1970 Challenger Idle Solenoid (Calif Built Challenger)

[70&09 Challenger RT]

Doe's anyone out there know how the Idle Solenoid gets wired. This is a 2 wire solenoid with one positive wire going to the back and a secondary ground male terminal on the hex head of the plunger, which is brass and adjustable. We looked at the car and even though there is a blue wire attached to the back....it is going to ground. So it actually seems like the solenoid is hooked up to ground on front and back. Looking for how the wiring should actually go...where and how do we pick up the positive. The shop manual isn't helpful. BTW...the hex head nut that the brass fitting is attached to is insulated so I believe the ground is picked up from the brass fitting touching the adjusting screw. Thanks

[70chall440]

I haven't looked at the wiring diagram, but there has to be a lead in the bulkhead connector or the harness coming out of it. On a general note, the solenoid has a hot side and a ground side (which I believe you have figured out). 

[K]

It's been a very long time since I've had to deal with one of those but I believe that the blue wire should be the power side. This device is to control engine run on (dieseling) after switching off the ignition switch. The plunger should be adjusted while extended to the desired idle rpm so when it loses power the plunger retracts and allows the throttle to close thus reducing any tendency for the engine to continue to run. Hope this helps.

[roadman5312]

                 2 grounds wouldn't do anything. 

[70&09 Challenger RT]

                 2 grounds wouldn't do anything. 

You're right Mark. But the blue wire that goes to the back of the solenoid is actually not going anywhere and I believe at one time was hooked up to a ground connector. I need to find where this lead goes to pick up 12V.

[YellowThumper]

Is this an air conditioned car? Don't know about them on Mopar but some of the 60s and 70 Era Fords used them to up the engines rpm when the ac is turned on to  compensate for the added idle load. The ac pump wire also may be the 12v source for the solenoid.

Mike

[AARTA340]

You are right, the service manual has little valid info on what you are looking for. In reading, it refers the carbs having a wire that retards the distributor.
found this on page 14-51, and sure you already seen it. 


These five AVS carburetors are equipped with a distributor
ground switch, which retards the distributor
when the carburetor is at idle, for better emission
control. The idle speed solenoid which is mounted on
these carburetors, (Fig. 21) is used to maintain a higher

[70&09 Challenger RT]

Is this an air conditioned car? Don't know about them on Mopar but some of the 60s and 70 Era Fords used them to up the engines rpm when the ac is turned on to  compensate for the added idle load. The ac pump wire also may be the 12v source for the solenoid.

Mike

This is a 1970 California emissions car which requires the idle solenoid. It is not an AC car. It is a 440 engine.

[FY1Cuda]

The article where the got the picture has some info on the wiring.
http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/engine/mopp-0301-mopar-carb-solenoid-id/

[70&09 Challenger RT]

The article where the got the picture has some info on the wiring.
http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/engine/mopp-0301-mopar-carb-solenoid-id/

Thanks FY!Cuda. The 440 Carter AVS 4BBL is the set up I have. I know all of this. What I am trying to find out is where the wiring comes from. Where does the 12V come from? Where does the NEG(ground) come from? Don really see anything in the wiring loom.

[70chall440]

The only thing I can find in my service manual is that it shows wire S3-18BR (18 gauge brown wire) running to one of the field wires (the dark blue side) on the alternator.

[70&09 Challenger RT]

Thanks everyone for all of the help. The problem has been solved. There was a "Y" wiring harness that was put in backwards. Turned it around and problem solved. Thanks again!!!

[70chall440]

glad it worked out.