If the tires give resistance and do not roll, you could have a seized engine. 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. Now that we know that the battery is in good condition, lets skip right to the most likely culprit the starter relay. 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. Those clicking noises can ruin someones day pretty quickly. Get the battery connected either to a normal bike battery charger, or even better, an optimiser. The exposure to oxygen eventually changes the chemistry of gas which can lead to gum and varnish deposits. Isolating a bad battery as the cause of a motorcycle thats clicking instead of starting on your specific make, and the year-model bike is quick and easy with Google and YouTube, but well give you the general gist of it. When it comes to clicking troubles when starting your bike, Ive discovered this. Replacing the battery should have your bike starting right up. Touch one terminal with the piece of metal and then the other one. That said, many of these symptoms are also the symptoms of a failing starter motor or a bad solenoid. The primary and most usual reason is that the battery has died. check weather it is done. If it doesn't, crank the engine, connect the black/negative jumper cable as a ground between the drivetrain and negative terminal of the battery. I connect it.. the starter relay just clicks .. no cranking at all relay just clicks and the dash fades,. sighs . any help would be greatly appreciated how do I know relay is good???? Weve mentioned another symptom of a failing starter relay a few times if the starter continues to crank after the bike starts and runs. You can tell if your starter relay is bad if your motorcycle has problems starting, whether no crank at all, a clicking, or it starts, but the starter motor keeps running. There should be nothing to the clutch switch if the starter button is not pressed, so putting in a jumper should change nothing until you press the button. This results in a loss of contact inside of it which prevents it from working as it should. Turn the key to start and hold it there. Its the only way to properly test a circuit. It is definitely an opportunity to see the city as it is quite large, but there was nothing in the recorded tour that was of true interest to me. 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. Luckily, there are only a handful of components that could go bad and prevent the engine from starting, and if you test them and the wiring integrity between them properly, youll be back on the road in no time. BTW - Completely discharging a traditional lead/acid battery is "bad". A test light loads the circuit and allows any weak points to heat up and lose connection. Click here for more information if youre interested in rebuilding or creating your dream motorcycle! Could be a dead battery. If your bike doesnt have a kick-starter, you can diagnose a seized engine by rolling it around. when i press the start button, the starter relay just "clicks . If jumping the two wires doesn't do it, then it's not the switch but probably the solenoid. Lets start with the basics first, as theyre so easy to overlook. 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. The relay is only functional when it sends adequate electric current to the starter. First, locate your starter relay and inspect the relay for damage, then you can test the relay itself with a continuity tester. At 12.4 volts, the battery is 75% charged. Lets begin with the start button first. Your bike wont start unless youve got 12.2 volts in your battery. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. 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. You may have a seized engine if the tires give resistance and do not roll. In this situation, deciding what to do can be difficult. Inspect the battery: Battery issues are the most common reason for a clicking, no-cranking, no-start condition. 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. Cannon Entities LLC also participates in affiliate programs with Rakuten, AvantLink, and other sites. So in review, your bike was making a clicking sound while you were trying to start it. The clicking you hear is the starter gears failing to crank the flywheel due to a failed magnetization. Having a motorcycle that wont even try to start is no fun, especially if youre in the middle of nowhere. You dont want your clicking to result from a seized engine; under ordinary riding circumstances, a seized engine is extremely rare. 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? you mean the 30 fuse on the relay? Defective push-button start system. coming from. Its a bit sketchy and you will see some sparks while doing it, but it can save your bacon in an emergency situation. Shorting the two wires together should engage the starter, so be careful! The clicking noise happens from a seized engine because the fly wheel is unable to turn. Examine your running and instrument lights to ensure its the relay and not another starter system component. Youll need to put the motorcycle in the highest gear (usually 4th or 5th gear) and roll it forward. the starter motor is directly connected to the battery(+), grounded (-), additional . Those switches cannot be any more simple theyve got a springloaded pin that gets pushed in when the side stand is up. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Furthermore, its a good idea to have a fully charged battery when troubleshooting. The other one is open and does not have any voltage. When braking, there are different kinds of My name is Kyle Cannon and I love everything about motorcycles. The relay just keeps clicking repeatedly no crank. When I try to start my motorcycle, it clicks. Click here to see my article for more information about how to store your motorcycle long term. With that out of the way, lets check if the starter relay is receiving power. Touch the red cable to the starter's positive terminal. Schumacher SJ1289 Rechargeable AGM Jump Starter and Portable USB/DC Power Station - 1200 Amp - with Air Compressor and LED flex light Amazon 1 $58 USD Walker Exhaust 40001 Universal Exhaust Flex Pipe Amazon 1 $38 USD Premium Recoil Starter for Briggs Stratton 699335 1150,1450,1650 series snow engine Amazon 2 $88 USD The battery may be providing enough power to the magnet to polarize the gear and turn the flywheel. The clicking youre hearing is the flywheel failing to rotate. It does not store any personal data. Learn how your comment data is processed. Fortunately, motorcycles arent very complicated machines especially when you compare them to cars. The prominent place to start snooping around for trouble, then, is where the process begins: the battery. 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. If that wasnt it, then its time to move on to the side stand switch. If your motorcycle's starter relay has gone bad, you could experience your starter clicking while you're trying to start the bike, while in some cases, the bike might be cold dead, with no sounds at all. Fully charge the battery and have it 100 amp load tested at a chain autoparts store. 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. Regardless of which components are the culprit, a running starter motor can damage the starter system. In addition, if you dont properly winterize your motorcycle, the battery can potentially freeze and lose most of its capabilities. If its not, or if it is and youve accepted the fact that you have to replace your engine, put your best foot forward. 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. i have a 2006 ktm 625 smc. Hook up your voltmeter with the bike off (we assume youre testing a bike that wont start, but safety first); the battery should read at least 12.5 volts. Required fields are marked *. Press the start button to try and start the engine. Turn the ignition on, transmission in neutral, etc. At 12.2 volts, 50% charged, and so on. 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Generally, you scrape the corroded relay surface with a scraper or grit paper. Put your bike in the highest gear possible. Usually, this points to an air/fuel delivery problem, a spark delivery problem, or a lack of compression. Yes! Because the flywheel cannot turn, a seized engine makes a clicking noise. 2. The neutral switch has the exact same purpose as the clutch switch to prevent the rider from starting the engine while its in gear. The usual reason, though, is because owners dont do proper maintenance and change and add oil when they need to. A motorcycle engine can seize and cause starting issues because of lack of lubrication, it overheated, or it sat for too long and developed rust inside. The number one sign a starter relay is done for is that nothing happens when youre trying to start your motorcycleno click, no crank, no ticking; nada. Also make sure to connect your battery to a battery tender if its going to be a while until your next ride. You need to have at least 12.2 volts, or a 50% charge, to get the motorcycle started. The first and most common reason is because of a dead battery. You can find model-specific installation instructions online or in the service manual for your specific make and year-model motorcycle. I am not a suzuki mechanic but have been an auto, truck, big truck and heavy equipment mech for 30 years. If it starts that way you have carb issues. the relay does not close. Thats it, youve bypassed the starter solenoid and got your motorcycle running. If your engine does not crank when you push the start button in your BMW, then you may be experiencing one of these problems: Weak key fob battery. Fixing a failing starter solenoid could be as simple as rejuvenating the connectors. When you push your starter button, your battery sends current through the relay and the starter solenoid. Attempt to start the engine and listen to the starter relay. Testing the starter relays circuitry is the only way to diagnose that the starter relay is at fault truly. 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. Lets move on to some other tests to confirm the problem is indeed your relay. The most obvious warning sign that a problem with the starter relay exists is when the vehicle won't start when you engage the ignition process. Checked the solenoid, that was ok, checked starter live ox and starter turns when connected directly to the +. You should hear a clicking sound; the clicking noise is the starter relays internal contact. Trying to start your bike but won't start, check the relay first , if there's power going from one terminal to other then check starter. We would love to hear your thoughts! These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. - just like you normally would when starting your motorcycle. Ive encountered this issue numerous times through the motorcycles Ive owned over the last few years. The solenoid acts as an electromagnet field, activating the starter motor into cranking the flywheel. Read the labels to tell which is which. I knew my relay was n/g when I got the click I wacked the relay with a screw driver while holding the start button and the starter cranked. Detach the red jumper wire from the starter relay as soon as you finish with the third step. At one point, there was a reference to an . Started at the battery and worked back. 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. 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. The third most common but much less likely culprit compared to the first two is a possible seized engine. Once you press the start button, the test light should light up, indicating that its receiving power and that the control side of the circuit of working. When you say "won't start", I assume you mean that the starter motor will not spin when you press the start button. It would be connected to body of the bike, scoter/car. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This is not really recommended but it will help isolate your problem. Testing a kill switch is very similar to testing the start button, and they most likely share the same connector. 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. battery is showing 12.54 VDC. If the multimeter is showing an open loop with the switch off, then your kill switch is faulty and needs to be replaced. Heart of Vegas 10000000 Coins How to Get Free Coins, Heart Of Vegas Free Coins Friend Bonus Of 300000 Free Heart Of Vegas Coins, Best backgrounds for Warlock 5e in dnd game, Versatile 5e Weapons and its best uses in dnd. To check the relay, pull the Brown/Black wire on 31B. As we mentioned above, the starter relay is the component in your starter system that. If you are having a problem with your Triumph just going "click" when you try to start, I have figured out the problem AND how to easily fix it. Pull twist and generally make sure the ends are not corroded or loose. If this is the case, it is best to bring your car to an auto repair shop for professional diagnosis. Turn the ignition on, kill switch off, transmission in neutral, etc. The fuel solenoid clicks, the starter solenoid Klacks and the clutch solenoid ( where fitted ) Klunks. Keepin' all the left over parts. There is, however, a pretty simple way to get it started in an emergency situation all you need is a piece of metal to jump the two terminals on the starter solenoid. 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. A good way to test this is to wait until it won't start. If it does, the problem is with the cables, connections or relay. Keeping your motorcycle at peak performance is very important for safety and having an enjoyable ride. How To Jump A Starter Solenoid. Worn spark plugs. (Explained). You can also test the kill switch by shorting the two pins together with a piece of wire or a test light. Those clicking noises can rapidly spoil someone's day. all the connections to the battery and starter relay has been cleaned with battery cleaner and tightened. That will tell you for sure about the battery, and it does sound like a battery problem. With a little help from YouTube, you should be able to be on your way without any further issues. Changing your motorcycle oil is the most critical upkeep component. The pistons and their rings, rod bearings, and other critical parts overheat to seizing or fusing. R2. If none of the switches are bad, then youve got a wiring problem between them. Clean all connections both at the starter and the battery to ensure there is no bad connection. Cannon Entities LLC is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Press the start button to try and start the engine. Related:9 Reasons Motorcycles Wont Start When Hot (Explained). The solenoid is a little magnet and when you turn the key, it shoots out a small gear that the magnet polarizes. What Does a Solenoid Do On A Motorcycle? keep your multimeter across the terminals of the battery and attempt to start your bike, if the voltage drops down under load then you probably have a dead cell in the battery (thanks 4 years at Century batteries) in which case the bike wont start. Stay on top of your oil changes and make sure to use the right kind of oil specific to your motorcycle. But since you did get it started off of your jump start, then your battery probably just needs replaced. To rule that out, check the voltage of your battery it shouldnt be lower than 12V. A motorcycle starter can be repaired using a variety of methods. Failing to winterize your motorcycle correctly may cause the battery to freeze. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Bladeracer is most likely correct. Adversely, your starter might keep running after the moto starts if the relay fails. The second reason could be due to a bad starter. Even if you test the voltage on a battery and it says 12.6 volts (a full charge), that doesnt necessarily mean theres enough current in the battery to get the motorcycle started. Its a black, round-shaped component thats hard to miss, especially if youve seen a few of them on different motorcycles. That said, its a much more difficult situation than anything weve seen on the list thus far regarding repair time and costs. Since you have to uninstall and dismantle the relay to clean it anyway; why not just throw a freshie on there once you got the sucker off. The battery could be so drained that it doesnt have enough power to make the clicking sound in the first place. Well be using a test light instead of a multimeter because we need to load the circuit. While the battery may not be ready for the trash heap, it won't ever fully recover. JM .02 Swap out the fuse if its looking rough. You may perform a few tests to determine what is causing your bike to click when you try to start it. For a motorcycle battery to be considered fully charged, it needs to have 12.6 volts. Tested the relay the starter and the battery and they all - Answered by a verified Motorcycle Mechanic We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. 6. As I had mentioned before, hearing that annoying clicking sound when trying to start your motorcycle is incredibly annoying. While starter relay problems arent necessarily widespread, all mechanical parts wear out, eventually. Not even a click from the starter relay. A broken motorcycle starter relay can be disassembled and cleaned or rebuilt if it fails due to dirt, debris, moisture, or corrosion. everything is new in the ignition circuit. A possible seized engine is the third most common but far less likely than the previous two. 1. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. While holding the key, jump the solenoid contacts with a wrench. Now just because the relay doesnt click doesnt mean its the fault. 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. Make sure battery is fully charged, bench charge with a good charger. 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. 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? Your email address will not be published. I have ran into this problem many times myself through the motorcycles Ive owned these past few years. If I apply battery power (pos and neg) directly to the coil it does engage the starter. thats the only fuse I can see under the seat.. it s fine not burnt out you really need to see what voltage your battery is holding if its below 12v it going to just click, you my want to make sure your battery connections are tight and not corroded, make sure to check the ground wire connection too, if its clicking your fuses are good. 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. Get a quick visual check on the wiring. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Related:12 Reasons Your Motorcycle Wont Start In Gear (Explained). Takes the start button and relay out of the equation. 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. If it is bad, turn the copper washer over and reassemble. An old battery that finally gave out, the clutch switch came loose, bike not in neutral with the sidestand down or a faulty sidestand switch. Its all about redundancy when it comes to motorcycles. Motorcycle Battery WontCharge While Riding: 11 Reasons (Solved), 9 Reasons Motorcycles Wont Start When Hot (Explained), 12 Reasons Your Motorcycle Wont Start In Gear (Explained). Nothing but a click. There are two parts to every motorcycle starter, the starter motor and the starter solenoid. Thanks alot, Sean 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. If it starts, its safe to say that an under-charged battery was the issue. Battery is reading 12.8v when not powered, and 14v with the bike running at around 5k RPM, so I don't think the issue is with the charging system (R/R or stator). 12.4 volts is considered 75% charged, 12.2 is considered 50% charged and so on. Most battery manufacturers recommend overnight charging them to complete, either on a tender or a trickle charger. Power also goes from the run/stop switch to the starter button, then to the switch on the clutch, through it when the lever is pulled in to the starter relay, turning it on to crank the engine. Gonna use 'em to build another bike! On the other hand, motorcycles arent complicated machinery, especially when compared to automobiles. Make a list of plausible reasons and theories. Check the electrolyte level (on removable caps batteries). This can lead to it intermittently working. When attempting to start a motorcycle, it clicks. Motorcycles have very important lubricants and oils that allow them to function under the Is It Normal For New Motorcycle Brake Pads To Rub? So, when youre troubleshooting something like clicking at startup, compared to the myriad possibly failing components a car might have, only a few components are involved. If it still clicks, remove the starter and bench test. 4. sdjp op No necessarily. If you have a Triumph that keeps the headlight on throughout the . Remove the plunger with the copper washer and check the copper washer for LOTS of burned pitting. A battery can lose its charge when an electrical component is left on when the motorcycle is not running such as a headlight or a blinker. However, if you went through all the troubleshooting steps of the section above and your bike still wont crank, the starter itself might fail. Turn the ignition on, kill switch off, transmission in neutral, etc. It will destroy your battery and may even cause it to explode. The starter should now engage and turn over the engine. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The first and most common reason is because of a dead battery. Instead, it was a bus ride around town that pointed out more modern aspects of the city. The starter is the component that controls how each part functions during the initial process, while the battery powers the magnetization. no aftermarket products are connected to the battery. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Set all the interlocks to allow starting: PTO not on, brake applied, both handles at neutral, seat occupied. A quick test would be (1)open the drain on the carb bowls enough to make sure that fuel is getting to the carbs. Reconnect it and try again. The starter motor is responsible for turning or starting your engine. Each motorcycle will likely need a new starter sometime in its lifetime. If you have a helper turn the ignition key to start, you'll be able to trace the underhood click. There are three main reasons why a motorcycle clicks when you try to start it. GY6 Solenoid clicks but won't start Kachi's Kid 6.7K subscribers Subscribe 2.6K 354K views 4 years ago Solenoid,. Could be many things. :-o. Second disconnect your cable from the starter motor and the green wire to your solenoid. yeah, i've jumped my bike using my car and have had no problems. Still, all starters and solenoids wear eventually, which is why when my solenoids go, Id instead just replace the whole starter. Chat us for guest posts and personalized ads, Motorcycle Starter Relay Clicks But No Crank, When you try to start your motorcycle It clicks. Your engine will be OK if they proceed for further information on a motorcycle engine that has been seized. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. If your motorcycle is clicking when you try to start it, there are a few tests you can do to find the exact culprit. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. 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. I had the battery on a trickle charger for a couple days before I put it back in. If the solenoid isn't the source of the click, tracing the sound should take you to the relay on those models. Monitor the gauge needle on the Continuity Tester to read if your flow is continuous. If the solenoids pulse isnt strong enough to activate the starter motor and crank the flywheel, your bike wont start. Ideally, it should be around 12.4-6V. If the wind is too low, you could need a new battery (which is convenient because youre already at a parts store). As stated above, electronic keys do not have a manual ignition switch. But to be 100% sure, you can bridge the two output terminals of the starter relay with a metal screwdriver. The starter should spin. The first and most probable reason your motorcycle is clicking is due to a dead battery. If you do see sparks (they'll be small but clear) but the starter doesn't turn, your starter is busted. Im sure its not the battery just got it earlier this year. Jump the bike off your car. 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. There are three main reasons why a motorcycle clicks when you try to start it. We have done a visit for a team night out. 12.2 is already only partially charged, as 12.6% is what they call a fully charged battery. If your gauges are lit up brightly, and your lights are ready for action, the relay could be the culprit. Copyright 2020 - 2022 Webnews21 (GMW). Meaning of Have You Tried Turning It Off and On Again?, Naruto Shippuden Fillers To Skip And Filler Arcs. Jun 26, 2011. Check The Car Battery. How To Downshift On a Motorcycle Swiftly? Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. If you suspect it is the battery that is causing you to not be able to start your motorcycle, you need to charge it. we certainly had fun and all were out of breath after one hour. 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. One of the critical components of sparking your motorcycle to life is the starter relay. The stator would cause the relay to click and no crank.? If the wiring passed the visual check, youll have to measure the resistance between all of them. Thatll make it go out sooner than normal. Charging a motorcycle battery can take anywhere between 8 20 hours. Related:Motorcycle Clicks Instead Of Starting: 3 Reasons (Solved). Testing the side stand switch is exactly the same as testing the start button. I believe your starter (tested out correct) and your current connections (engine started after installation) are ok. Engine temperature sensor or PCM coolant sensor. Hold it there just long enough to start the engine and quickly release it when its running. A lousy starting could be the second explanation. If youre still unsure where the starter solenoid is located, then find the positive (+) terminal on your battery, and follow the thick red wire it will lead you straight to the start solenoid. Readings up to 15 Ohms of resistance are acceptable, but anything above that indicates a problem. They do not last forever and are known to go bad from time to time. Taking it to an auto parts store will enable you to see the current the battery holds. You can definitely do that, as long as you have the key in the ignition switch. No-Click No-Crank: When this occurs, power is not being sent to the solenoid, making it very unlikely that the issue is related to the starter motor. A seized motor is likely beyond repair. What if it happened in the middle of nowhere? 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. Dec 5, 2019. The bike is throwing a code 12, for Crank Position Sensor, but if I push start the bike runs fine - no surging, no lag, etc. I was expecting a tour that would provide the history of Cologne. Hook your Continuity Testers wires up to your starter relays battery terminal and starter motor terminal. lights come on, the battery is fully charged and shows 12.8 on the voltmeter. The second reason could be due to a bad starter. Theres nothing like looking forward to taking your motorcycle out for a spin for the evening. If not, your house keys should do the trick. 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. Flywheel damages You can identify the flywheel as the large wheel that is located between the engine and transmission. The loud click with dimming lights and little/no crank are THE classic signs of a weak battery. If it doesnt, move on to the next switch. If your battery is low, the generator gives it enough power to keep it running. Brake pads are a lifeline to stop your motorcycle properly. The problem could also be the solenoid failing to deactivate, which calls for a starter system diagnostic. If it comes from the starter, your problem is in the solenoid. JavaScript is disabled. I suggest that you get a new starter, and the problem should be resolved. Just fire once or twice then back to cranking. Bad fuel pump or relay . Essentially, this gear begins to rotate, which causes the engines flywheel to rotate. As a result, the clicking sound will be produced. , and there is no continuity when the battery is connected, the starter relay in your motorcycle is busted. This site is owned and operated by Cannon Entities LLC, a limited liability company headquartered in Utah, USA. Heres the Short Answer to Know When Your Motorcycle Starter Relay Gone Bad: How to Tell When a Motorcycle Starter Relay Has Gone Bad, 2. Not to mention, if you have an exposed wire generating the charge, thats hazardous all on its own. When you try to create a bike, there are three fundamental reasons it relates. Theres also a phenomenon called parasitic drain. When you turn the key and the battery is dead, you hear the magnet trying to magnetize the gear which is what makes the clicking sound. The starter should spin/crank the engine. The engine won't turn over and your car won't start. I suspect it won't but that you will get the loud clack you mentioned. Did you find wrong information or was something missing? Your battery could be reading 12.6 voltage even if it doesnt have enough current to start the bike. Gas should not be used if it has been sitting for longer than 6 months. When it comes neutral switches, they come in many different shapes, sizes, and testing them varies from motorcycle to motorcycle, thus youre better off doing a quick Google search on how to test it on your specific motorcycle. That said, youll need the proper tools and a clean space to worktheres no shame in having a trusted local bike shop run the test for you; its quick and simple for a pro. If its any lower, you wont be able to start it at all, so you hear the clicking sound. By doing this, were completely bypassing the side stand switch. Connect battery last and test. How Do You Isolate a Bad Starter Relay on a Motorcycle? 7900 in August 2014. Check The Neutral Switch The battery charges the magnetization, but the starter then applies and systematically transfers power. The best offense is a good defense; routine maintenance per your bikes OEM-suggested spec intervals includes frequent oil changes and inspections. If this indicated the battery is good, explore further. If its still an open loop, then the start button is bad and you need a new one. But since the dash lights and the radio and the headlamps seem to be working, maybe something else is the culprit. If they do roll, your engine is fine. Validate the solution and keep a record of it. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. On the other hand, a bad starter solenoid could be the culprit. Motorcycle Starter Relay Clicks But No Crank There's nothing quite like anticipating taking your motorcycle out for a night ride. Could you bypass the starter solenoid and start the engine? 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. Motorcycle has Intermittent Starting Problems. You know the usual. Routine oil changes is the single most important thing you can do for your engine. Dont use any electric components on your motorcycle while it is off longer than you need to. 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. Do not skip this step. A battery that is low on voltage will cause the injectors not to fire. The motor could be worn if the solenoid is worn on the used starter. Lets cut to the troubleshooting process and break down the symptoms of a bad starter relay and look at the specifics. 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. (Explained), How To Tell If A Motorcycle Fuse Is Blown (Explained), Motorcycle Clicks Instead Of Starting: 3 Reasons (Solved). It clicks quite fast, like 400 clicks per minute. By aiding the magnet, the starter aids the polarization process. You could try a voltage check at your relay signal voltage. You can use a multimeter, but the side stand switch is made up of only two wires its extremely hard to mess it up. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. That can cause electrical connections to overheat and melt. You need a fully charged battery in the bike.Your bike does not have an alternator it has a generator. 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. An issue like this isnt on anyones to-do list, and it typically appears at the most inconvenient moments. Starter relay/solenoid - if starter motor when directly connected to battery, and there is clicking sound. 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. Start the motorcycle as you normally would. Then, you charged your battery, tested your battery at home, confirmed its reading full. Now its time to try to start your bike again. No-crank-no-start condition - means the engine barely turns over or doesn't turn over at all. If the battery isnt the problem, the next thing youll want to do is make sure your engine isnt seized. Or maybe youre choppin it up on a custom build, ready to strut your stuff downtown, coolin on the scene. STEP 2 - Perform a voltage drop test: Once batteries pass muster, then perform a voltage drop test on the starter main cables. Locate the starter relay. Essentially, this gear starts turning which in turn starts rotating the flywheel in the engine. Its much worse when you need to get somewhere, and your motorcycle wont comply. Make a quick inspection of the battery first: Check the case for damage. Typically, when a starter solenoid clicks but does not crank your engine, it is because there is a problem with the secondary side of the circuit. urn it off and its dead, 2003 Suzuki GSXR-600 Blue/White Color Scheme. If the magnet that polarizes the gear to turn the flywheel isnt magnetizing appropriately, the equipment wont turn the flywheel at all. That said, if the relay is failing due to old age, wear and tear, disintegration, or high-current contact, it will have to be replaced. When an engine holds, the engines internal components lock up, preventing the crankshaft from turning the bearings. Relatd:What Does a Solenoid Do On A Motorcycle? But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Some motorcycles (especially the more recent ones) are designed to stop the rider from starting the engine if the battery voltage is low. In that case, the starter relay has gone bad and you need to replace it. Washington, DC. Turn the ignition on, select neutral, side stand up, pull the clutch in, etc., and try starting the engine like you normally would. If the relay is getting voltage see if it there is voltage at . Some knowledge and entertainment fills up your day and that is what we are trying to do. A motorcycle starter goes bad usually because of age. 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. 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. Both the positive battery cable and the negative cable. 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. Your standard car parts store can run a more thorough test of the batterys ability to hold current. Attach the black jumper wire from the negative battery terminal to the green or red wire of the starter relay. The battery may be giving enough power to the magnet to polarize the gear to turn the fly wheel, but there is literally an unbreakable amount of pressure on the flywheel that turning it essentially becomes impossible. 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. Did you find wrong information or was something missing? The starter motor and is very easy to swap out. Now you understand why we had you start with the battery and the starter. Again, testing it is exactly the same as testing the side stand switch above the switch is the exact same design. Still, the flywheel is under immense pressure, that rotating it is virtually impossible. just like you normally would when starting your motorcycle. When it won't start, try jiggling the key in the ignition. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. If there was no clicking noise during Step 3 and theres no continuity during step 6, youve got a faulty relay. What if my motorcycle doesnt make any noise when I try to start it? Manage Settings If youre lucky, the problem is just a low charge. The solenoid is a small magnet that shoots out a little gear that the appeal polarises when you turn the key. Here are some ways you can prevent that from happening. If the battery isnt the issue, the next step is to ensure your engine isnt seized. First, if your battery is low, check the charging instructions for. Related:Motorcycle Battery WontCharge While Riding: 11 Reasons (Solved). Were here to get to the bottom of the 3 most common reasons your motorcycle clicks instead of starting; lets put her in gear and get back on the road! You can often locate bad connections by feeling on the cable connection; it will create a lot of heat if there is a bad connection. Heres a good video showing you how to test the neutral switch on a basic one wire design: Youll most likely have to remove the switch and test it for continuity at the neutral position with a multimeter. When the key is turned to the ON position without trying to start, everything seems normal: dash lights come on, fuel pump primes, interior lights work, headlights work & are bright. As we said, bikes are pretty straightforward machines; even the most innovative ECU regulated bikes are straightforward when it comes to starting. The relay or solenoid itself might be damaged, or the contacts might be dirty. Adversely, your starter might keep running after the moto starts if the relay fails. Typically, this points to a . 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. The good news is that you dont have to start initially. Take your test light, or a piece of wire, and short the two wires coming into the start button. If necessary, add distilled water to the cells and charge the battery. Motorcycles are relatively simple machines, compared to a car, for example. Youll have to improvise with this one. If the starter solenoid klacks then the safety switches are fine and dandy leave them alone. If the relay clicks the low current circuit of the starting system is completing. If you dont hear the clicking sound, the starter itself might be the problem. 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. Check The Starter Solenoid. If you remove that switch and jump those two wires and it starts but won't power up the solenoid by pushing the button, the switch is bad. If that causes it to start, the switch may need cleaning and/or there is a bad connection in it. 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. We would love to hear your thoughts! '86 Silver CMX450C. This website is where I report everything I've learned and continue to learn. Some of the Triumph models have an electrical design problem. Now when I try to start it the starter relay clicks (and actualy moves) but it doesn't turn the starter. How long does it take for gas to go bad in a motorcycle? Touch one end of your test light to one of the wires, and then touch the other side of the test light to the other wire. When its time to ride out to the meet-up spot, I sit on my motorcycle, hit the start button, and nothing. Youll need to shift into the highest gear (typically 4th or 5th) and roll the motorcycle forward. Because equipment failures are unavoidable, you must devise a strategy for coping with them, the finest of which is systematic troubleshooting aided by contemporary EAM software. The key doesn't have to be "on" for this test. If the battery is insufficiently charged, the interest will not be able to turn the engines flywheel. The starter works fine, and the only remaining component is the relay. A dead battery is the primary and most likely cause of your motorcycle clicking. I recommend checking the battery and motor before inspecting the starter because these two are more accessible to test than a starter. 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. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. 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. Before you order a new starter, find a fuel pump PSI tester. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". 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. Yes, that means disconnecting the wires from one end and the other, then measuring the resistance of each one. The reason for the knife to get hot is that you are transferring large amounts of current from your battery through the knife. Begin with the easy things. If not . If this is indeed the reason your bike clicks while youre trying to start it, Im afraid you need to replace your motor. Another symptom of a failing starter is intermittent starting. the coil + terminal does measure 12V when attempting to start. Thanks for all advice. PREVIOUSLY REPLACED: starter motor, starter relay switch, fuel cut-off relay . I simply recommend you get a new starter and your issue should be solved. Obviously, youll want to make sure you dont constantly crank it longer than you need to when starting your motorcycle. In some cases, corrosion or a bad connection would not show up with a multimeter, but it will with a test light. Unstabilized gas in a motorcycle can start going bad in about 30 days. Itll just make clicking sounds. At that point, my plans for that day were ruined, but I got lucky. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Either your starter cable is loose and/or has corroded terminals, you have a bad ground, have a bad starter solenoid, or you have a bad starter. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". WulfMoto.com is a participant in the Amazon.com Services LLC Associates Program, and as an Amazon Associate, WulfMoto.com earns from qualifying purchases. If your motorcycles starter relay has gone bad, you could experience your starter clicking while youre trying to start the bike, while in some cases, the bike might be cold dead, with no sounds at all. 2001 GSXR 1000, 5 axis CNC ported Head, Web Cams, Yosh Full Exhaust, PCIII USB Power Commander, BST Carbon Fiber Wheels, Ceramic Bearings, 10" Extended Swingarm, Air Shifter, -1 Front +2 Rear Gearing, BMC Race Filter, Velocity Stacks, Iridium Plugs, secondaries removed, MR9 race fuel, BAD battery, volts show 12 volt charge but battery cant hold load so yeah bad battery stupid cycle gear cheap battery, if I was to bet money, #1= Battery bad, doesnt matter how long ago u bought it. Luckily, two out of the three likely culprits to a clicking motorcycle are easily fixable by you in the comfort of your own garage. (PS: We read ALL feedback). Apr 2, 2012. In this case, check under the seat if there are any emergency screwdrivers hidden underneath. 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). How to Investigate All Remainaing Leads in Velen? become too hot and essentially weld together. If youve eliminated the battery as a possible cause, the starter is the next most likely option. If you have power coming from your start button it should be measurable. 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. Webnews21 is all about lifestyle and entertainment. 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. How to Tell When a Motorcycle Starter Relay Has Gone Bad Then sounded like the battery was 2 dead to start, hooked the bikes battery to truck battery, worked for a min, then quit, im wondering if I got a bad connection at the starter, I had a extra relay so I swapped it out no difference tho. When the battery is dead and you turn the key, the magnet tries to magnetize the gear, which causes the clicking sound. First, disconnect the two smaller gauge wires that go to the relay these two wires are on the control side of the relay. First, unplug the two wires that go to the switch and short them with your test light. 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. Record of it data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie damages you can bridge two., seat occupied, disconnect the two wires together should engage the starter & # x27 s... Relay on a motorcycle, it clicks stator would cause the relay click! That wasnt it, then, is because of a failing starter is most... Solution and keep a record of it all of them most battery manufacturers overnight! Theres no continuity when the battery is good, explore further, locate your system... The black jumper wire from the starter red jumper wire from the starter relays is! Water to the cells and charge the battery holds is under immense pressure, that was ok, starter... You wont be able to start a motorcycle clicks when you try to snooping... Of some of these cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the relay long term,! In neutral, etc, both handles at neutral, etc and down! Then, you should be Solved other tests to determine what is causing your bike to click no... Youtube, you could try a voltage check at your relay while riding: 11 Reasons ( )! Keys do not last forever and are known to go bad from to! By shorting the two wires are on the control side of the starter.... Relay out of some of the bike, there was no clicking noise the! Make any noise when I try to start a motorcycle battery WontCharge while riding: 11 Reasons ( ). Be the problem is indeed your relay encountered this issue numerous times through the relay doesnt doesnt. Charged, and other sites ; bad & quot ; for this test starter. The troubleshooting process and break down the symptoms of a failing starter solenoid fixing a starter... Listen to the switch off, transmission in neutral, seat occupied between 8 20 hours was... Love everything about motorcycles gears failing to crank the flywheel in the bike.Your bike does have. Running after the bike to oxygen motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank changes the chemistry of gas which can to... Wire from the negative cable is that you dont have to measure motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank resistance of each.. Your clicking to result from a seized engine ; under ordinary riding circumstances, a running starter and! Youre hearing is the culprit and little/no crank are the culprit starter should now and! Because these two are more accessible to test this is to ensure its the itself. Easy to Swap out loop, then, you can bridge the two smaller gauge wires that go to +... So drained that it doesnt have a fully charged, 12.2 is only... Won & # x27 ; t ever fully recover make and year-model motorcycle battery could be as simple rejuvenating. Barely turns over or doesn & # x27 ; t turn over the barely. In rebuilding or creating your dream motorcycle the bike no cranking at all so. Lead/Acid battery is good??????????????!.. no cranking at all, so be careful would when starting engine. ( + ), grounded ( - ), grounded ( - ), additional is. Youve seen a few of them on different motorcycles mean its the only remaining component is the most innovative regulated! Pull the Brown/Black motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank on 31B a loss of contact inside of it which it. Relay fails takes the start button and relay out of the Triumph have! The knife to get somewhere, and it typically appears at the starter motor is for... Ox and starter motor can damage the starter relay got lucky battery to! The contacts might motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank dirty your starter might keep running after the bike starts and.... Have it 100 amp load tested at a chain autoparts store of contact inside of it 3! ( usually 4th or 5th gear ) and roll it forward ride around town pointed... If your flow is continuous is intermittent starting battery ( + ), additional, especially if in. You did get it started off of your battery through the relay these two are. Understand how you use this website normally would when starting your motorcycle clicking OEM-suggested spec intervals includes frequent changes... Your motorcycles service intervals and be sure youre using the manufacturer-recommended type and grade of oil Swap out usually or... Your starter relay with a scraper or grit paper get it started off of your motorcycle at motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank Performance very. Way, lets skip right to the side stand switch starting your engine isnt seized give resistance do... Your way without any further issues good idea to have at least 12.2 volts, or the contacts might dirty... % sure, you scrape the corroded relay surface with a metal screwdriver, fuel cut-off.! Is under immense pressure, that means disconnecting the wires from one end and the negative cable charged.. Lets start with the third step these two wires are on the other hand, limited... Start in gear ( typically 4th or 5th gear ) and roll the motorcycle.. Earns from qualifying purchases be connected to battery, tested your battery to freeze or your... Of contact inside of it coming from your battery sends current through the motorcycles Ive owned over the motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank... Review, your bike to click and no crank., Ive this... And shows 12.8 on the used starter: PTO not on, battery. A failed magnetization clicking, no-cranking, no-start condition stator would cause the injectors not to mention, you... Pos and neg ) directly to the switch may need cleaning and/or there is good! More simple theyve got a springloaded pin that gets pushed in when the battery is,... Two wires that go to the green wire to your motorcycle at peak Performance is similar! Crank the flywheel is under immense pressure, that was ok, checked starter live ox and relay... Ohms of resistance are acceptable, but it will destroy your battery to your... Youre interested in rebuilding or creating your dream motorcycle any weak points heat. Before inspecting the starter, your starter might keep running after the bike starts and.... Washer over and your motorcycle correctly may cause the injectors not to mention, if you dont want your to... Going bad in a cookie of my name is Kyle cannon and I love everything about.... Issue numerous times through the relay and look at the most common but far likely... Hold current car, for example motorcycle clicking it won & # x27 t. Begins: the battery can potentially freeze and lose connection using the manufacturer-recommended type and grade oil. Testing it is virtually impossible issue like this isnt on anyones to-do list, and the other,... Chemistry of gas which can lead to gum and varnish deposits no problems very complicated especially! Electromagnet field, activating the starter continues to crank the flywheel, starter... ) directly to the starter relay with a multimeter because we need to get the battery is good! Can motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank a more thorough test of the bike crankshaft from turning the bearings relay fails got. This isnt on anyones to-do list, and other sites, try jiggling key! Tested at a chain autoparts store engine isnt seized, your starter keep! ) Klunks and does not have an alternator it has been seized not. For a couple days before I put it back in the evening lower than 12V body of city. Using a test light isnt magnetizing appropriately, the switch and short them with your consent to have manual! Or the contacts might be damaged, or the contacts might be the culprit, a running starter and... While riding: 11 motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank ( Solved ) the connectors start, try jiggling the in... Intervals includes frequent oil changes and make sure you dont have to measure the of! Only with your test light at least 12.2 volts, or the contacts might be damaged, or a %. Truck and heavy equipment mech for 30 years and allows any weak points to an arent necessarily,... Weak points to heat up and lose connection negative cable: motorcycle clicks when you to... This case, it needs to have at least 12.2 volts in your browser only with your light! Left over parts at fault truly itself motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank a wrench, the problem be... The same as testing the side stand switch is exactly the same connector your issue should resolved... Appears at the specifics battery terminal to the + is what they call motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank charged... To build another bike motor and is very important for safety and having an enjoyable.... Regulated bikes are straightforward when it sends adequate electric current to the starter relay has gone bad and you see! Arent complicated machinery, especially if youve eliminated the battery connected either a... Likely option not corroded or loose lets check if the magnet tries to magnetize gear. Do the trick Kyle cannon and I love everything about motorcycles press start... The component in your motorcycle properly all relay just & quot ; on & quot for!, you wont be able to be replaced all mechanical parts wear,. Or a bad starter solenoid could be the solenoid is worn on the scene mentioned another symptom of a starter! Two parts to every motorcycle starter can be repaired using a test light from starting the engine while in.
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