solenoid issue

[drivena98]

customers car is turning over by itself. possible solenoid problem. trouble is im not sure where the thing is. on the fender? or on the starter? or both? thanks for reading and any help.

[shorod]

What year and engine Taurus are you referring to? Typically the solenoid on the Taurus is part of the starter assembly.

Don't overlook the ignition switch (not the key cylinder switch) as well.

-Rod

[drivena98]

the taurus is a 95. i changed the battery because it was dead and wouldn't hold a charge. i had to wrap on the starter to get it to work so now i know its the solenoid. she wants me to replace the starter for her but im stuck on what to charge her. too much and she'll find someone else, not enough and i'll screw myself. she lives 1/2 hr away so i consider drive time, gas...etc... i think she wants me to do a tune up for her too before its inspection time.

[shorod]

I'm now confused. What did you mean in your first post that the car is turning over by itself? That's not consistent with having to tap the starter to get the starter to work.

Also, if you were getting a single click but the starter didn't spin until you tapped on it, that's probably not a solenoid issue but rather a starter motor issue. Fortunately, most rebuilt starters come with both the motor and solenoid.

Why not charge her the industry labor for the battery install and the starter install?

-Rod

[drivena98]

the engine was turning over by itself because the switch inside the solenoid was stuck closed after the key was turned off (which should have opened the connection) making the starter continue to turn. then when i wraped on the solenoid which is connected to the starter in this case, it closed the connection after it was stuck open which in turn got the starter to turn the engine over. the solenoid was clicking but may not have been making a complete and solid enough connection.i'm thinking both the starter and solenoid are bad,fortunately they are both one unit. i cant charge the industry rate because im not a professional mechanic, its just a hobby of mine and now im just starting to do it for other people. mechanics in this area charge an average of 65.00 an hour. i cant do that so i'm trying to figure a reasonable rate for the things i can do without screwing myself or others. im sorry for any confusion and please reply with more questions.

[shorod]

I don't think I have more questions. If you verify that the signal to the starter solenoid is not continuous, then replacing the starter assembly will take care of the issues.

As for the labor rate issue, not sure what would be reasonable in this case. I guess in the future you may want to give the customer an estimate with the caveat that if something comes up in the middle of the project, you'll notify them with an estimate of the added expense. That way you both know what to expect and neither will feel taken advantage of. Considering how easy the starter is to replace, as is the battery, it almost seems like $50 labor and 20% markup or so on the parts would be reasonable.

-Rod

[drivena98]

rod,
thanks for your help and the suggestions on the rates. i've allways gotten great help from this forum. making the disisions will be a little easier and i will let you know how it turns out. thanks again.