WulfMoto.com is a participant in the Amazon.com Services LLC Associates Program, and as an Amazon Associate, WulfMoto.com earns from qualifying purchases. 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. 1,435 satisfied customers. The battery terminal is labeled with a "B" and the starter motor terminal is labeled with an "M." The electricity should flow with continuity through the whole circuit when the battery is connected. To help prevent motorcyclists from riding off with the side stand down (which is extremely dangerous), motorcycle manufacturers started using side stand switches. A lousy starting could be the second explanation. Essentially, their Can A Loose Motorcycle Chain Cause Vibration? The solenoid is a little magnet and when you turn the key, it shoots out a small gear that the magnet polarizes. If your gauges are lit up brightly, and your lights are ready for action, the relay could be the culprit. Regardless, a starter system diagnosis would be the next step in determining if it is, in fact, your relay thats causing the problem. just like you normally would when starting your motorcycle. If you don't see sparks, your current connections or battery is not right. 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. become too hot and essentially weld together. If you don't, the relay isn't working. Another component to inspect is the starter relay, which is located in the electrical fuse box underneath the side cover on the left side of the motorcycle. If the copper cables look green and brittle you need new cables. Re: Starter clicks but won't turn. If any of the components involved in that process are off in their execution, the entire process will fail. Last week we had perfect riding weather, so naturally, I and my motorcycle buddies decided to meet up somewhere and go for an evening ride. Use your multimeter in continuity mode to measure the resistance between the two wires that go to the start button. This is caused by parts such as the pistons, piston rings, rod bearings, etc. Today I jumped the connection across the solenoid with a pair of pliers and the bike turned over. Both the positive battery cable and the negative cable. If the wind is too low, you could need a new battery (which is convenient because youre already at a parts store). #3. While holding the key, jump the solenoid contacts with a wrench. If its not, or if it is and youve accepted the fact that you have to replace your engine, put your best foot forward. The neutral switch has the exact same purpose as the clutch switch to prevent the rider from starting the engine while its in gear. Turn the ignition on, kill switch off, and make sure that the motorcycle is in neutral. Probably one of a few things. Batteries are an essential component of a motorcycles operation; without them, you wont be able to start them if you cant begin with your bike. Your standard car parts store can run a more thorough test of the batterys ability to hold current. This website is where I report everything I've learned and continue to learn. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. You can also test the kill switch by shorting the two pins together with a piece of wire or a test light. On the other hand, a bad starter solenoid could be the culprit. Its the only way to properly test a circuit. 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. 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. 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. If you replace the battery and that still doesn't fix it, then it's probably your stator. At 12.2 volts, 50% charged, and so on. When it won't start, try jiggling the key in the ignition. If you get the test light to light you . But to be 100% sure, you can bridge the two output terminals of the starter relay with a metal screwdriver. Heres how you do it: The starter solenoid (also known as starter relay) is usually located somewhere under the seat and near the battery. Your email address will not be published. If the battery is insufficiently charged, the interest will not be able to turn the engines flywheel. A possible seized engine is the third most common but far less likely than the previous two. A forum community dedicated to the Suzuki GSX-R motorcycle. If the relay is the sound of the click (you can put your hand on it and feel it), and the start switch was not pressed, you have two problems - a shorted start switch, and a starter relay that no longer connects the battery to the starter motor. the starter motor is directly connected to the battery(+), grounded (-), additional . While its unlikely that one of them is bad, they still fail from time to time and prevent the starter motor from working. Check, ie: remove and clean, all connections from battery to starter. Solenoid, battery, and starter testing and replacement video. Inspect the battery: Battery issues are the most common reason for a clicking, no-cranking, no-start condition. Examine your running and instrument lights to ensure its the relay and not another starter system component. I started my 2001 Honda shadow ace 750 up just to let it run and after about 1 minute it died and wont do anything. 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. How long does it take for gas to go bad in a motorcycle? But once you get home, diagnosing a no-start can get quite complicated and time-consuming. Its a bit sketchy and you will see some sparks while doing it, but it can save your bacon in an emergency situation. 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. 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. link to 6 Reasons Why Your Motorcycle Accelerates By Itself. Furthermore, its a good idea to have a fully charged battery when troubleshooting. The first and most common reason is because of a dead battery. I suggest that you get a new starter, and the problem should be resolved. By doing this you will bypass the start button. Pull twist and generally make sure the ends are not corroded or loose. While starter relay problems arent necessarily widespread, all mechanical parts wear out, eventually. You didn't say you checked battery voltage at the battery while at rest and while cranking (or trying to crank) Then check voltage at the battery side of the rela,then again at the starter side of the relay while pushing the button. That said, its a much more difficult situation than anything weve seen on the list thus far regarding repair time and costs. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A motorcycle battery might take anything from 8 to 20 hours to set. 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. After a few turns on the key it frees up and engages the starter motor. exact same thing happened to me about 3 weeks ago Click to expand. If the multimeter is showing an open loop with the switch off, then your kill switch is faulty and needs to be replaced. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. First, unplug the two wires that go to the switch and short them with your test light. Fortunately, it will start on ensuing tries - sometimes it's the very next turn of the key, sometimes it's the 4th or 5th. I 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? The most common reason for a starter motor not engaging is low battery voltage or a faulty starter solenoid. Reconnect it and try again. customvs said: take the battery power past the solenoid and straight to the starter,this will show if the starter is working,use a jumper lead or equivaliant heavy wire,if that kicks,you know the starter is fine.my guess is solenoid. Remember, if you dont have the tools or space needed to conduct the following procedures or if you cant find access to a service manual and youre unsure about your working knowledge, any decent bike tech can do this test on the fly for pretty cheap. 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. What if my motorcycle doesnt make any noise when I try to start it? If the battery isnt the issue, the next step is to ensure your engine isnt seized. The prominent place to start snooping around for trouble, then, is where the process begins: the battery. It does not store any personal data. The clicking you hear is the starter gears failing to crank the flywheel due to a failed magnetization. So, unplug the connector, find the two pins that go to the kill switch, and measure their resistance. The times that it doesn't crank, it does make an audible "click" like the solenoid is working but not engaging the starter shaft or whatever it does. Now it gets easy there is an earth problem. Weve mentioned another symptom of a failing starter relay a few times if the starter continues to crank after the bike starts and runs. To test the start button, unplug the two start button connectors or the handle switch connector. 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. When the pin is pushed in, the switch completes the circuit and allows current to pass through. I replaced with a new drag specialties solenoid and I still only get a click. But before you even do this make sure the battery is fully charged, that can also be a major factor in a starter failing. To test the relay, get your test light out. 12.4 volts is considered 75% charged, 12.2 is considered 50% charged and so on. You may have a seized engine if the tires give resistance and do not roll. Here are some ways you can prevent that from happening. 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. Either of those will limit the amount of power going to the starter. 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. We will go through all of them just in case, but Im 90% sure that you will find the problem before youll reach the 4th step, as we will be testing the most likely components first. Not even a click from the starter relay. In this case, check under the seat if there are any emergency screwdrivers hidden underneath. 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. Usually, this points to an air/fuel delivery problem, a spark delivery problem, or a lack of compression. If the starter relay doesn't click inspect the low current circuit and components for a problem. Did you find wrong information or was something missing? The squealing noise prior to your attempted repair might have the motor or the starter motor clutch on its last legs. 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. If the battery isnt the problem, the next thing youll want to do is make sure your engine isnt seized. A battery that is low on voltage will cause the injectors not to fire. The starter motor will still make a clicking sound, but the engine will not start. An issue like this is certainly not on anyones agenda to take care of and it often doesnt manifest itself until the least convenient times. Set all the interlocks to allow starting: PTO not on, brake applied, both handles at neutral, seat occupied. PREVIOUSLY REPLACED: starter motor, starter relay switch, fuel cut-off relay . There should also be power on the heavier cable on the relay from the battery too. It's super frustrating! link to Can A Loose Motorcycle Chain Cause Vibration. and the solenoid is polarizing the starter motor just fine. Those clicking noises can ruin someones day pretty quickly. Stay on top of your oil changes and make sure to use the right kind of oil specific to your motorcycle. On the other hand, motorcycles arent complicated machinery, especially when compared to automobiles. With a little help from YouTube, you should be able to be on your way without any further issues. you know the drill. Those switches cannot be any more simple theyve got a springloaded pin that gets pushed in when the side stand is up. Drove it all day long started right up every time. Youll have to improvise with this one. Locate the starter relay. The starter relay clicks when there's insufficient current from the battery to turn the starter motor; the load drags the voltage to zero and the relay clicks off. some people keep the idle low, turn the screw in a half to 3/4th turn. A lack of motor oil cause rust and corrosion to develop inside your motor, causing flywheel resistance. 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. You may perform a few tests to determine what is causing your bike to click when you try to start it. You dont want your clicking to result from a seized engine; under ordinary riding circumstances, a seized engine is extremely rare. the relay does not close. Its okay to use the headlight every once in a while, but just dont make it a habit. Required fields are marked *. The starter should now engage and turn over the engine. If youve eliminated the battery as a possible cause, the starter is the next most likely option. In that case, the starter relay has gone bad and you need to replace it. If you dont have a kick starter engine, another simple way to diagnose a seized engine is by rolling the bike. I recommend checking the battery and motor before inspecting the starter because these two are more accessible to test than a starter. 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. A blocked air filter will cause trouble starting your motorcycle. You could try a voltage check at your relay signal voltage. 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. It seems like extra work, replacing your solenoid, reinstalling the old starter only to tear it all back apart when the rest wears out soon after. By aiding the magnet, the starter aids the polarization process. 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. If the solenoid isn't the source of the click, tracing the sound should take you to the relay on those models. If you suspect it is the battery that is causing you to not be able to start your motorcycle, you need to charge it. When the starter solenoid is energized and works correctly, the solenoid will connect the two terminals together and allow electrical current to pass through them into the starter. At that point, my plans for that day were ruined, but I got lucky. No-crank-no-start condition - means the engine barely turns over or doesn't turn over at all. 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. Parts such as pistons, piston rings, rod bearings, and other similar components become overheated and effectively weld together. Make sure your connections are both clean and tight. Still, all starters and solenoids wear eventually, which is why when my solenoids go, Id instead just replace the whole starter. However, a lot of them come with only a single wire, because they are already grounded through the engine. Next day same problem no crank no start (PS: We read ALL feedback). When I push the start button I am getting voltage at the small wire at solenoid but none to the starter cable. Adversely, your starter might keep running after the moto starts if the relay fails. Messages. You can use a multimeter, but the side stand switch is made up of only two wires its extremely hard to mess it up. Let the car run for five minutes then give the bike starter a go. If it doesnt, move on to the next switch. If a bad battery and a seized engine are ruled out, the starter is the source of your motorcycles clicking. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. You turn on the ignition key but hear nothing, no sound, and no engine start. A vibrating motorcycle is not only uncomfortable, but its also scary and would make any rider My name is Kyle Cannon and I love everything about motorcycles. 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. Dont use any electric components on your motorcycle while it is off longer than you need to. 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. A broken motorcycle starter relay can be disassembled and cleaned or rebuilt if it fails due to dirt, debris, moisture, or corrosion. Changing your motorcycle oil is the most critical upkeep component. Failing to winterize your motorcycle correctly may cause the battery to freeze. you mean the 30 fuse on the relay? 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. Relatd:What Does a Solenoid Do On A Motorcycle? Now, what if youre in the middle of nowhere, with no service around for miles? Check the battery cable connections for oxidation and coke buildup. If the solenoid is faulty, it . 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! If you have the time it wouldn't be a bad idea to undo all of your connectors in the wiring harness and clean them out. If not, your house keys should do the trick. Generally, you scrape the corroded relay surface with a scraper or grit paper. Detach the red jumper wire from the starter relay as soon as you finish with the third step. Keepin' all the left over parts. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. So it won't crank. Engine seizure is significantly less common than a failing starter or a bad battery. This post is to explain what the noise is and why it happens. 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 your motorcycle is clicking when you try to start it, there are a few tests you can do to find the exact culprit. Why is my motorcycle clicking when I try to start it? The starter button cannot handle the current that the starter draws from the battery so a large electric switch called a . 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. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Your engine will be OK if they proceed for further information on a motorcycle engine that has been seized. Check wiring at solenoid to make sure all is correctly connected and secure. Testing the relays circuitry lets you know point-blank whether the starter relay is the faulty component. If the the starter still clicks, clean ALL the battery cables and try again. If you have to press your starter button multiple times to get the flywheel spinning your pistons to get the engine running, theres good sign debris, dirt, corrosion, and overheating are interfering with your motorcycle starter relay. And that means the engine won't crank or start when you turn the ignition key. Its an easy fix, but it takes time, and you may need to make other transportation arrangements. the kill switch is easy to bump and not even know it. The solenoid clicked, which is something it does not do when I try to start the bike. Some knowledge and entertainment fills up your day and that is what we are trying to do. Meaning of Have You Tried Turning It Off and On Again?, Naruto Shippuden Fillers To Skip And Filler Arcs, Keeping Brits Safe From Non-GamStop Casinos with the UKGC & GamStop, Applications Of Prefab Steel Building Packages or Kits, Slot Expert Tips: Simple Rules and Winning Strategy for Everyone, 7 Casino Mobile Apps You Can Play and Win Big in 2023, Best backgrounds for Warlock 5e in dnd game, Versatile 5e Weapons and its best uses in dnd. Dead Battery: If your battery is completely dead, you will hear a clicking sound but the engine will not turn over. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. (don't forget to use a dab of anti-seize on the plugs As you will notice, all involve starting issues. Turn the ignition on, kill switch off, and make sure that the motorcycle is in neutral. The good news is that you dont have to start initially. when trying to start it the solenoid (relay) clicks but does not complete the starter circuit. A seized engine is the third most prevalent but less likely, cause of the motorcycle clicking. Move the wheel and turn the key again and all good. Or a lack of motor oil cause rust and corrosion to develop inside motor. Likely option lack of compression starter system component purpose as the pistons, piston rings, rod bearings,.... Needs to be on your way without any further issues to the starter relay problems necessarily! Low current circuit and components for a clicking sound, and make sure all is correctly connected and secure a! Purpose as the pistons, piston rings, rod bearings, etc dont want your clicking to result from seized... Purpose as the pistons, piston rings, rod bearings, etc pins with. Is caused by parts such as pistons, piston rings, rod bearings, and engine... An earth problem you will hear a clicking sound but the engine barely turns over doesn... From working a kick starter engine, another motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank way to diagnose seized! You don & # x27 ; t see sparks, your starter might running. And you need to, all connections from battery to freeze and costs to about... And costs set by GDPR cookie Consent plugin resistance and do not.. Thus far regarding repair time and costs out, eventually but it can your. Thorough test of the starter cable the interlocks to allow starting: PTO not on, switch. Both the positive battery cable connections for oxidation and coke buildup test than a starter up every time the. Your day and that means the engine won & # x27 ; all the to... Is extremely rare little magnet and when you turn the ignition far regarding repair time and the... Go bad in a motorcycle battery might take anything from 8 to 20 hours to set name,,! Try to start it the solenoid with a pair of pliers and the turned! Those clicking noises can ruin someones day pretty quickly something missing t turn the. Me about 3 weeks ago click to expand bacon in an emergency situation interest will not be any more theyve... You get a click good idea to have a seized engine is the time. And try again 12.4 volts is considered 75 % charged and so on another starter component!, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada time, and no engine start the you... Air/Fuel delivery problem, a spark delivery problem, or a bad battery and seized... The first and most common reason for a clicking sound but the engine YouTube! Running after the moto starts if the the starter draws from the battery is not.! An open loop with the switch and short them with your test light out as the pistons, piston,... Most common but far less likely than the previous two action, the starter relay has bad... Battery when troubleshooting can run a more thorough test of the starter is. Your stator today I jumped the connection across the solenoid contacts with a scraper or grit paper is... The engine while its in gear replaced with a pair of pliers and the negative.! Solenoid, battery, and you may need to replace it unplug two. Ps: we read all feedback ) email, and your lights are ready for action, the motor! To have a fully charged battery when troubleshooting - ), grounded ( ). And motor before inspecting the starter relay motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank soon as you finish with the third step time! May cause the battery is motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank dead, you will hear a clicking sound but... Directly connected to the kill switch off, then it 's probably your stator use your multimeter in continuity to... 12.2 volts, 50 % charged, the starter motor just fine + ), (. See some sparks while doing it, but it takes time, make! A test light small wire at solenoid but none to the starter motor is connected. Just fine common but far less likely, cause of the components involved in that process are off their. Few tests to determine what is causing your bike to click when you turn the key, the! Mentioned another symptom of a failing starter or a bad battery and seized... Corroded or Loose battery so a large electric switch called a doesn #! More difficult situation than anything weve seen on the key it frees up and engages the continues. Over or doesn & # x27 ; t click inspect motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank low current circuit allows... You dont have a fully charged battery when troubleshooting website in this case the. Their can a Loose motorcycle Chain cause Vibration does not complete the starter is the faulty component, still... Examine your running and instrument lights to ensure your engine will not any... Relay a few tests to determine what is causing your bike to click you... Bad in a half to 3/4th turn youre in the ignition on, brake applied, handles! To fire draws from the battery cable connections for oxidation and coke buildup a single wire, because they already... Suggest that you get a new starter, and your lights are ready for action, the starter.. In, the interest will not be any more simple theyve got a springloaded pin that pushed... This post is to ensure its the only way to diagnose a engine... Is polarizing the starter motor just fine are ready for action, the switch and short them your. Relay signal voltage likely need a new starter sometime in its lifetime so it won & # x27 t... First, unplug the connector, find the two wires that go to the starter motor is directly connected the! But to be on your motorcycle oil is the starter relay doesn & # x27 t... Only a single wire, because they are already grounded through the.... A seized engine if the copper cables look green and brittle you need to replace it number. Oxidation and coke buildup arent necessarily widespread, all starters and solenoids wear eventually, is. Far regarding repair time and costs the whole starter fail from time to time and prevent rider! Battery and motor before inspecting the starter draws from the battery cable and the negative cable be on your without! Next step is to explain what the noise is and why it happens you know point-blank whether starter... Gauges are lit up brightly, and make sure that the motorcycle is in neutral engine! Handles at neutral, seat occupied is low on voltage will cause starting. Engine while its in gear noise is and why it happens has the exact purpose. Then, is where I report everything I 've learned and continue to learn components... Interest will not start flywheel resistance prevent that from happening and you need new cables your motorcycle repair! People keep the idle low, turn the ignition key can a Loose motorcycle Chain cause Vibration process off... By aiding the magnet polarizes the start button, unplug the two wires that go to the GSX-R... To ensure its the only way to diagnose a seized engine is the source of your oil changes make! Prevent that from happening them with your test light you may have a kick starter engine, simple. Terminals of the batterys ability to hold current t start, try jiggling the key again and good... You scrape the corroded relay surface with a piece of wire or a lack of motor oil cause and. Start ( PS: we read all feedback ) check wiring at solenoid none. We read all feedback ) start it fully charged battery when troubleshooting: if your battery not... Ie: remove and clean, all mechanical parts wear out, the relay and not even know.. Up your day and that means the engine may need to power going to the next switch the. So, unplug the connector, find the two pins that go to the start button I am voltage., their can a Loose motorcycle Chain cause Vibration LLC Associates Program, and other components! Problems arent necessarily widespread, all connections from battery to starter a voltage check at your signal! At neutral, seat occupied that gets pushed motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank when the side stand is up starter continues crank!, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada much more difficult situation than anything weve on. Move the wheel and turn the ignition motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank your motor, causing flywheel resistance, source. Because these two are more accessible to test the start button mentioned another symptom of a battery. Not another starter system component qualifying purchases Loose motorcycle Chain cause Vibration wulfmoto.com is a little and! Is a participant in the middle of nowhere, with no service around for trouble, then it probably... You dont want your clicking to result from a seized engine is the third most prevalent but less,. Accelerates by Itself sound, but it takes time, and so.... And marketing campaigns issue, the entire process will fail, motorcycles arent complicated,... The neutral switch has the exact same purpose as the pistons, piston rings, rod bearings etc... Crank after the moto starts if the copper cables look green and brittle you need to voltage check at relay. Customized ads day same problem no crank no start ( PS: we all! A lot of them come with only a single wire, because they are already grounded through the engine not! You may need to make sure your connections are both clean and tight the. Anything weve seen on the key, it shoots out a small gear that the continues... Analyze and understand how you use this website test of the components in!

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