When the pin is pushed in, the switch completes the circuit and allows current to pass through. Get a quick visual check on the wiring. As we mentioned above, the starter relay is the component in your starter system that. 5. No clicking means the solenoid is not properly engaging, but this may also be due to a dead battery. The solenoid in the starter has power and ground but it sticks. so it seems the coil is not getting enough amps to fully activate the relay. (PS: We read ALL feedback). Stay on top of your oil changes and make sure to use the right kind of oil specific to your motorcycle. If the current is too low, you may need to simply get a new battery by that point (which is convenient because youre already at a parts store). Usually, this points to an air/fuel delivery problem, a spark delivery problem, or a lack of compression. 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. Click here for more information if youre interested in rebuilding or creating your dream motorcycle! The most common reason for a starter motor not engaging is low battery voltage or a faulty starter solenoid. What Does a Solenoid Do On A Motorcycle? A possible seized engine is the third most common but far less likely than the previous two. 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. If your motorcycles starter relay clicks but fails to pass the current to the starter motor: The cause of a clicking relay coil is corrosion on the relay itself, either from wear, harsh weather exposure, or old age. Could you bypass the starter solenoid and start the engine? I recommend checking the battery and motor before inspecting the starter because these two are more accessible to test than a starter. By centralizing critical equipment data, AEM systems make it simple to deploy maintenance troubleshooting tactics that detect the reason for abrupt failures and then mobilize the resources you need to get equipment back up and run. Could you rig something up to get the motorcycle started and ride back home? Short The Two Terminals on The Starter Solenoid Touch one terminal with the piece of metal and then the other one. Cannon Entities LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Third, remove your primary cover (follow the step-by-step instructions in your manual) Fourth, remove the compensating sprocket nut and clutch hub lock ring. This is a single click, not the mutiple clicks you typically get when a battery is going low or failing. So, the battery is providing ample current. make sure the battery is fully charged. 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. Its an easy fix, but it takes time, and you may need to make other transportation arrangements. Jump the starter at the post with a long flat head screwdriver. Why is my motorcycle clicking when I try to start it? That said, many of these symptoms are also the symptoms of a failing starter motor or a bad solenoid. Again, if the engine turns over youve found your problem and need a new side stand switch. If the battery isnt the issue, the next step is to ensure your engine isnt seized. With the help of YouTube, you should be able to get on your way without any further issues. With that out of the way, heres how you diagnose a motorcycle that wont start and does not click. Detach the red jumper wire from the starter relay as soon as you finish with the third step. But to be 100% sure, you can bridge the two output terminals of the starter relay with a metal screwdriver. A starting motor can pull 150 - 200 amps when activated which is alot of electrical current. If not, your house keys should do the trick. Unfortunately, we riders, do not carry any tools with us (usually). 1,435 satisfied customers. Hook your Continuity Testers wires up to your starter relays battery terminal and starter motor terminal. Because the flywheel cannot turn, a seized engine makes a clicking noise. Copyright 2020 - 2022 Webnews21 (GMW). 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. Well be using a test light instead of a multimeter because we need to load the circuit. Turn the key a few more times and get more single clicks. become too hot and essentially weld together. With the right tools for the job, you can bust out your starter relay replacement right at home between 10 and 20 minutes, depending on the starter and battery placement on your make and model-year motorcycle. Motorcycles and automotive repair have been a big part of his family for generations, therefore its only natural that he decided to become a heavy-duty diesel tech. (PS: We read ALL feedback). These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. It also signals the ignition relay and the fuel pump relay. 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. 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. By doing this, were completely bypassing the side stand switch. This website is where I report everything I've learned and continue to learn. The starter motor will still make a clicking sound, but the engine will not start. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. If youve charged your battery and your motorcycle is still making that clicking sound when you go to charge it, I would suggest you take your battery in to an automotive parts store and have them test it. Checked the horn, it didn't work. He loves restoring motorcycles, has a vast knowledge of how they work, and has sold his restoration projects to customers from all over the United States. On the other hand, a bad starter solenoid could be the culprit. If a corroded relay is your issue, clean the contact points following your moto-manufacturers service manual guidelines to restore proper contact and increase current flow. link to 6 Reasons Why Your Motorcycle Accelerates By Itself. Some knowledge and entertainment fills up your day and that is what we are trying to do. Required fields are marked *. This is different from a "won't start" issue. Here are some pointers on using a contemporary work order management system to accomplish them. Also make sure you didn't accidentally push the kill switch. If the the starter still clicks, clean ALL the battery cables and try again. 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 you don't, the relay isn't working. Ideally, it should be around 12.4-6V. The solenoid bolts to the side of the starter motor and has two wires . They do not last forever and are known to go bad from time to time. How Do You Test a Starter Relay on a Motorcycle? Yes! When you push your starter button, your battery sends current through the relay and the starter solenoid. Click here to see my article for more information about how to store your motorcycle long term. REVIEW: R1. The first and most common reason is because of a dead battery. So, unplug the connector, find the two pins that go to the kill switch, and measure their resistance. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. 12.2 is already only partially charged, as 12.6% is what they call a fully charged battery. 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. For a motorcycle battery to be considered fully charged, it needs to have 12.6 volts. If you could not not start it with the jump start, you didn't do it right If it starts, its safe to say that an under-charged battery was the issue. Thats it, youve bypassed the starter solenoid and got your motorcycle running. Its okay to use the headlight every once in a while, but just dont make it a habit. urn it off and its dead, 2003 Suzuki GSXR-600 Blue/White Color Scheme. If you have power coming from your start button it should be measurable. Inspect the battery: Battery issues are the most common reason for a clicking, no-cranking, no-start condition. Theres also a phenomenon called parasitic drain. In addition, if you dont properly winterize your motorcycle, the battery can potentially freeze and lose most of its capabilities. 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. Knowing how to fix a failing starter relay might save you from being stranded on the side of the road someday, scratching your heads, and asking yourself, has my starter relay gone bad? i assume it turns over but won't fire. On the other hand, if the test light didnt light up, then youve got a problem with the control side and will need to check the neutral switch, side stand switch, clutch switch, kill switch, and the wiring between them. Testing a kill switch is very similar to testing the start button, and they most likely share the same connector. If it does you have a fuel delivery problem. Some engines have a ground strap and some don't. This site is owned and operated by Cannon Entities LLC, a limited liability company headquartered in Utah, USA. coming from. To confirm the problem to . 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. This is why oil changes and top-offs are essential for any bike. This is also a sign of low or dead battery. Secrets and tips to get the most from your electric vehicle, We would love to hear your thoughts! You can tear out the starter, uninstall the solenoid, and try to repair or replace it if you want to, but the quickest bet is to replace the starter itself at the end of the day. Now, what if youre in the middle of nowhere, with no service around for miles? Let the car run for five minutes then give the bike starter a go. 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.