this setup. Thx for all of your great content
Yes! This is another video that shows something along those same lines. th-cam.com/video/Yz9kqxWkoHI/w-d-xo.html Great for mounting batteries in the trunk. Thanks for watching!
The layout! Finally I can see it all there! Subbed.
Awesome! Thanks for subscribing!
Great video really helps diagnose problems with my ignition connections
That’s awesome! I’m glad you found it helpful!
Every comment is just saying how great you are, and you do explain well.. HOWEVEr there is more to the subject... the FOrd remote relay diagram shows different wiring that you may also want to discuss. It switches main 12 V which is also wired direct to starter, to a wire that then runs down to the starter solenoid (i.e. small terminal) lower current (i.e. small lug) activator point... in this scheme 12 v is always at the starter, but not at the solenoid switch terminal.... I wondered what good these different wiring really do if the starter itself is hot and the solenoid is hot... seems it avoids the onboard-starter solenoid point... anyway, check out Ford (PMGR) starter relay diagram.
Your videos are addicting to watch, thanks for the education.
Thank YOU for watching! I’m glad you enjoy the videos!
You just got my project car running. Thank youuuuuuu
Niiiice! Congratulations!!! That’s always an awesome feeling!
THANK you very much finally ? The best info diagram wiring! Took out starter got sick week ? Now happy ! Thx again AZ1SUN
Thank you for your detailed explanation. I am not a mechanic, I really appreciate your video. I am having an issue with my Mazda titan truck where the starter motor starts when I connect the big cable from the positive terminal of the battery. Now I understand, there must be a wire somewhere that caused the starter motor to start.
Thank you so much for this simple and awesome video on starter motor and solenoid wiring. made my life so easy now. Thanks again mate
Excellent! I’m really happy to hear that!!
Thank you so much it all makes sense I have a 73 ford f100 having trouble starting
I’m glad the video helped you out! Good luck with the F100! Those trucks are awesome!
Canada. 2008 Lancer 2.0L replaced a Starter, but still wouldn't start. So my genius mech noticed that the blue wire crimp connector was corroded, (Canadian weather), so he crimp a new wire from underneath the car (my guess it's the blue wire, starter relay section, on the solenoid Starter). And it started, finally. At 3:44 min. to understand better.
That little wire fell of the starter on my 91 Eagle talon a few weeks ago! It was a fun little parking lot fix. Glad your car is sorted out now!
@@WiringRescue The Eagle Talon is still a head turner after 20 years, sporty, sexy, one hot little sports coupe.
Excellent explanation. I've been researching how to switch to a ford relay to relay setup on a 65 mustang and this is perfect.
Excellent! I’m glad that you found the video helpful on your project! Thanks for watching!
Thank you very much for all the videos you have posted, I was wondering what amperage does the maxi fuse have to be when having a smal block chevy with a powermaster
Nice job. Excellent explanation.
We have an old 24v 4020 john deere I have to hook up Monday. I think this may help. All the batteries were removed, and I wish I would have taken pictures
I have a jeep liberty that i ran a cable straight to a toggle switch but I like this setup better. I'll order a the solenoid like you have and turn it into a push start. Thank you
Thank you for your time and video! I'm building a classic nova with a LS that's being totally rewired and pain in the Azz thanks again
Heck yes! LS swapped Novas are my jam! I’ve spent no less than a billion hours working on my friend’s 72 nova with a 6.2L LS + T56! Thanks for watching the video and good luck with the Nova!
@@WiringRescue mine is a 72 Pro Street with 30x18.5 tires 4l85e turbo, you explained everything fantastically . I had the general idea and you gave me a better! rather then a mega fuse I gonna look at a 300 watt circuit breaker 🙏🙏🙏much thanks again
@@kittykitty643 - sounds like a badass car to me! Glad the video helped you out. If you have any other wiring related questions along the way - post em up here!
Really interesting i love it
Great walk thru explanation. Thanx. Very detailed,
Thank you i used a ford style relay for my dingy with a honda outbourd its wired right just not ground correctly . Its great now
Awesome! I’m glad you found the video helpful!
Very well explained 👍🏼👍🏼 Thanks you 🙏🏼
Well done now I see it plain n simple
That was exactly my goal! Thank you for watching! I appreciate it!
@@WiringRescue my jeep has reverse neutral switch that grounded starter relay in park, how do I connect to ford relay? Or what
Thanks
What’s the best way to get a hold of you? Do you have an email?
I'm already subscribed. I watched a few more episodes.
I appreciate it!
YES! This is like Christmas come early.
Thank you!!
Coincidence! I just wired up some LED turn signals using one of your videos! big fan of ratty muscle car, keep it up 👍🏻
Excellent! I’m thrilled that you’re finding them useful. I’d love to make more rusty car restoration videos right now, but my garage is ARCTIC! These circuit videos can easily be done inside my warm house until the garage returns to an above freezing temperature! :) thanks for watching and good luck on your project!
Such a great video and so informative. Thank you so much
You’re welcome! Thanks for watching!
Great video , I always was wondering why I have 2 starter solenoids , thanks for the video, now I understand tnx
You got a special skill of making things easy to understand but please clean that starter
Sadly, all of these parts and videos cost me money to buy and/or make. I don’t always have money to buy new parts when I have a fully functional old part available.
@@WiringRescue yeah I'm just joking with you you are gifted with an ability to teach
Excellent Video! Just what I needed as a refresher
Excellent! Thank you for watching!
HI Jeremy what size in amps is the Mega fuse between the battery and starter?
Grate video information clear as day ❤
Glad it was helpful! I appreciate you watching!
excellent video! Jeremy how do I determine the gauge of a wire?
Thank you! I made a video to answer this exact question! Here you go. th-cam.com/video/EhzN6UdnmPA/w-d-xo.htmlsi=uR0Ku5b_7tse4GSz
Great video, i try to find how big i need to make the maxi fuse on a big block Chevy starter (454 -1976) ?
Very simple. Great explanation
Do you connect the red wire to the battery positive post and the ground wire attached to the starter connected to the negative post? I didn’t see the set up of your battery.
Excellent Thanks again 👍
You’re welcome! Good luck with your project!
Thank you so much.. I love the way you have explained this
Happy to help! Glad you enjoyed the video!
Please advise, what is recommended coming off the battery a circuit breaker or a mega block? any advantage for either? Thanks
Love your videos. Could you make a video on how wire the ignition on a mechanical diesel engine and show how to start and shut off the engine
Thank you soo much for this i need it and i have issue for hot start😅
Awesome! Good luck on your hot start problem! Hopefully you get it sorted out!
Question. Where does the coil wire get power from after the engine has started?
This was very helpful Thank You!
You’re very welcome! Thanks for watching!
thank you very much for this! i have a little question sorry to bother. which cable should i use from my ignition switch to the starter solenoid? mine is falling apart and i want to replace it.
Like most things in life, “it depends”. Your wire sizes and fuse sizes depend on the parts attached to them. Check out this video for some more details. th-cam.com/video/EhzN6UdnmPA/w-d-xo.html
@@WiringRescue thank you very much! i will look into it^^
Informative and well explained, many thanks.
Thanks for watching!
What size do you recommend for the mega fuse and for the ignition switch protection please
The fuse size depends. But I’ve got a video explaining how you can figure it out :D th-cam.com/video/EhzN6UdnmPA/w-d-xo.htmlsi=c74RNwXVO80lkseT
my 73 beetle uses a ford starter relay, they last longer than Volkswagens version that is mounted on the starter. the matter of the big block chevy: the relay right next to the headers and engine block tends to overheat it so having it away from all that heat helps also. If you have your bb chevys timing bumped up 30 degrees, you're not going to start it hot.
This video helped so much! Couldn’t make it any clearer if ya tried props
Great video thank for sharing
Would the big fuse you used replace the fusible links on my 86 jeep wagoneer whixh has several wires
Can you please give me info on diode for jumper
Check out the video description. The details and link are there. Thanks for watching!
Excellent video!!!
Thank you very much!
You sir are a legend! Thank u 🙏
Thank you! You are pretty rad as well!
Excellent video and lesson! Can you help me with something please? I recently disassembled a 12v starter motor to change the brushes and clean and lubricate everything and it turns out that the copper braided cable that connects the field coil to the solenoid is practically undone. What cable can I use to reestablish this contact between the two? 12 gauge? Thanks and Merry Christmas!
Fascinating explanation.
Thank you! Check out my wiring playlist for more if you’re bored!
how did you jump up the big wire to the small wire in the solenoid of the starter?
Yes I also want to know
Very helpful all your videos❤🎉
Liked and subscribed. Packed full of great info and like the 10:38 use of the relay to hookup and power a fuse box.
Thanks! I’m glad you like it! I actually just bought a bunch of stuff to make some more fuse box related videos - stay tuned!