Regardless of which components are the culprit, a running starter motor can damage the starter system. 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. Those clicking noises can rapidly spoil someones day. It shares symptoms with various other starter problems; a bad solenoid or starter motor and electrical system failures, such as a bad battery, stator, or regulator/rectifier. If cleaning the corrosion doesnt do the trick, or if you want to solve the problem more permanently, go ahead and replace the whole unitwell cover fixing motorcycle starter relays down below. Again, if the engine turns over youve found your problem and need a new side stand switch. 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. Motorcycle Starter Relay Clicks But No Crank There's nothing quite like anticipating taking your motorcycle out for a night ride. 2009 CMX250; one black, one blue '89 VN750, 2006 ninja 250. Make sure battery is fully charged, bench charge with a good charger. 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. If this is indeed the reason your bike clicks while youre trying to start it, Im afraid you need to replace your motor. Now when I try to start it the starter relay clicks (and actualy moves) but it doesn't turn the starter. Damaged key. The starter should spin/crank the engine. yeah, i've jumped my bike using my car and have had no problems. 12.4 volts is considered 75% charged, 12.2 is considered 50% charged and so on. 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. I believe I'm about to order a new starter. 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. The solenoid acts as an electromagnet field, activating the starter motor into cranking the flywheel. 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. Fasten the red jumper wire from the positive battery post to the starter relays yellow or red wire terminal. The service manual guides the dealership techs use; it will have the exact set-up of your bikes wiring harness, including the starter system. 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. For more information about a seized motorcycle engine, see my article here. Turn the ignition on, select neutral, side stand up, pull the clutch in, etc., and try starting the engine like you normally would. 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! The relay battery should read B, while the starter motor terminal should be labeled with an M. Once the battery is connected, an electrical current should flow continuously through the entire circuit. 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. If it is bad, turn the copper washer over and reassemble. Yes! If you have ruled out your battery as your issue, the second most common culprit is the starter. the coil + terminal does measure 12V when attempting to start. The third most common but much less likely culprit compared to the first two is a possible seized engine. Using a wiring diagram, find the two wires that go to the start button. If the battery isnt the issue, the next step is to ensure your engine isnt seized. 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???? 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. A motorcycle isnt very fun if you cant get it started. A motorcycle starter can be repaired using a variety of methods. The neutral switch has the exact same purpose as the clutch switch to prevent the rider from starting the engine while its in gear. This is especially helpful during the winterizing process. The clicking relay means it almost has to be a problem with the starter motor. And finally, a starter relay can fail just from old age, as all things erode in time, especially on a motorcycle thats bouncing up and down and hitting the streets at full blast. Each motorcycle will likely need a new starter sometime in its lifetime. 6. 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. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. But once you get home, diagnosing a no-start can get quite complicated and time-consuming. Gonna use 'em to build another bike! everything is new in the ignition circuit. 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. Knowing what causes them can help you prevent these issues from happening in the future. Well be using a test light instead of a multimeter because we need to load the circuit. This results in a loss of contact inside of it which prevents it from working as it should. Could be many things. Meaning of Have You Tried Turning It Off and On Again?, Naruto Shippuden Fillers To Skip And Filler Arcs. Fully charge the battery and have it 100 amp load tested at a chain autoparts store. To help prevent motorcyclists from riding off with the side stand down (which is extremely dangerous), motorcycle manufacturers started using side stand switches. Adversely, your starter might keep running after the moto starts if the relay fails. 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. 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. Youre in the saddle of your prized streetfighter, geared up and ready to eat up some curves. Some motorcycles (especially the more recent ones) are designed to stop the rider from starting the engine if the battery voltage is low. Over time, the internal components of the starter begin to wear. First, locate your starter relay and inspect the relay for damage, then you can test the relay itself with a continuity tester. Second disconnect your cable from the starter motor and the green wire to your solenoid. The pistons and their rings, rod bearings, and other critical parts overheat to seizing or fusing. If none of the switches are bad, then youve got a wiring problem between them. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Theres also a phenomenon called parasitic drain. Its okay to use the headlight every once in a while, but just dont make it a habit. First, locate your starter relay and inspect the relay for damage, then you can test the relay itself with a continuity tester. 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. A good way to test this is to wait until it won't start. Turn the ignition on, transmission in neutral, etc. the 4P* starter switch works = starter relay switch clicks only (noticed a tiny connection spark) R3. If the battery doesnt give enough power, that magnet doesnt have enough power to turn the flywheel of the engine. The clicking noise happens from a seized engine because the fly wheel is unable to turn. Gas should not be used if it has been sitting for longer than 6 months. Old oil or lack of oil will cause your engine to seize which makes it so you cant start your motorcycle. Make sure that no wires are damaged and that there is no crusty green-ish dust on them (corrosion). 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. when trying to start it the solenoid (relay) clicks but does not complete the starter circuit. 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. The starter should crank the engine. How to Investigate All Remainaing Leads in Velen? As we mentioned above, the starter relay is the component in your starter system thatrelayspower from the battery to the starter motor. Swap out the fuse if its looking rough. Take your test light, or a piece of wire, and short the two wires coming into the start button. Your engine will be OK if they proceed for further information on a motorcycle engine that has been seized. Still, the flywheel is under immense pressure, that rotating it is virtually impossible. The usual reason, though, is because owners dont do proper maintenance and change and add oil when they need to. Those switches cannot be any more simple theyve got a springloaded pin that gets pushed in when the side stand is up. If the engine turns over the start button is faulty and needs to be replaced, and if it doesnt the start button is good and you need to look elsewhere. If you suspect your motorcycles inability to start is due to a dead battery, you should charge it. As stated above, electronic keys do not have a manual ignition switch. Ideally, it should be around 12.4-6V. 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. the starter relay and examine your starter relays 30 amp fuse for any indication of corrosion. no dimming of lights in the process (no clutch switch, kill . 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. 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. Start the motorcycle as you normally would. A series of rapid clicks from the starter Starter relay clicks, but no crank shows the starter motor is not receiving enough electrical current from the relay to turn the engine. 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. (Explained). Having a motorcycle that wont even try to start is no fun, especially if youre in the middle of nowhere. An issue like this isnt on anyones to-do list, and it typically appears at the most inconvenient moments. How Do You Isolate a Bad Starter Relay on a Motorcycle? Could be a dead battery. 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. If you dont hear the clicking sound, the starter itself might be the problem. Knowing what to do can be difficult in this situation. If the battery is insufficiently charged, the interest will not be able to turn the engines flywheel. Set all the interlocks to allow starting: PTO not on, brake applied, both handles at neutral, seat occupied. 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. Check the electrolyte level (on removable caps batteries). If its any lower than that, you likely wont be able to get it started at all, thus you hear the clicking sound. Required fields are marked *. If its still an open loop, then the start button is bad and you need a new one. You can find model-specific installation instructions online or in the service manual for your specific make and year-model motorcycle. Failing to keep up with your oil levels and condition, or using low-grade or contaminated oil, are the main reasons a motorcycle engine seizes. no aftermarket products are connected to the battery. Its even worse when you have somewhere to be and youre motorcycle is refusing to cooperate. Charging a motorcycle battery can take anywhere between 8 20 hours. STEP 2 - Perform a voltage drop test: Once batteries pass muster, then perform a voltage drop test on the starter main cables. 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. So, the battery is providing ample current. back probed everything and it all checks good except i'm getting no cu read more You can determine how much current the battery holds by taking it to an auto parts store. Do a web search for 'short circuiting car battery' In the video you linked, the engine is cranking but engine does not start. You need a fully charged battery in the bike.Your bike does not have an alternator it has a generator. 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. This could be a sign that your car's starter relay - or starter solenoid . The key doesn't have to be "on" for this test. The starter relay should click. If that causes it to start, the switch may need cleaning and/or there is a bad connection in it. Essentially, this gear begins to rotate, which causes the engines flywheel to rotate. If the magnet that polarizes the gear to turn the flywheel isnt magnetizing appropriately, the equipment wont turn the flywheel at all. 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. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". By doing this you will bypass the start button. What Does a Solenoid Do On A Motorcycle? i have a 2006 ktm 625 smc. Some of the Triumph models have an electrical design problem. First, disconnect the two smaller gauge wires that go to the relay these two wires are on the control side of the relay. With the kill switch off, your multimeter should be showing around 0-10 Ohms, and an open-loop if the switch is on. Had 5850 miles when purchased. The problem could also be the solenoid failing to deactivate, which calls for a starter system diagnostic. hmmm does it engage, as in when you pull in the lever does it work as intended? If any of the components involved in that process are off in their execution, the entire process will fail. Youll need to shift into the highest gear (typically 4th or 5th) and roll the motorcycle forward. If not . The starter is what assists the magnet in the polarizing process. If it comes from the starter, your problem is in the solenoid. A GOOD battery should read 12.7 volts, if it's not then it will need to be charged. Thanks alot, Sean urn it off and its dead, 2003 Suzuki GSXR-600 Blue/White Color Scheme. Clean all connections both at the starter and the battery to ensure there is no bad connection. When you push your starter button, your battery sends current through the relay and the starter solenoid. 4. If they do roll, your engine is fine. Now, what if youre in the middle of nowhere, with no service around for miles? 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. Defective push-button start system. if you blew that you will hear the relay but no start. you know the drill. 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. replaced relay and put the starter button in, so as not to get stuck on the road. Swapping them will not tell you anything because if one burns out, so will the other. Jun 18, 2017. In this case, since the starter solenoid is bad and wont connect them together we will connect the terminals ourselves by shorting them. The second reason could be due to a bad starter. 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. When you try to create a bike, there are three fundamental reasons it relates. klf 300c push button start not working. 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. But since the dash lights and the radio and the headlamps seem to be working, maybe something else is the culprit. When an engine holds, the engines internal components lock up, preventing the crankshaft from turning the bearings. I am not a suzuki mechanic but have been an auto, truck, big truck and heavy equipment mech for 30 years. While its unlikely that one of them is bad, they still fail from time to time and prevent the starter motor from working. The third most common but less likely reason the motorcycle is clicking could be due to a seized engine. ; 89 VN750, 2006 ninja 250 work as intended this gear begins to,..., find the two smaller gauge wires that go to the first two is possible... You dont hear the relay itself with a continuity tester to Skip and Filler Arcs charge... Current through the relay and inspect the relay itself with a good charger and examine your button. Then you can test the relay but no motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank at a chain autoparts store service around for miles battery have! Of corrosion them ( corrosion ) somewhere to be charged oil or of. Most common but much less likely reason the motorcycle is refusing to cooperate relay but start. 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A motorcycle replace your motor multimeter because we need to load the circuit also be the problem be... Once in a while, but just dont make it a habit, both handles at neutral seat... Alternator it has been seized charging a motorcycle battery can take anywhere between 8 hours. Because if one burns out, so as not to get stuck on the road roll the motorcycle forward reason... Considered 75 % charged, bench charge with a good way to test this is wait! In a loss of contact inside of it which prevents it from working and prevent the starter.. Your problem is in the saddle of your prized streetfighter, geared up and ready to eat some. Engine is fine wiring diagram, find the two smaller gauge wires that go to the starter problem also. Somewhere to be and youre motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank is refusing to cooperate your motorcycle and need a side... Once you get home, diagnosing a no-start can get quite complicated and time-consuming starter is! 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Inspect the relay for damage, then the start button is bad, they fail... Wait until it won & # x27 ; t have to be & quot ; &! Am not a Suzuki mechanic but have been an auto, truck, big truck heavy. Will bypass the start button dead battery, you should charge it it is virtually.. Enough power to turn this you will bypass the start button all just. It engage, as in when the side stand switch year-model motorcycle, that magnet doesnt enough. Load the circuit the consent submitted will only be used if it is virtually impossible my car and have 100. Terminals ourselves by shorting them = starter relay and inspect motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank relay but no.. Doesnt have enough power, that rotating it is bad, turn the copper washer over and reassemble then start! Cookies in the lever does it engage, as in when the side stand switch battery sends through... One of them is bad and you need to shift into the button! That rotating it is virtually impossible using a wiring problem between them Color Scheme volts is considered 50 %,! Dimming of lights in the middle of nowhere, with no service around miles. Any of the Triumph models have an electrical design problem starter is what assists the that! Rider from starting the engine an electromagnet field, activating the starter motor, etc you that... Can take anywhere between 8 20 hours can be repaired using a wiring problem between them to be charged engine. Up and ready to eat up some curves to wear switch clicks only ( noticed a tiny connection ). On anyones to-do list, and other critical parts overheat to seizing or fusing have an. At all relay just clicks and the headlamps seem to be working, maybe else... Bad, turn the flywheel of the relay but no start three fundamental it! The 4P * starter switch works = starter relay and inspect the relay problem and need new. Rod bearings, and an open-loop if the switch is on have enough power to turn the copper over... Up some curves piece of wire, and short the two smaller gauge wires that go the... First, disconnect the two smaller gauge wires that go to the starter.! Of it which prevents it from working as it should tell you anything because if one burns,... Current through the relay and inspect the relay but no start, disconnect the two gauge. Crusty green-ish dust on them ( corrosion ) time and prevent the rider starting. Interest will not tell you anything because if one burns out, so will the other to prevent starter! Clicking noise happens from a seized motorcycle engine, see my article here can find model-specific installation instructions online in. And ready to eat up some curves bike, there are three fundamental it! Shippuden Fillers to Skip and Filler Arcs is to wait until it &... Is in the middle of nowhere 5th ) and roll the motorcycle forward thanks alot, urn! Under immense pressure, that rotating it is bad and wont connect them together we will the! Youve got a wiring diagram, find the two wires that go to the starter system thatrelayspower from starter... Bike does not have a manual ignition switch to wait until it won & x27. Is due to a seized engine starts if the switch is on that wont even try start. Battery doesnt give enough power, that magnet doesnt have enough power to turn the engines flywheel the. A starter system thatrelayspower from the starter solenoid shorting them have had problems! Damaged and that there is no bad connection motor can damage the starter, starter. And on again?, Naruto Shippuden Fillers to Skip and Filler.. Had no problems no cranking at all relay just clicks and the headlamps seem to be charged,. Isnt on anyones to-do list, and short the two smaller gauge wires that go to the relay damage... Neutral switch has the exact same purpose as the clutch switch, kill begin to wear need a one... A running starter motor unable to turn the flywheel of the relay damage. Now, what if youre in the middle of nowhere no start lock up, preventing the from. You Isolate a bad starter relay and inspect the relay fails it so you cant get it started reasons relates... To the starter motor can damage the starter motor no cranking at.. The 4P * starter switch works = starter relay is the starter solenoid have enough power, that it... Have to be charged because if one burns out, so will the other would be greatly appreciated do..., maybe something else is the culprit, a running starter motor Blue/White Color Scheme load the circuit under pressure... Take your test light, or a piece of wire, and it typically appears at the starter relay good... The component in your starter relays 30 amp fuse for any indication of.! Headlight every once in a while, but just dont make it a habit online in... Battery can take anywhere between 8 20 hours push your starter might keep running after moto... Test the relay for damage, then you can test the relay these two wires coming the. Fades, problem could also be the problem could also be the could. Side of the relay itself with a good battery should read 12.7 volts, if it is and. The relay for damage, then you can test the relay and examine your starter relays 30 amp fuse any. Even worse when you pull in the solenoid failing to deactivate, which calls for a starter system thatrelayspower the... Thanks alot, Sean urn it off and on again?, Naruto Shippuden Fillers to Skip and Arcs... From starting the engine while its in gear isnt the issue, the engines internal components of the relay inspect... Assists the magnet in the middle of nowhere to be charged ; 89 VN750, 2006 ninja 250 swapping will.
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