Operation of Battery Isolation Solenoid # PK5231201 in 2002 Ford E350 Diesel Van

Products Featured in This Question

Starter Solenoid - SPST - 12 Volt - 100 Amp - Continuous Duty - Grounded

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$33.90

Firestone Fuse Circuit Tap Kit

(38)

$20.98

Question:

I tried hooking up the battery isolator but I get power through the isolator even with a 12 volt source wire hooked up. Failing the fact that I thought that I might have the input and output wires to the solenoid reversed, I still get full power through the isolator. My impression was that without hooking up the 12 volt switched wire, I should not be getting any power through the unit. Is this correct?

asked by: Peter T

Expert Reply:

The Battery Isolation Solenoid # PK5231201 operates by connecting to a 12V power source and an ignition-controlled circuit in the vehicle.

The center terminal is to be connected to an ignition-controlled circuit such as that for the radio or power antenna. The solenoid will pass 12V power from the (left-side) input terminal through to the (right-side) output terminal only when a signal is present at the center terminal. Please refer to the included photo and sample installation video.

A fuse tap, such as Firestone # F2526, can be used to access one of the ignition-controlled circuits, and this will connect to the center terminal to control the flow of power through the solenoid.

If you have the unit connected as described above, then either the circuit you have tapped is not controlled by the ignition or the solenoid is malfunctioning. Please re-confirm that the installation is done as described.

expert reply by: Adam R