79 CJ-7; How to wire the solenoid?

[snb73]

I've been having some issues with my Jeep starting. When I turn the key to the "OFF" position, the engine still turns over, continues to crank. I have to disconnect the battery to stop this.

Thinking the solenoid is bad, I purchased a new one. I want to double check the previous owners wiring. I have four terminals; two big posts on the sides and two small posts on top. Currently the +12VDC is run from the battery, through a heavy gauge wire, to one big post. From the other big post, the heavy gauge wire runs to the starter. Is that correct? What should be run to the smaller posts on the top of the solenoid?

Thanks, Steve

[CalFireGuy]

Hey Steve, I'm gonna give you the basics on just a solenoid. You are right. It goes from the battery to the solenoid from the solenoid to the starter using the large posts. The smaller posts one is a trigger wire that comes from the key and I believe the other is a ground.

[Davisrats]

I goes to ignition
S is start from the key

the solenoid gets ground from the mounting base.

[CalFireGuy]

I goes to ignition
S is start from the key

the solenoid gets ground from the mounting base.

Thanks for the clarification I wasn't sure about that ground.

[Roger]

Any chance the problem is with the ignition switch and not the soenoid??