Hello Jim,

Yes, and the question is, can this constant current flow through the starter solenoid circuit contribute to an increase in the amount of current needed to trigger the solenoid and can a failure of either one of these circuits (failed relay or a partial ground) effect the starter performance ? Most Bosch starters in other cars, like BMW's, don't seem to have this problem, especially with new rebuilds. I am wondering if it really is the length of the wiring, the connections, the poorly designed ignition switch, or if it can have anything to do with these extra circuits. I would think using the relay to actively disconnect the accessories, like on other cars, would be preferable to running a current through the solenoid constantly.

I suppose the only way anyone would know is if they measured the current requirement to throw a "new" solenoid and compared it to increases over time. The rebuilds seem to all have "Made in Mexico" solenoids, so the comparison to a 30 year old German solenoid may not be valid.

"Does anyone have any insight on these circuits and can a failure of either relay cause a starter problem ? Is it true that anytime these blowers are running there is current running though the starter 50 terminal to ground ?"

Sorry, I thought I understood your questions... Here are some more direct answers:

Regarding the first question, I suppose one could conceive of failure modes of any piece of electrical equipment that could cause a connected item to fail.

Regarding the second, current for neither the A/C nor the heater motor runs through the starter, only current for the coils of the relays controlling these items. That is obvious by looking at the wiring diagrams. So the answer to this question is that it is not true.

Maybe you will enlighten me as to how a link to a photo of an A/C relay helps me understand "the question".

Hello Jim,

Maybe you will enlighten me as to how a link to a photo of an A/C relay helps me understand "the question".
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I don't know ask the poster who requested it two posts up. I agree, the current running through the solenoid circuit is the relay coil. The question is does running a small current through the solenoid for 20 years degr

degrade its performance ? It must have some effect.