Auto Pilot Trouble-Shooting Needed

[Pub911]

My 2-year-old SIMRAD AP24 is not working. I've isolated the problem to the valve that is supposed to close via an external relay/solenoid. The valve is not closing under auto-pilot or power steering modes. As a result, the reversable motor runs (in both directions) without moving the drive piston.

Electrical connections are all good to the solenoid. The solenoid is a Parker model 851006 012VDC. See link below for more details.

Parker - LEGACY DS COILS, 1/2 INCH

It fits over a post that protrudes from the SIMRAD tank assembly. So either the solenoid is bad (which I'm hoping), or the mechanical valve that it actuates is bad, which is inside the tank assembly and likely to be a much more involved fix.

FYI, I hear NO audible 'click' when current is supplied. But this is not a typical 'car headlight' type relay. I'm assuming it works on magnetic priciples to drive the valve.

Is there any way to tell if the solenoid is bad (besides buying new one and seeing if that fixes the problem)?


Thank you.

[donradclife]

The valve is a bypass valve--put 12v across it and you should not be abe to move the steering wheel if it is working.