Solenoid Test
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2017 RAM 2500 HD. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Disconnect and isolate the positive battery cable (1).
- Remove the winch assembly (2) as necessary to gain access to the control unit and cover. Refer to WINCH, REMOVAL .
- Disconnect the three cables connected to the motor on the studs marked F1 (2), F2 (1) and A (3).
- Remove the nut and disconnect the terminal wire (1).
- Measure the resistance between the two large studs on solenoid #1.
- The resistance should be greater than 1 megaohm.
- Apply 12 volts to the small terminal (1) and apply ground to the small terminal (2).
- Measure the resistance between the two large studs on solenoid #1.
- The resistance should be less than 1 ohm.
- Measure the resistance between the two large studs on solenoid #1.
- Remove the nut and disconnect the terminal wire (1).
- Measure the resistance between the two large studs on solenoid #2.
- The resistance should be greater than 1 megaohm.
- Apply 12 volts to the small terminal (1) and apply ground to the small terminal (2).
- Measure the resistance between the two large studs on solenoid #2.
- The resistance should be less than 1 ohm.
- Measure the resistance between the two large studs on solenoid #2.
- Remove the nut and disconnect the terminal wire (1).
- Measure the resistance between the two large studs on solenoid #3.
- The resistance should be greater than 1 megaohm.
- Apply 12 volts to the small terminal (1) and apply ground to the small terminal (2).
- Measure the resistance between the two large studs on solenoid #3.
- The resistance should be less than 1 ohm.
- Measure the resistance between the two large studs on solenoid #3.
- Remove the nut and disconnect the terminal wire (1).
- Measure the resistance between the two large studs on solenoid #4.
- The resistance should be greater than 1 megaohm.
- Apply 12 volts to the small terminal (1) and apply ground to the small terminal (2).
- Measure the resistance between the two large studs on solenoid #4.
- The resistance should be less than 1 ohm.
- Measure the resistance between the two large studs on solenoid #4.
- If the resistance across any of the solenoids doesn't go from open to closed (megaohms to tenths) then the solenoid is bad and needs to be replaced. Refer to SOLENOID, WINCH, REMOVAL .