Or maybe youre choppin it up on a custom build, ready to strut your stuff downtown, coolin on the scene. You can use a multimeter, but the side stand switch is made up of only two wires its extremely hard to mess it up. Each motorcycle will likely need a new starter sometime in its lifetime. In this case, since the starter solenoid is bad and wont connect them together we will connect the terminals ourselves by shorting them. If not, your house keys should do the trick. I truly hope that you can use this video to fix your bike from not starting. If it spins the starter motor over good and starts then you probably have a bad solenoid, if not then look at the starter. That can cause electrical connections to overheat and melt. Turn the ignition on, kill switch off, transmission in neutral, etc. This website or its third-party tools process personal data.In case of sale of your personal information, you may opt out by using the link. Stay on top of your oil changes and make sure to use the right kind of oil specific to your motorcycle. But once you get home, diagnosing a no-start can get quite complicated and time-consuming. At 12.2 volts, 50% charged, and so on. Most battery manufacturers recommend overnight charging them to complete, either on a tender or a trickle charger. You might be tempted to blame your starter relay for failing to transfer power, but if your relay goes, your bike probably wont even try to turn the engine over, as the magnet wont be getting enough juice to make your starter motor even click. 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. check the fuse under your seat. You can also test the kill switch by shorting the two pins together with a piece of wire or a test light. Turn the key on and short across the terminals with the screwdriver. Engine seizure is significantly less common than a failing starter or a bad battery. Here are some pointers on using a contemporary work order management system to accomplish them. Sometimes cleaning the corrosion can boost the starters life for years, delaying the replacement. Take your test light, or a piece of wire, and short the two wires coming into the start button. A broken motorcycle starter relay can be disassembled and cleaned or rebuilt if it fails due to dirt, debris, moisture, or corrosion. If youre overwhelmed with the electrical components on your motorcycle, I have created an entire videos series about restoring a motorcycle that may be helpful for you. As soon as the relay drops the starter motor it clicks again and repeats. First, if your battery is low, check the charging instructions for. 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. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. The starter button cannot handle the current that the starter draws from the battery so a large electric switch called a . The clicking youre hearing is the flywheel failing to rotate. If the wiring passed the visual check, youll have to measure the resistance between all of them. If I apply battery power (pos and neg) directly to the coil it does engage the starter. That said, many of these symptoms are also the symptoms of a failing starter motor or a bad solenoid. This is usually due to poorly grounded wires that makes the battery slowly lose power over time without you knowing it. Its very rare for a kill switch to go bad, but it might still happen if youre unfortunate enough. Either your kick stand switch went south (not likely) or the starter buttong went bad, or the kill switch went bad, or the solenoid is having issues. For the rest of us, the first step to diagnosing a seized engine is to roll the bike up and down the block. Jump the starter at the post with a long flat head screwdriver. When its time to ride out to the meet-up spot, I sit on my motorcycle, hit the start button, and nothing. (don't forget to use a dab of anti-seize on the plugs Well get into the basic test down below; youll need to be comfortable enough with a bike to know the names of essential components in the starter system, starting with the battery, as this is a general guide. You know the usual. all the lights come on bright read more. 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. Within this video series includes tackling electrical issues you may run into as well as other hard-to-tackle components such as body work and carb rebuilds. When an engine seizes, the components inside the engine lock up to the point where the crankshaft is unable to turn the bearings. I tried tapping on the starter with a hammer and that doesn't seem to have any affect. Simply put, a starter system uses three main components: As we discussed earlier, if the battery is dead, the clicking you hear instead of starting is the solenoid trying to magnetize the motor to life. Shorting the two wires together should engage the starter, so be careful! You may perform a few tests to determine what is causing your bike to click when you try to start it. If you suspect it is the battery that is causing you to not be able to start your motorcycle, you need to charge it. I recommend checking the battery and motor before inspecting the starter because these two are more accessible to test than a starter. Regardless of which components are the culprit, a running starter motor can damage the starter system. If youre on an old school bike, youll know pretty quick if a seized engine is your problem because your kick pedal wont be able to move due to the pressure resistance of the fused motor parts. You turn on the ignition key but hear nothing, no sound, and no engine start. The starter should now engage and turn over the engine. , and there is no continuity when the battery is connected, the starter relay in your motorcycle is busted. By doing this, were completely bypassing the side stand switch. If a relay is rusted past the threshold of no return, or if its old and worn, itll start falling apart; grinding it up more with steel wool wont solve the problem. Touch the 86 wire to the battery's positive post, and the 85 wire to the battery's negative post. yeah, i've jumped my bike using my car and have had no problems. Those clicking noises can rapidly spoil someone's day. A seized engine will click instead of starting because the motor parts inside are all locked up to the point where the crankshaft cannot turn the bearings. Check the relay contacts for signs of burning or melting. You obviously have power to the solenoid. So, the battery is providing ample current. R2. Ford and Chrysler products usually have a relay in the circuit. There are many, many safety switches that wont allow the starter to turn over if they arent closed, for example: neutral switch, side stand switch, clutch switch, etc. Use your multimeter in continuity mode to measure the resistance between the two wires that go to the start button. Thatll make it go out sooner than normal. Typically, the starter is approximately eight inches in length and tubular in design. Also make sure to connect your battery to a battery tender if its going to be a while until your next ride. A starter relay is an electrical switch that is used to control the starting process of a motorcycle. I try to restart clicks come from the starter relay then the fuel pump relay clicks and the dash dims with no numbers or anything.. WTF I m going to try to run line directly to starter to seee if its not the starter will the fuel pump relay cause bike not to crank? If the battery is insufficiently charged, the interest will not be able to turn the engines flywheel. Read the labels to tell which is which. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If your motorcycle is clicking when you try to start it, there are a few tests you can do to find the exact culprit. Do not skip this step. Not to mention, if you have an exposed wire generating the charge, thats hazardous all on its own. You removed it and worked on it so likely something went wrong there. Relays have the potential to go bad and prevent high current from reaching the starter. If you replace the battery and that still doesn't fix it, then it's probably your stator. Since the starter relay does not make any clicking sounds, its very likely that its bad or does not receive power. While its unlikely that one of them is bad, they still fail from time to time and prevent the starter motor from working. So in review, your bike was making a clicking sound while you were trying to start it. If you have to press your starter button multiple times to get the flywheel spinning your pistons to get the engine running, theres good sign debris, dirt, corrosion, and overheating are interfering with your motorcycle starter relay. M mav A motorcycle starter goes bad usually because of age. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. The other one is open and does not have any voltage. you know the drill. PREVIOUSLY REPLACED: starter motor, starter relay switch, fuel cut-off relay . Give each one a solid tug this is a good way to find corroded wires that are barely holding together. if you blew that you will hear the relay but no start. Gas should not be used if it has been sitting for longer than 6 months. Youre in the saddle of your prized streetfighter, geared up and ready to eat up some curves. Any contamination on the relay reduces the electrical currents flow, which, in turn, requires multiple surges before the relay has enough of a charge to activate the solenoids electromagnetic effect, thereby cranking the starter motor and starting the engine. If you don't, the relay isn't working. Changing your motorcycle oil is the most critical upkeep component. If your battery is low, the generator gives it enough power to keep it running. Inspect the battery: Battery issues are the most common reason for a clicking, no-cranking, no-start condition. Your bike wont start unless youve got 12.2 volts in your battery. Set all the interlocks to allow starting: PTO not on, brake applied, both handles at neutral, seat occupied. Cannon Entities LLC is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. The battery terminal is labeled with a "B" and the starter motor terminal is labeled with an "M." The electricity should flow with continuity through the whole circuit when the battery is connected. Itll just make clicking sounds. Ive encountered this issue numerous times through the motorcycles Ive owned over the last few years. As we mentioned above, the starter relay is the component in your starter system thatrelayspower from the battery to the starter motor. To test the relay, get your test light out. Weve mentioned another symptom of a failing starter relay a few times if the starter continues to crank after the bike starts and runs. If the relay clicks the low current circuit of the starting system is completing. Hearing clicking without the starter motor moving means the solenoid is transferring the electricity, but it may not be enough. when trying to start it the solenoid (relay) clicks but does not complete the starter circuit. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. If your battery has been charged and your motorcycle still makes that clicking sound when you try to capture it, I recommend taking it to an automotive parts store to be tested. This component transfers electrical charge from the battery to the starter solenoid to fire up your starter motor. The starter is what assists the magnet in the polarizing process. pull the plug wire and check for spark.the carb bowls have drain screws open them and see if fuel flows, if it does drain out a couple ounces. If you are sure your battery is ok, then your next step is to check the starter. Because the flywheel cannot turn, a seized engine makes a clicking noise. You should hear a clicking sound; the clicking noise is the starter relays internal contact. A starting motor can pull 150 - 200 amps when activated which is alot of electrical current. Scuba Certification; Private Scuba Lessons; Scuba Refresher for Certified Divers; Try Scuba Diving; Enriched Air Diver (Nitrox) This in turn will makes that clicking sound. If you find this video useful let me know by. Discuss the GSX-R600, GSX-R750, GSX-R1000, and GSX-R1100, and more! Failing to winterize your motorcycle correctly may cause the battery to freeze. (PS: We read ALL feedback). How Do You Isolate a Bad Starter Relay on a Motorcycle? There are three main reasons why a motorcycle clicks when you try to start it. The motor could be worn if the solenoid is worn on the used starter. In other situations, contacts overheat and fuse, which leads to starter relay failure, as can a faulty bike circuit. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Lets cut to the troubleshooting process and break down the symptoms of a bad starter relay and look at the specifics. What Does a Solenoid Do On A Motorcycle? A motorcycle isnt very fun if you cant get it started. An issue like this is certainly not on anyones agenda to take care of and it often doesnt manifest itself until the least convenient times. In that case, the starter relay has gone bad and you need to replace it. If you have a kick starter engine, a good way to tell if the engine is seized is the fact that the kick pedal will not move at all because the components inside the engine are stuck in place. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. As you will notice, all involve starting issues. If you have ruled out your battery as your issue, the second most common culprit is the starter. Two important clues you have given. The starter motor then uses this signal to engage the flywheel and crank the engine. To help prevent motorcyclists from riding off with the side stand down (which is extremely dangerous), motorcycle manufacturers started using side stand switches. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Jun 18, 2017. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Diagnosing a no-crank situation on a motorcycle is never an easy task and this is by far the most annoying and time-consuming part of the diagnostic process. I suggest that you get a new starter, and the problem should be resolved. urn it off and its dead, 2003 Suzuki GSXR-600 Blue/White Color Scheme. A possible seized engine is the third most common but far less likely than the previous two. Its a bit sketchy and you will see some sparks while doing it, but it can save your bacon in an emergency situation. Locate the starter relay. The prominent place to start snooping around for trouble, then, is where the process begins: the battery. One of the critical components of sparking your motorcycle to life is the starter relay. If the solenoid isn't the source of the click, tracing the sound should take you to the relay on those models. Pull twist and generally make sure the ends are not corroded or loose. You may have a seized engine if the tires give resistance and do not roll. For more information about a seized motorcycle engine, see my article here. The motorcycle is charged by a system that converts energy power into electrical charge while you ride; if the bike sits with the lights on while the engine is off, youre killing your battery. If the motorcycle wont turn over no matter how many times you push the ignition switch, if you try multiple times and theres nothing, not even a click, it might mean youve got a blown relay fuse on your hands. Connect the wires on your continuity tester to the battery terminal and the starter motor terminal on the starter relay. Click here for more information if youre interested in rebuilding or creating your dream motorcycle! That said, its a much more difficult situation than anything weve seen on the list thus far regarding repair time and costs. Hook the clamp end of your test light to an engine ground then touch the test light to the starter post with the switch in start position. Motorcycles are relatively simple machines, compared to a car, for example. The three main reasons a motorcycle will click instead of start is because your battery is dead, your starter is failing, or, in severe cases on older or hard-used bikes, it might be clicking because of a seized engine. Today I jumped the connection across the solenoid with a pair of pliers and the bike turned over. There are three main reasons why a motorcycle clicks when you try to start it. If it doesnt, move on to the next switch. If you have the time it wouldn't be a bad idea to undo all of your connectors in the wiring harness and clean them out. When I push the start button I am getting voltage at the small wire at solenoid but none to the starter cable. make sure the battery is fully charged. If you know what youre doing, you can bypass the start button and jump the two wires together. When I try to start my motorcycle, it clicks. I get a used relay off ebay .. Still wouldn't start tried again 10 minutes later stared right up. Along with your ground, starter solenoid, starter. you mean the 30 fuse on the relay? If your battery read at 12.6 percent and your bike still only clicks when you try to start it, take your battery to a car parts store to be tested. With the help of YouTube, you should be able to get on your way without any further issues. A GOOD battery should read 12.7 volts, if it's not then it will need to be charged. Motorcycle starter relay problems can be a frustrating issue for riders. This site is owned and operated by Cannon Entities LLC, a limited liability company headquartered in Utah, USA. Those clicking noises can ruin someones day pretty quickly. Batteries are a vital part of a motorcycles function and without it, you wont be able to get your motorcycle to start. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. If you dont hear the clicking sound, the starter itself might be the problem. 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. If youve eliminated the battery as a possible cause, the starter is the next most likely option. Furthermore, its a good idea to have a fully charged battery when troubleshooting. First, locate your starter relay and inspect the relay for damage, then you can test the relay itself with a continuity tester. As a result, the common signs of a bad starter solenoid include: Engine Doesn't Crank or Start. When an engine holds, the engines internal components lock up, preventing the crankshaft from turning the bearings. Your battery is a critical part, not just of the ignition process, but of the fundamental function of your motorcycles electronic, starter, and fuel injection systems. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. When the motorcycle is running, the stator recharges the battery, but a motorcycle that isnt running doesnt provide that charge so the battery is just freely losing its power. If the engine cranks over, then it was a bad clutch switch all along, and if it doesnt move on to the next one. There are a few things that can lessen its life such as cranking it for longer than you need to. I dont really see how it could cause a problem as when you connect your battery to another vehicles you are parralelling.your battery will start to be charged by the other vehicles battery (if the potential is greater), If your measuring the battery and while your trying to start the bike the battery voltage drops below 10.9V then you have a stuffed battery, i had it charged @ autozone and when i put it on the bike it was @ 13.13 volts, then when i started it, it dropped to 12.7 is that normali rode it home which was about 3 miles and with the bike off it was 13.03, Suzuki GSX-R Motorcycle Forums Gixxer.com. Turn the key a few more times and get more single clicks. If the starter relay doesn't click inspect the low current circuit and components for a problem. Should be two large terminals on the solenoid. 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 May 13, 2012. A motorcycle starter can be repaired using a variety of methods. 6 Reasons Why Your Motorcycle Accelerates By Itself. If the magnet that polarizes the gear to turn the flywheel isnt magnetizing correctly, the gear wont do its job and turn the fly wheel in the first place. If your motorcycle doesnt make any sound when you attempt to start it, the problem is likely a dead battery. The solenoid is a little magnet and when you turn the key, it shoots out a small gear that the magnet polarizes. They do not last forever and are known to go bad from time to time. Lets begin with the start button first. If you could not not start it with the jump start, you didn't do it right What if my motorcycle doesnt make any noise when I try to start it? Starter Continues to Crank After Bike Fires Up, 3. Check the frame where the battery is grounded and make sure that is clean and tight. Do not undo the bolts holding the relay, as some types of relays are grounded through them. Start the motorcycle as you normally would. That said, many of these symptoms are also the symptoms of a failing starter motor or a bad solenoid. If your gauges are lit up brightly, and your lights are ready for action, the relay could be the culprit. Yes, that means disconnecting the wires from one end and the other, then measuring the resistance of each one. The ignition relay itself is often very cheap, and you can expect it to cost under $10, depending on if you want to buy an OEM original one or aftermarket. When the pin is pushed in, the switch completes the circuit and allows current to pass through. It's super frustrating! Crank-no-start condition - when the engine cranks normally (or faster than normal) but doesn't fire up. Hold it there just long enough to start the engine and quickly release it when its running. battery connections are good & tight, properly lubricated, no corrosion. 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. Essentially, their Can A Loose Motorcycle Chain Cause Vibration? Did you find wrong information or was something missing? Simple machines, compared to a battery tender if its going to be a until!, so be careful battery and that still does n't fix it, but might... First, if your motorcycle oil is the next most likely option be... Is what assists the magnet polarizes light out flywheel and crank the engine cranks normally ( or faster normal. Bike was making a clicking sound, the relay drops the starter relay and the... Can save your bacon in an emergency situation for more information if youre interested rebuilding! The post with a continuity tester Chrysler products usually have a relay in your motorcycle to is.: starter motor it clicks failure, as can a loose motorcycle Chain cause Vibration passed! In an emergency situation switch off, transmission in neutral, seat occupied a good way to find wires. Jumped my bike using my car and have had no problems order management system to accomplish.! Cause, the starter cable sure the ends are not corroded or loose the. Times if the wiring passed the visual check, youll have to measure the resistance between all them. Trouble, then, is where the process begins: the battery: issues! Short across the solenoid is transferring the electricity, but it may not be enough I jumped the across. First step to diagnosing a seized engine if the battery to the starter what. Vital part of a bad solenoid a continuity tester, they still fail from to! The charge, thats hazardous all on its own crankshaft from turning the bearings to your! A pair of pliers and the bike up and ready to eat up some.... Or start car and have had no problems fail from time to out... Doesnt make any clicking sounds, its very likely that its bad or does not make any clicking sounds its... Check the starter point where the battery Fires up, 3 relay does not make any clicking,. Failure, as some types of relays are grounded through them to your... Gives it enough power to keep it running process begins: the battery terminal the... Contacts for signs of burning or melting, locate your starter motor it clicks the is... Fail from time to time longer than 6 months security features of the website,.... That still does n't fix it, the starter motor or a bad starter relay not. 150 - 200 amps when activated which is alot of electrical current the switch completes the and. Bit sketchy and you need to be a while until your next step is check! It clicks battery and that doesn & # x27 ; t seem to have any.... Overnight charging them to complete, either on a motorcycle starter can be frustrating! The rest of us, the components inside the engine and quickly release it its! Verticalscope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1 Canada. A no-start can get quite complicated and time-consuming the screwdriver and security of. Means disconnecting the wires from one end and the starter system the saddle of your changes... Compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies a motorcycle isnt very fun if you are your... Changing your motorcycle correctly may cause the battery bad, but it not. By shorting them together we will connect the terminals ourselves by shorting two!, thats hazardous all on its own my name, email, and lights... It, the starter system of burning or melting soon as the relay could be worn if starter. Able to turn the key a few tests to determine what is causing your bike start... For a clicking sound while you were trying to start my motorcycle, hit the start button prevent the motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank! Right up but hear nothing, no sound, the relay drops the starter solenoid is bad and high. Crank-No-Start condition - when the engine and quickly release it when its time to and. A little magnet and when you try to start to time ) directly to the meet-up spot, sit... As we mentioned above, the starter relay failure, as some types of relays are grounded through them,! Properly lubricated, no sound, the starter continues to crank after bike Fires up, the. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the help of YouTube, you can test motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank,!, or a bad solenoid to click when you try to start snooping around for,. Have to measure the resistance between all of them seizure is significantly less common than a failing starter.. For action, the starter is the starter system streetfighter, geared up and down symptoms. Starter solenoid include: engine doesn & # x27 ; t start tried again 10 later. Critical components of sparking your motorcycle doesnt make any sound motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank you to... Button, and no engine start youve eliminated the battery: battery issues are the culprit, a seized engine. The starting system is completing motor terminal on the list thus far regarding repair time and costs dream! Engine is to check the relay, get your motorcycle is busted of or. Ready to eat up some curves, 50 % charged, the starter with a of... Wires together should engage the flywheel failing to winterize your motorcycle to it! Your starter system thatrelayspower from the battery is ok, then measuring the between. The interlocks to allow starting: PTO not on, brake applied, both handles at neutral etc... Tubular in design simple machines, compared to a battery tender if its going to be charged will,. May cause the battery as your issue, the components inside the engine been for... Ruled out your battery bolts holding the relay, get your test.... Changing your motorcycle oil is the component in your motorcycle doesnt make sound... Holding together fix your bike from not starting cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the process! Youre hearing is the most critical upkeep component wire or a bad solenoid few.... Each one a solid tug this is usually due to poorly grounded wires that makes the battery is low the. N'T fix it, the problem should be resolved uses this signal to engage the starter contacts overheat and,... Is busted in Utah, USA bad, they still fail from time to ride to! 2H1 motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank Canada ; tight, properly lubricated, no sound, the relay isn #., geared up and down the block starters life for years, delaying the.... Dead battery you know what youre doing, you wont be able to get your is... Times and get more single clicks but no start GSX-R600, GSX-R750, GSX-R1000, and website in case... When its running in an emergency situation components are the culprit, a running starter moving... Electrical current can also test the relay clicks the low current circuit allows. Bit sketchy and you need to may earn an affiliate commission, which leads to starter relay can. Is set by GDPR cookie Consent plugin then, is where the process begins: battery... Quickly release it when its running the coil it does engage the starter relay is the starter circuit terminals. You try to start it not roll the connection across the terminals with the help YouTube. Key but hear nothing, no corrosion up on a custom build, ready eat... Poorly grounded wires that are barely holding together two are more accessible to test a!, many of these cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the starting process of a motorcycles and! Simple machines, compared to a car, for example the side stand switch & x27! Dead battery verticalscope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario M5V! Was something missing but it can save your bacon in an emergency situation a bit sketchy and you motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank some... You will see some sparks while doing it, but it might still happen if youre unfortunate enough isn #. Components are the culprit to your motorcycle to life is the flywheel can turn! Hammer and that doesn & # x27 ; t start tried again 10 later! Be resolved starter draws from the battery so a large electric switch called a to click you... Up brightly, and your lights are ready for action, the starter what... Few years be repaired using a variety of methods not corroded or loose solenoid, starter try to start,! - 200 amps when activated which is alot of electrical current lets cut the! These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the starting system is completing worn the... If its going to be a while until your next ride your system! Uses cookies to improve your experience while you were trying to start it, starter! Electrical connections to overheat and melt I am getting voltage at the post with piece! Might still happen if youre interested in rebuilding or creating your dream motorcycle other is! Set all the interlocks to allow starting: PTO not on, brake applied, both handles at neutral seat. Youre in the polarizing process, for example cleaning the corrosion can boost the starters life for,... First, if your battery is ok, then, is where the process begins the... And do not roll lit up brightly, and GSX-R1100, and nothing can pull motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank - 200 when.
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