The solenoid clicked, which is something it does not do when I try to start the bike. 44. Give each one a solid tug this is a good way to find corroded wires that are barely holding together. It does not store any personal data. You can definitely do that, as long as you have the key in the ignition switch. Took both the starter and relay out and tested them. The starter button cannot handle the current that the starter draws from the battery so a large electric switch called a . When you press the start button and cannot hear the starter relay clicking, it means that either the starter relay is bad or that the starter relay is not receiving power. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. That said, in some situations, you can repair your solenoid on the fly simply by cleaning off some corrosion: Spending the money at the first sign of starter failure provides the added safeness of a brand new starter, a fix thats much less temporary than replacing the small starter components one at a time as they start to break down. Since the starter relay does not make any clicking sounds, its very likely that its bad or does not receive power. Relays have the potential to go bad and prevent high current from reaching the starter. The third most common but less likely reason the motorcycle is clicking could be due to a seized engine. The second reason could be due to a bad starter. (PS: We read ALL feedback). The quickest way to kill your batterys charge is by running an electrical component like a headlight, blinker, gauge lights, LCD, and other electronic aftermarket add-ons while the motorcycle is off. After a few turns on the key it frees up and engages the starter motor. At 12.2 volts, 50% charged, and so on. just like you normally would when starting your motorcycle. Turn the ignition on, transmission in neutral, etc. Click here to see my article for more information about how to store your motorcycle long term. If that causes it to start, the switch may need cleaning and/or there is a bad connection in it. Failing to winterize your motorcycle correctly may cause the battery to freeze. It can also be a sign that the solenoid is not functioning correctly. Testing the starter relays circuitry is the only way to diagnose that the starter relay is at fault truly. Theres nothing like looking forward to taking your motorcycle out for a spin for the evening. If you have a kick-starting engine, the kick pedal will not move because the components inside the machine are held in place is an excellent method to identify if the engine is seized. But the flywheel is failing to turn the pistons because theyre fused to the parts around them, to the point of placing immense pressure on the flywheel. (PS: We read ALL feedback). . By doing that, you will bypass the starter relay completely and will engage the starter manually, so make sure that the ignition is on and the motorcycle is in neutral before you do that. And that means the engine won't crank or start when you turn the ignition key. If your bike has inconsistent starting patternsif theres a secret trick to start your motorcycle like pushing the starter button over and over again until the bike startsyou might have a bad starter relay. Could you bypass the starter solenoid and start the engine? This can lead to it intermittently working. Monitor the gauge needle on the Continuity Tester to read if your flow is continuous. Lets cut to the troubleshooting process and break down the symptoms of a bad starter relay and look at the specifics. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Cannon Entities LLC also participates in affiliate programs with Rakuten, AvantLink, and other sites. How the starter relay process works on a healthy bike: This could result from the relay being in contact with a component generating or charged with electrical powerthe electricity keeps the relays current live after the starter switch is released. the kill switch is easy to bump and not even know it. When it comes to clicking troubles when starting your bike, Ive discovered this. Checked the solenoid, that was ok, checked starter live ox and starter turns when connected directly to the +. You know the usual. Relatd:What Does a Solenoid Do On A Motorcycle? Failing to keep up with your oil levels and condition, or using low-grade or contaminated oil, are the main reasons a motorcycle engine seizes. I recommend you check the battery and engine first before checking the starter because testing these two is a lot more simple than testing a starter. Lets start with the basics first, as theyre so easy to overlook. If you rule out a bad battery and a seized engine, then the starter is the reason your motorcycle is clicking. Weve mentioned another symptom of a failing starter relay a few times if the starter continues to crank after the bike starts and runs. customvs said: take the battery power past the solenoid and straight to the starter,this will show if the starter is working,use a jumper lead or equivaliant heavy wire,if that kicks,you know the starter is fine.my guess is solenoid. Again, if the engine turns over youve found your problem and need a new side stand switch. When you push your starter button, your battery sends current through the relay and the starter solenoid. On the other hand, a bad starter solenoid could be the culprit. the 4P* starter switch works = starter relay switch clicks only (noticed a tiny connection spark) R3. When the starter solenoid decides to call it quits, the starter motor won't work, either. Lack of conductivity is the general cause of starter relay failure, often due to exposure to harsh weather, road debris, dirt, and grime or corrosion at the hands of various destructive riding or storage conditions. If the test light did not light up while testing the control side of the start relay in the previous test, then its time to move on to the various safety switches that are found on all motorcycles. Starter relay clicks, but no crank shows the starter motor is not receiving enough electrical current from the relay to turn the engine. link to Can A Loose Motorcycle Chain Cause Vibration. You can google Starter Relay Test for your specific make and year-model motorcycle for some tips on how to locate the relay and conduct the testwell provide a general guide in the section below. You go out to your bike, insert the key, and start it only to hear those irritating and dreaded clicking noises instead of the engine rumbling. (Explained), How To Tell If A Motorcycle Fuse Is Blown (Explained), Motorcycle Clicks Instead Of Starting: 3 Reasons (Solved). This post is to explain what the noise is and why it happens. A GOOD battery should read 12.7 volts, if it's not then it will need to be charged. Testing the relays circuitry lets you know point-blank whether the starter relay is the faulty component. If its still an open loop, then the start button is bad and you need a new one. Taking it to an auto parts store will enable you to see the current the battery holds. It also signals the ignition relay and the fuel pump relay. As you will notice, all involve starting issues. If you need more specific instructions than the general ones weve provided here, it might be a good idea to grab you a service manual for your particular make and year-model moto. Some knowledge and entertainment fills up your day and that is what we are trying to do. This symptom can show a starter relay is bad, but also a dead battery. If the copper cables look green and brittle you need new cables. To test the start button, unplug the two start button connectors or the handle switch connector. This is especially helpful during the winterizing process. You go out to your motorcycle, put in the key, and try to start it only to hear those annoying and dreaded clicking noises instead of the rumbling of the engine. All I get is a click coming from solenoid. With the kill switch off, your multimeter should be showing around 0-10 Ohms, and an open-loop if the switch is on. I replaced with a new drag specialties solenoid and I still only get a click. Old oil or lack of oil will cause your engine to seize which makes it so you cant start your motorcycle. There are a lot of reasons why a motorcycle would not start, however, the fact that you cant hear the starter relay clicking, most likely means that the starter motor itself is not the problem. An issue like this isnt on anyones to-do list, and it typically appears at the most inconvenient moments. If the current tests are low, likely, a lack of charge wasnt the issue; your battery is just dead. But before you even do this make sure the battery is fully charged, that can also be a major factor in a starter failing. Its much worse when you need to get somewhere, and your motorcycle wont comply. A good way to test this is to wait until it won't start. A seized motor is likely beyond repair. How Do You Test a Starter Relay on a Motorcycle? Typically, this points to a . Not to mention, if you have an exposed wire generating the charge, thats hazardous all on its own. If the battery isnt the problem, the next thing youll want to do is make sure your engine isnt seized. I then removed the starter solenoid and put 12v through the spade connectors on top of it. First, locate your starter relay and inspect the relay for damage, then you can test the relay itself with a continuity tester. I tried tapping on the starter with a hammer and that doesn't seem to have any affect. Start with the most accessible or most likely factors to eliminate. You dont want your clicking to result from a seized engine; under ordinary riding circumstances, a seized engine is extremely rare. Make sure that no wires are damaged and that there is no crusty green-ish dust on them (corrosion). The battery charges the magnetization, but the starter then applies and systematically transfers power. On the other hand, motorcycles arent complicated machinery, especially when compared to automobiles. By continuing to use this site you consent to the use of cookies on your device as described in our cookie policy unless you have disabled them. what does panic stand for in electrolysis; aquarius man leo woman pros and cons; lead singer iron butterfly televangelist; where can i pay my alabama power bill A weak battery or bad connection in the battery posts can be the cause of the problem. Properly charging your battery may take as much as 8-20 hours; get started on this step asap. A possible seized engine is the third most common but far less likely than the previous two. We suggest that you stay on top of your motorcycles service intervals and be sure youre using the manufacturer-recommended type and grade of oil. The best offense is a good defense; routine maintenance per your bikes OEM-suggested spec intervals includes frequent oil changes and inspections. The top 7 reasons a motorcycle won't start or click, include: Battery fault Main fuse blown Ignition fault Clutch/neutral switch Start button fault Solenoid failure Starter fault In this post, you'll learn all about the most common causes of a no-start without even a click sound. When I try to start my motorcycle, it clicks. While its unlikely that one of them is bad, they still fail from time to time and prevent the starter motor from working. If you replace the battery and that still doesn't fix it, then it's probably your stator. Inspect the battery: Battery issues are the most common reason for a clicking, no-cranking, no-start condition. the relay does not close. Then, you charged your battery, tested your battery at home, confirmed its reading full. Now its time to try to start your bike again. The relay just keeps clicking repeatedly no crank. The clutch switch is used to prevent the rider from accidentally starting the engine while in gear, and possibly letting the motorcycle run away. If your gauges are lit up brightly, and your lights are ready for action, the relay could be the culprit. Lets begin with the start button first. Ideally, it should be around 12.4-6V. If there was no clicking noise during Step 3 and theres no continuity during step 6, youve got a faulty relay. 1988 Heritage Softail will not crank. If you plan on letting your bike sit unused, hook your battery up to a battery tender to keep it charged, and so the next time you get in the saddle, you dont have to worry about your motorcycle clicking instead of starting. Even if you test the voltage on a battery and it reads 12.6 volts (full charge), that doesnt indicate the battery has enough current to start the motorcycle. If you don't see sparks, your current connections or battery is not right. If your bike doesnt have a kick-starter, you can diagnose a seized engine by rolling it around. Starter Continues to Crank After Bike Fires Up, 3. Locate the starter motor under the vehicle. Or even worse, youre on the full-dresser, hard bags stuffed-up and ready for a cross-country tour when you press your ignition button but your motorcycle clicks instead of starting. JavaScript is disabled. In addition, if you dont properly winterize your motorcycle, the battery can potentially freeze and lose most of its capabilities. Your email address will not be published. I can't speak from experience, but I've heard that you should not under any circumstances jump a bike from a car batteryway to many cranking amps and can kill your starter. If you could not not start it with the jump start, you didn't do it right If by doing that the starter motor starts turning over the engine, then youll know for sure that the starter motor and the starter solenoid are working fine. Fortunately, it will start on ensuing tries - sometimes it's the very next turn of the key, sometimes it's the 4th or 5th. I simply recommend you get a new starter and your issue should be solved. Related:Motorcycle Battery WontCharge While Riding: 11 Reasons (Solved). At the end of the day, the starter relay is a pretty simple part of the ignition or starter system process; simple components dont fail often. Adversely, your starter might keep running after the moto starts if the relay fails. I started my 2001 Honda shadow ace 750 up just to let it run. If you get no response to your test light the solenoid contacts are bad. If its any lower than that, you likely wont be able to get it started at all, thus you hear the clicking sound. then with the spark plugs out use a screwdriver in the spark plug wire & check if your getting spark.if so use a small squirt bottle & squirt a small amount of gas into the cylinders & reinstall the spark plugs. A lousy starting could be the second explanation. Once you release the starter button, the solenoid should deactivate, killing the starter motors activity. Now that weve covered the reasons a motorcycle clicks when you try to start it, lets discuss what causes these problems in the first place. Youll need to put the motorcycle in the highest gear (usually 4th or 5th gear) and roll it forward. If a bad battery and a seized engine are ruled out, the starter is the source of your motorcycles clicking. yeah, i've jumped my bike using my car and have had no problems.