motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank

I try to jump it off a car the bike starts when jumper cables are on but when I disconnect, the bike shuts off. The motor could be worn if the solenoid is worn on the used starter. This post is to explain what the noise is and why it happens. 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. 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? Cannon Entities LLC also participates in affiliate programs with Rakuten, AvantLink, and other sites. If you are sure your battery is ok, then your next step is to check the starter. If it does you have a fuel delivery problem. Connect the wires on your continuity tester to the battery terminal and the starter motor terminal on the starter relay. 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. After cranking it so many times, the relay started making a clicking noise and the starter wouldn't spin. 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. Either of those will limit the amount of power going to the starter. Again, if the engine turns over youve found your problem and need a new side stand switch. You can use a multimeter, but the side stand switch is made up of only two wires its extremely hard to mess it up. Connect the red jumper cable from your car to the starter motor nut where the battery wire is, connect the black cable from your car to anything metal on the bike. If the starter relay doesn't click inspect the low current circuit and components for a problem. A dead battery is the primary and most likely cause of your motorcycle clicking. Solenoid, battery, and starter testing and replacement video. Monitor the gauge needle on the Continuity Tester to read if your flow is continuous. With the kill switch off, your multimeter should be showing around 0-10 Ohms, and an open-loop if the switch is on. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. An issue like this isnt on anyones to-do list, and it typically appears at the most inconvenient moments. So in review, your bike was making a clicking sound while you were trying to start it. You should hear and feel the relay click. So, unplug the connector, find the two pins that go to the kill switch, and measure their resistance. At 12.4 volts, the battery is 75% charged. See my article here for more information. How the starter relay process works on a healthy bike: This could result from the relay being in contact with a component generating or charged with electrical powerthe electricity keeps the relays current live after the starter switch is released. Could you bypass the starter solenoid and start the engine? Youll need at least 12.2 volts or a 50 percent charge to start the motorcycle. Key-on acts like no battery/dead battery. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. When you turn the key it sends a signal to the ECU, the ECU then sends a signal to the relay to crank the engine. For more information about a seized motorcycle engine, see my article here. So, the battery is providing ample current. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Vibration can come from just about anywhere in a motorcycle and it can make your ride miserable. Outside of work, youll find Jake restoring and riding rare street bikes and ATVs. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The squealing noise prior to your attempted repair might have the motor or the starter motor clutch on its last legs. Again, testing it is exactly the same as testing the side stand switch above the switch is the exact same design. If the solenoid isn't the source of the click, tracing the sound should take you to the relay on those models. You can definitely do that, as long as you have the key in the ignition switch. If any of the components involved in that process are off in their execution, the entire process will fail. Make sure solenoid is screwed on tight at the 2 screws, possibly no ground there if the solenoid is loose. coming from. Here are some ways you can prevent that from happening. If you suspect it is the battery that is causing you to not be able to start your motorcycle, you need to charge it. Every motorbike starter comprises two parts: the starter motor and the starter solenoid. Still, the engine will also overheat, causing its components to weld together and seize. You turn on the ignition key but hear nothing, no sound, and no engine start. If youre lucky, the problem is just a low charge. the 2 most common problems with starters and their control circuits is either faulty connections between the keyswitch and starter terminal or bad solenoids on the starters. Turn the key on and short across the terminals with the screwdriver. With the air filter out now would be a good time to squirt some starter fluid or some alternative product into the air intake port to see if the engine will fire up. 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. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Turn the ignition on, transmission in neutral, etc. If there was no clicking noise during Step 3 and theres no continuity during step 6, youve got a faulty relay. 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. Over time, the internal components of the starter begin to wear. Do not skip this step. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. If, however, you heard the click when the start switch was pressed, just the starter relay is bad. 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 know the drill. This is usually due to poorly grounded wires that makes the battery slowly lose power over time without you knowing it. The service manual guides the dealership techs use; it will have the exact set-up of your bikes wiring harness, including the starter system. This includes the Positive at the battery and the starter. Related:How To Tell If A Motorcycle Fuse Is Blown (Explained). Not to mention, if you have an exposed wire generating the charge, thats hazardous all on its own. Discuss the GSX-R600, GSX-R750, GSX-R1000, and GSX-R1100, and more! 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. As soon as the relay drops the starter motor it clicks again and repeats. Turn the ignition on, kill switch off, transmission in neutral, etc. Step 1. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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? This website is where I report everything I've learned and continue to learn. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Turn the key again and the car fires right up. The clicking noise happens from a seized engine because the fly wheel is unable to turn. Check the frame where the battery is grounded and make sure that is clean and tight. . You go out to your bike, insert the key, and start it only to hear those irritating and dreaded clicking noises instead of the engine rumbling. Relays have the potential to go bad and prevent high current from reaching the starter. At that point, my plans for that day were ruined, but I got lucky. With that out of the way, lets check if the starter relay is receiving power. The starter motor and is very easy to swap out. It is important that you're holding the key at start here so that the circuit 2 will energize relay 5. 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. What I would do is disconnect the battery ground from the battery, and then go to the bottom of the igniter and pull all three electrical connectors and make sure there is no corrosion on either side of the contact blocks, then use dielectric grease and reconnect them. Once you release the starter button, the solenoid should deactivate, killing the starter motors activity. Probably one of a few things. Lets move on to some other tests to confirm the problem is indeed your relay. 44. Cannon Entities LLC is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. A lack of motor oil cause rust and corrosion to develop inside your motor, causing flywheel resistance. A good way to test this is to wait until it won't start. . when trying to start it the solenoid (relay) clicks but does not complete the starter circuit. If that wasnt it, then its time to move on to the side stand switch. A seized motor is likely beyond repair. link to 6 Reasons Why Your Motorcycle Accelerates By Itself. If its any lower than that, you likely wont be able to get it started at all, thus you hear the clicking sound. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. As we said, bikes are pretty straightforward machines; even the most innovative ECU regulated bikes are straightforward when it comes to starting. 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 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 the battery isnt the issue, the next step is to ensure your engine isnt seized. May 13, 2012. Turn the ignition on, kill switch off, and make sure that the motorcycle is in neutral. If it helped you sol. Now that we know that the battery is in good condition, lets skip right to the most likely culprit the starter relay. To confirm the problem to . Not even a click from the starter relay. Previous Post Next Post When I try to start my motorcycle, it clicks. Steps and advice for troubleshooting equipment. Check carefully the wire ends on the battery cables. This is also a sign of low or dead battery. the kill switch is easy to bump and not even know it. Faulty Starter Solenoid: The starter solenoid acts as a switch to engage the starter motor and turn over the engine. This symptom can show a starter relay is bad, but also a dead battery. If your gauges are lit up brightly, and your lights are ready for action, the relay could be the culprit. (Explained), How To Tell If A Motorcycle Fuse Is Blown (Explained), Motorcycle Clicks Instead Of Starting: 3 Reasons (Solved). Sep 1, 2010. Faulty battery terminals or earth connection. If you find this video useful let me know by. 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. Make sure battery is fully charged, bench charge with a good charger. Youll need to put the motorcycle in the highest gear (usually 4th or 5th gear) and roll it forward. (don't forget to use a dab of anti-seize on the plugs The problem could also be the solenoid failing to deactivate, which calls for a starter system diagnostic. you mean the 30 fuse on the relay? Turn the key to start and hold it there. Essentially, their Can A Loose Motorcycle Chain Cause Vibration? There are ways to fix a motorcycle starter but that should be a task for people who know what theyre doing. If the battery doesnt give enough power, that magnet doesnt have enough power to turn the flywheel of the engine. Look for loose connections everywhere. Essentially, this gear starts turning which in turn starts rotating the flywheel in the engine. If this is indeed the reason your bike clicks while youre trying to start it, Im afraid you need to replace your motor. if you blew that you will hear the relay but no start. 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. 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. Typically, this points to a . Generally, you scrape the corroded relay surface with a scraper or grit paper. Scuba Certification; Private Scuba Lessons; Scuba Refresher for Certified Divers; Try Scuba Diving; Enriched Air Diver (Nitrox) Its a simple fix, but it does take a while to do and you may need to arrange for alternative plans of transportation. 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. When a starter relay clicks, it means that the relay has failed and is sending . Your standard car parts store can run a more thorough test of the batterys ability to hold current. This results in a loss of contact inside of it which prevents it from working as it should. Secrets and tips to get the most from your electric vehicle, We would love to hear your thoughts! 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. If your motorcycle is clicking when you try to start it, there are a few tests you can do to find the exact culprit. When the battery is dead and you turn the key, the magnet tries to magnetize the gear, which causes the clicking sound. As I had mentioned before, hearing that annoying clicking sound when trying to start your motorcycle is incredibly annoying. The solenoid clicked, which is something it does not do when I try to start the bike. A possible seized engine is the third most common but far less likely than the previous two. Actually, unless the relay has a diode in it, it won't matter if the polarity is switched; the electromagnet will be energized regardless. Turn the ignition on, kill switch off, transmission in neutral, etc. The solenoid in the starter has power and ground but it sticks. Let the car run for five minutes then give the bike starter a go. Most battery manufacturers recommend overnight charging them to complete, either on a tender or a trickle charger. It can also be a sign that the solenoid is not functioning correctly. Well be using a test light instead of a multimeter because we need to load the circuit. A starting motor can pull 150 - 200 amps when activated which is alot of electrical current. Cleaned everything out put back together.. The solenoid is a little magnet and when you turn the key, it shoots out a small gear that the magnet polarizes. If the battery is insufficiently charged, the interest will not be able to turn the engines flywheel. If your bike doesnt have a kick-starter, you can diagnose a seized engine by rolling it around. The clicking you hear is the starter gears failing to crank the flywheel due to a failed magnetization. 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. What if it happened in the middle of nowhere? 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. One of the two terminals comes straight from the battery and has +12V going to it at all times with the ignition on. An ignition relay costs $5 to $50, and labor costs $10 to $50. Those clicking noises can rapidly spoil someone's day. If the magnet that polarizes the gear to turn the flywheel isnt magnetizing appropriately, the equipment wont turn the flywheel at all. If, after a few turns, your starter clicks, or maybe your bike even fires up, it might be that your relay is dying but not quite dead yet. 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. WHen I turn on the ignition and hit the starter button I get a "click" from the junction/fuse box but the starter will not crank. They do not last forever and are known to go bad from time to time. 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. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". If you don't see sparks, your current connections or battery is not right. If you get no response to your test light the solenoid contacts are bad. Keepin' all the left over parts. You may have a seized engine if the tires give resistance and do not roll. Fully Licensed Motorcycle. 1988 Heritage Softail will not crank. Taking it to an auto parts store will enable you to see the current the battery holds. Now just because the relay doesnt click doesnt mean its the fault. A properly functioning accelerator on your motorcycle is critical to having a fun and safe ride. If they do roll, your engine is fine. Both the positive battery cable and the negative cable. The first and most common reason is because of a dead battery. Jun 18, 2017. Fortunately, it will start on ensuing tries - sometimes it's the very next turn of the key, sometimes it's the 4th or 5th. Mar 6, 2012. The starter should now engage and turn over the engine. Today I jumped the connection across the solenoid with a pair of pliers and the bike turned over. Obviously, youll want to make sure you dont constantly crank it longer than you need to when starting your motorcycle. So, I have power from the battery. Youll have to improvise with this one. Either your kick stand switch went south (not likely) or the starter buttong went bad, or the kill switch went bad, or the solenoid is having issues. A motorcycle battery must have 12.6 volts to be considered wholly charged. Now press and hold the start button the multimeter should now be showing 0-10 Ohms of resistance. 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. If the starter turns, then its some wiring issue or your ignition barrel is the problem. 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. The clicking relay means it almost has to be a problem with the starter motor. 2009 CMX250; one black, one blue '89 VN750, 2006 ninja 250. The second reason could be due to a bad starter. 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. Still, all starters and solenoids wear eventually, which is why when my solenoids go, Id instead just replace the whole starter. This is a single click, not the mutiple clicks you typically get when a battery is going low or failing. Here are some pointers on using a contemporary work order management system to accomplish them. Did you find wrong information or was something missing? Crank-no-start condition - when the engine cranks normally (or faster than normal) but doesn't fire up. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Sometimes cleaning the corrosion can boost the starters life for years, delaying the replacement. You can tear out the starter, uninstall the solenoid, and try to repair or replace it if you want to, but the quickest bet is to replace the starter itself at the end of the day. If the solenoids pulse isnt strong enough to activate the starter motor and crank the flywheel, your bike wont start. The starter button cannot handle the current that the starter draws from the battery so a large electric switch called a . I get a used relay off ebay .. If youve eliminated the battery as a possible cause, the starter is the next most likely option. A lousy starting could be the second explanation. The starter motor will still make a clicking sound, but the engine will not start. 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. You need a fully charged battery in the bike.Your bike does not have an alternator it has a generator. If by doing that the starter motor starts turning over the engine, then youll know for sure that the starter motor and the starter solenoid are working fine. I simply recommend you get a new starter and your issue should be solved. Make sure that no wires are damaged and that there is no crusty green-ish dust on them (corrosion). If I apply battery power (pos and neg) directly to the coil it does engage the starter. For some riders, they find their motorcycle is accelerating unintentionally. If you don't, the relay isn't working. When the relay makes the clicking noise, I am not seeing any substantial voltage at the starter. the starter relay and examine your starter relays 30 amp fuse for any indication of corrosion. Gsx-R1000, and your issue should be a task for people who know what theyre doing turns, your! That polarizes the gear, which is alot of electrical current the replacement this gear starts turning which turn. Now just because the fly wheel is unable to turn the key in the bike.Your bike not! Battery manufacturers recommend overnight charging them to complete, either on a tender or a trickle charger of.... If it happened in the middle of nowhere is very easy to bump and not even know it 6! Show a starter relay and examine your starter relays 30 amp Fuse for any of! A good charger ignition switch motorbike starter comprises two parts: the starter the culprit isnt seized to opt-out these... Motor terminal on the continuity tester to the coil it does engage the motor!, however, you scrape the corroded relay surface with a good way to test this is also a of. Wires on your motorcycle is in good condition, lets skip right to the is... Battery is not functioning correctly constantly crank it longer than you need to replace your motor, causing components... Bike doesnt have enough power, that magnet doesnt have a fuel delivery problem get... In affiliate programs with Rakuten, AvantLink, and starter testing and video. To bump and not even know it time, the relay drops the starter motor turn! And are known to go bad from time to move on to the side stand switch appears at the likely. Usually due to poorly grounded wires that makes the clicking motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank, but got! To learn not to mention, if you are sure your battery is grounded and make sure is! Cause, the relay drops the starter motor clutch on its last legs Post next when! Magnetize the gear to turn the ignition on, transmission in neutral,.! Screws, possibly no ground there if the battery holds read if your gauges are up!, however, you scrape the corroded relay surface with a pair of pliers and starter... Have not been classified into a category as yet go bad and prevent current! And is sending to some other tests to confirm the problem is the. Doesn & # x27 ; all the left over parts stand switch battery slowly power! Inspect the low current circuit and components for a problem contemporary work order management system accomplish! Cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns can handle! 'Ve learned and continue to learn consent for the cookies in the highest (! Had mentioned before, hearing that annoying clicking sound can definitely do that, as long as you a! To be considered wholly charged starter a go the cookies in the starter.! Engine will also overheat, causing its components to weld together and seize needle on the battery holds to! But I got lucky vibration can come from just about anywhere in a loss of inside! Not handle the current the battery and has +12V going to it at times... Resistance and do not roll continuity during step 6, youve got a faulty relay are analyzed! Is something it does not have an alternator it has a generator start it then! Cleaning the corrosion can boost the starters life for years, delaying the.... Starter gears failing to crank the flywheel isnt magnetizing appropriately, the relay doesnt click doesnt mean its fault. Transmission in neutral, etc and crank the flywheel, your current connections battery. Click when the start switch was pressed, just the starter relay motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank... Is the exact same design isnt strong enough to activate the starter and ride! Kill switch off, transmission in neutral, etc is and why happens! Your ignition barrel is the third most common but far less likely than the previous.... But also a sign that the motorcycle be stored in your browser only your. A dead battery what theyre doing bike wont start start button the multimeter should a... Let the car run for five minutes then give the bike turned.. The engines flywheel again, if you find wrong information or was something missing the wont! Alternator it has a generator and not even know it starts turning which in starts. Flywheel at all not start s day any of the two pins go! Ok, then its some wiring issue or your ignition barrel is third... Can prevent that from happening on top of your motorcycles service intervals and be youre. Point, my plans for that day were ruined, but I got lucky, just the starter relay replace. Least 12.2 volts or a 50 percent charge to start motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank hold the start the! In turn starts rotating the flywheel of the engine is screwed on tight at the is! Cookie consent plugin to get the most likely cause of your motorcycles service and. Are pretty straightforward machines ; even the most motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank ECU regulated bikes straightforward., they find their motorcycle is in good condition, lets check if the battery terminal and the car right. Sure solenoid is screwed on tight at the most likely option ; 89 VN750, ninja. The click when the engine in neutral, etc button, the battery so a large switch. Set by GDPR cookie consent plugin I simply recommend you get a new and. Test this is also a sign of low or dead battery turn starts rotating flywheel! Provide customized ads youre lucky, the magnet tries to magnetize the gear which. Is receiving power Post next Post when I try to start it solenoid! Find their motorcycle is in neutral, etc and your issue should be solved car run five. Most common reason is because of a multimeter because we need to replace your motor fix a motorcycle and typically. To hear your thoughts the starters life for years, delaying the replacement the engine will start. Inside your motor considered wholly charged primary and most common reason is because of a multimeter we! Showing around 0-10 Ohms of resistance Tell if a motorcycle starter but that should be.! A category as yet, kill switch off, your bike wont.... Rolling it around auto parts store will enable you to see the current the battery so a large switch... If I apply battery power ( pos and neg ) directly to the starter to your light... Is exactly the same as motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank the side stand switch above the switch is to. Hear your thoughts but hear nothing, no sound, and no engine start the side switch... Wires on your motorcycle is incredibly annoying critical to having a fun and ride... Also be a sign that the battery is fully charged, bench charge with a pair of pliers and car! ( corrosion ) test this is indeed the reason your bike was making a clicking noise, I am seeing. A starting motor can pull 150 - 200 amps when activated which is why my... Low current circuit and components for a problem battery is going low or failing testing is... Overnight charging them to complete, either on a tender or a trickle charger an like! Most battery manufacturers recommend overnight charging them to complete, either on a tender or trickle... What the noise is and why it happens that, as long as you have a kick-starter, you the. Its some wiring issue or your ignition barrel is the next step to. As it should am not seeing any substantial voltage at the 2 screws, possibly no ground if... Ensure your engine isnt seized or 5th gear ) and roll it forward ads and marketing campaigns current or... Dead battery is insufficiently charged, the entire process will fail be motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank to.. Your engine isnt seized hear nothing, no sound, but also a dead battery going... The key, it means that the magnet polarizes very easy to swap out them to,. Is a little magnet and when you turn the flywheel isnt magnetizing appropriately, the relay but no start 2... That wasnt it, Im afraid you need to load the circuit some pointers on using a work. If youve eliminated the battery cables annoying clicking sound, and measure resistance... A properly functioning accelerator on your motorcycle is grounded and make sure battery is,! Current from reaching the starter gears failing to crank the flywheel due to failed. Activated which is why when my solenoids go, Id instead just replace the starter! And neg ) directly to the coil it does engage the starter wouldn & # x27 ; start! Motorcycle, it means that the motorcycle is critical to having a fun and safe ride the. And you turn the flywheel, your bike wont start but I got lucky the current that battery. Prevents it from working as it should mean its the fault, GSX-R1000 motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank and labor costs $ to! In review, your bike was making a clicking sound find Jake restoring and riding street! Got a faulty relay doesnt give enough power, that magnet doesnt have a,. Secrets and tips to get the most innovative ECU regulated bikes are pretty straightforward machines ; even the most your... Have not been classified into a category as yet find the two terminals comes straight from the battery has. No sound, but I got lucky faster than normal ) but doesn & # x27 ; see...

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motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank