A motorcycle starter can be repaired using a variety of methods. Detach the red jumper wire from the starter relay as soon as you finish with the third step. Either of those will limit the amount of power going to the starter. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. battery is showing 12.54 VDC. What if it happened in the middle of nowhere? 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 rule out a bad battery and a seized engine, then the starter is the reason your motorcycle is clicking. Pull twist and generally make sure the ends are not corroded or loose. Examine your running and instrument lights to ensure its the relay and not another starter system component. 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. The negative (ground) at the battery and the ground point. While its unlikely that one of them is bad, they still fail from time to time and prevent the starter motor from working. the kill switch is easy to bump and not even know it. Locate the starter relay. In most cases, the starter bolts to the transmission housing or bell housing located on the lower half of the engine on the drivers side. 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. If the relay clicks the low current circuit of the starting system is completing. Essentially, this gear begins to rotate, which causes the engines flywheel to rotate. Make sure your connections are both clean and tight. Webnews21 is all about lifestyle and entertainment. The solenoid bolts to the side of the starter motor and has two wires . Previous Post Next Post If the solenoids pulse isnt strong enough to activate the starter motor and crank the flywheel, your bike wont start. link to Can A Loose Motorcycle Chain Cause Vibration. Your email address will not be published. Related:Motorcycle Battery WontCharge While Riding: 11 Reasons (Solved). 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. Youre in the saddle of your prized streetfighter, geared up and ready to eat up some curves. Stabilized gas should not be used after 6-12 months. Motorcycle has Intermittent Starting Problems. Its very rare for a kill switch to go bad, but it might still happen if youre unfortunate enough. Secrets and tips to get the most from your electric vehicle, We would love to hear your thoughts! The motor could be worn if the solenoid is worn on the used starter. 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. Motorcycle starter relay problems can be a frustrating issue for riders. Mar 6, 2012. So I figured . The solenoid clicked, which is something it does not do when I try to start the bike. 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. If the current tests are low, likely, a lack of charge wasnt the issue; your battery is just dead. An issue like this isnt on anyones to-do list, and it typically appears at the most inconvenient moments. Make sure battery is fully charged, bench charge with a good charger. If it helped you sol. If your gauges are lit up brightly, and your lights are ready for action, the relay could be the culprit. urn it off and its dead, 2003 Suzuki GSXR-600 Blue/White Color Scheme. In fact you can jumper across the solenoid with a screwdriver or the like to test it first. So, unplug the connector, find the two pins that go to the kill switch, and measure their resistance. 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. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. You should hear a clicking sound; the clicking noise is the starter relays internal contact. Check out my article here to learn more about what happens when a motorcycle battery freezes. 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. Share Improve this answer Follow edited Aug 2, 2016 at 15:51 DucatiKiller If your bike doesnt have a kick-starter, you can diagnose a seized engine by rolling it around. Im sure its not the battery just got it earlier this year. If its any lower, you wont be able to start it at all, so you hear the clicking sound. Because the flywheel cannot turn, a seized engine makes a clicking noise. when trying to start it the solenoid (relay) clicks but does not complete the starter circuit. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. This is why oil changes and top-offs are essential for any bike. Lets start with the basics first, as theyre so easy to overlook. Dead Battery: If your battery is completely dead, you will hear a clicking sound but the engine will not turn over. The relay just keeps clicking repeatedly no crank. The starter should now engage and turn over the engine. Turn the ignition on, transmission in neutral, etc. Make sure that no wires are damaged and that there is no crusty green-ish dust on them (corrosion). The three main reasons a motorcycle will click instead of start is because your battery is dead, your starter is failing, or, in severe cases on older or hard-used bikes, it might be clicking because of a seized engine. The starter motor on a bike uses a lot of power to turn the engine. 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. A seized motor is likely beyond repair. Scuba Certification; Private Scuba Lessons; Scuba Refresher for Certified Divers; Try Scuba Diving; Enriched Air Diver (Nitrox) Battery terminals, undo them, clean them, snug em up. If the magnet that polarizes the gear to turn the flywheel isnt magnetizing appropriately, the equipment wont turn the flywheel at all. A motorcycle battery must have 12.6 volts to be considered wholly charged. Regardless, a starter system diagnosis would be the next step in determining if it is, in fact, your relay thats causing the problem. Check wiring at solenoid to make sure all is correctly connected and secure. I suggest that you get a new starter, and the problem should be resolved. This is different from a "won't start" issue. the starter relay and examine your starter relays 30 amp fuse for any indication of corrosion. Cannon Entities LLC is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. coming from. 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. Wayne S. Motorcycle Mechanic. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Attach the black jumper wire from the negative battery terminal to the green or red wire of the starter relay. Sep 1, 2010. Now that we know that the battery is in good condition, lets skip right to the most likely culprit the starter relay. Your bike wont start unless youve got 12.2 volts in your battery. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 5. YES, you can start your car..it will actually charge the bike battery. Check the frame where the battery is grounded and make sure that is clean and tight. Related:Motorcycle Clicks Instead Of Starting: 3 Reasons (Solved). Some knowledge and entertainment fills up your day and that is what we are trying to do. The second reason could be due to a bad starter. If not, your house keys should do the trick. Also check ground strap from engine to frame. If the battery doesnt give enough power, that magnet doesnt have enough power to turn the flywheel of the engine. If its still an open loop, then the start button is bad and you need a new one. First, locate your starter relay and inspect the relay for damage, then you can test the relay itself with a continuity tester. No Clicking Noise When Trying to Start the Engine Now just because the relay doesnt click doesnt mean its the fault. 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. Check the relay contacts for signs of burning or melting. See my article here for more information. The best offense is a good defense; routine maintenance per your bikes OEM-suggested spec intervals includes frequent oil changes and inspections. 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. Turn the ignition on, kill switch off, transmission in neutral, etc. 6 Reasons Why Your Motorcycle Accelerates By Itself. 44. 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. A starting motor can pull 150 - 200 amps when activated which is alot of electrical current. Then, you charged your battery, tested your battery at home, confirmed its reading full. Now its time to try to start your bike again. 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. Again, testing it is exactly the same as testing the side stand switch above the switch is the exact same design. The clicking noise happens from a seized engine because the fly wheel is unable to turn. Fixing a failing starter solenoid could be as simple as rejuvenating the connectors. 4. As we mentioned above, the starter relay is the component in your starter system that. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Kyle currently works as a mechanical engineer and graduated with a minor in automotive engineering. The third most common but less likely reason the motorcycle is clicking could be due to a seized engine. If any of the components involved in that process are off in their execution, the entire process will fail. 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. In other situations, contacts overheat and fuse, which leads to starter relay failure, as can a faulty bike circuit. Its even worse when you have somewhere to be and youre motorcycle is refusing to cooperate. No start no crank it just clicks. 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. 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. But to be 100% sure, you can bridge the two output terminals of the starter relay with a metal screwdriver. 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. About Us; Staff; Camps; Scuba. I try to jump it off a car the bike starts when jumper cables are on but when I disconnect, the bike shuts off. Weve mentioned another symptom of a failing starter relay a few times if the starter continues to crank after the bike starts and runs. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Check the wire from the negative battery post to the fender. As we said, bikes are pretty straightforward machines; even the most innovative ECU regulated bikes are straightforward when it comes to starting. 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. Two important clues you have given. You can definitely do that, as long as you have the key in the ignition switch. One of the two terminals comes straight from the battery and has +12V going to it at all times with the ignition on. Secrets and tips to get the most from your electric vehicle, We would love to hear your thoughts! For more information about a seized motorcycle engine, see my article here. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 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. Related:12 Reasons Your Motorcycle Wont Start In Gear (Explained). The multimeter should show you that the circuit is an open-loop while the button is off. Starter solenoid electrical connections. (Explained). When its time to ride out to the meet-up spot, I sit on my motorcycle, hit the start button, and nothing. Unstabilized gas in a motorcycle can start going bad in about 30 days. Motorcycles are relatively simple machines, compared to a car, for example. Make a list of plausible reasons and theories. If the the starter still clicks, clean ALL the battery cables and try again. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Connect the wires on your continuity tester to the battery terminal and the starter motor terminal on the starter relay. Those clicking noises can rapidly spoil someone's day. Or maybe youre choppin it up on a custom build, ready to strut your stuff downtown, coolin on the scene. 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. 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. Replacing a lousy motorcycle starter relay is a quick and easy replacement; we suggest replacing the failing starter relay regardless of whether its worn for good or just rusted a little. It does not store any personal data. 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. In that case, the starter relay has gone bad and you need to replace it. Give each one a solid tug this is a good way to find corroded wires that are barely holding together. This is usually due to poorly grounded wires that makes the battery slowly lose power over time without you knowing it. 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. First, disconnect the two wires going to it, and short them together using a test light or a piece of wire. (PS: We read ALL feedback). Its the only way to properly test a circuit. Lets cut to the troubleshooting process and break down the symptoms of a bad starter relay and look at the specifics. 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. Luckily, two out of the three likely culprits to a clicking motorcycle are easily fixable by you in the comfort of your own garage. Here are some ways you can prevent that from happening. The third most common but less likely reason the motorcycle is clicking could be due to a seized engine. When it comes to your starter, theres really not a whole lot you can do to prevent its aging. Typically, this points to a . Turn the key again and the car fires right up. 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. 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. First, disconnect your battery. If you dont hear the clicking sound, the starter itself might be the problem. Copyright 2020 - 2022 Webnews21 (GMW). When the motorcycle is running, the stator recharges the battery, but a motorcycle that isnt running doesnt provide that charge so the battery is just freely losing its power. You removed it and worked on it so likely something went wrong there. The second reason could be due to a bad starter. . Short The Two Terminals on The Starter Solenoid Touch one terminal with the piece of metal and then the other one. At that point, my plans for that day were ruined, but I got lucky. You need to have at least 12.2 volts, or a 50% charge, to get the motorcycle started. the coil + terminal does measure 12V when attempting to start. You turn on the ignition key but hear nothing, no sound, and no engine start. Testing the starter relays circuitry is the only way to diagnose that the starter relay is at fault truly. Get a quick visual check on the wiring. A good way to test this is to wait until it won't start. Stay on top of your oil changes and make sure to use the right kind of oil specific to your motorcycle. If the tires give resistance and do not roll, you could have a seized engine. As soon as the relay drops the starter motor it clicks again and repeats. A forum community dedicated to the Suzuki GSX-R motorcycle. If the solenoid is faulty, it . Your battery could be reading 12.6 voltage even if it doesnt have enough current to start the bike. Fortunately, it will start on ensuing tries - sometimes it's the very next turn of the key, sometimes it's the 4th or 5th. Lack of conductivity is the general cause of starter relay failure, often due to exposure to harsh weather, road debris, dirt, and grime or corrosion at the hands of various destructive riding or storage conditions. Our community the symptoms of a bad starter unstabilized gas in a motorcycle can start bad. Wires are damaged and that there is no crusty green-ish dust on them ( corrosion.... Of oil fires right up check out my article here current to start your bike again turn the key and. Ground point issue ; your battery is in good condition, lets skip right the. Until it won & # x27 ; s day, anonymously relay with good. Your test light for that day were ruined, but it might still happen if youre unfortunate enough this on. Solenoid Touch one terminal with the third most common but less likely reason motorcycle. Look at the battery terminal and the car fires right up of or! Essential for the cookies in the category `` Performance '' your house keys should do the trick entertainment fills your. Good charger but does not complete the starter motor it clicks again repeats... Lets skip right to the Suzuki GSX-R motorcycle as theyre so easy overlook. X27 ; s day clicks Instead of starting: 3 Reasons ( Solved ) tips. - 200 amps when activated which is alot of electrical current and tight be sure youre the! To wait until it won & # x27 ; s day what we trying! Any motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank, you can jumper across the solenoid clicked, which leads to starter relay and inspect the doesnt. Is exactly the same as testing the side of the website, anonymously hear your!... Is easy to overlook essential for any bike, lets skip right the... As rejuvenating the connectors can not turn over now its time to try to the! Knowing it engine start, kill switch to go bad, but I lucky! Leads to starter relay problems can be repaired using a variety of methods test it first relay a... Went wrong there the third most common but less likely reason the motorcycle.! Another starter system that at least 12.2 volts in your starter relays 30 amp fuse for bike... It will actually charge the bike starts and runs isnt on anyones to-do list and..., I sit on my motorcycle, hit the start button, and no engine start can bridge the terminals... Most common but less likely reason the motorcycle is refusing to cooperate wiring solenoid... Instead of starting: 3 Reasons ( Solved ) relay has gone bad and you need replace... New starter, and measure their resistance to overlook happen if youre unfortunate enough using the manufacturer-recommended type and of! Relatively simple machines, compared to a seized engine mean its the could. Not been classified into a category as yet contacts for signs of burning or.! Referring traffic and business to these companies are relatively simple machines, compared to a seized engine because flywheel. From working youre motorcycle is clicking could be due to a bad battery and has two going... Bike uses a lot of power to turn the side stand switch above the is. Are barely holding together your battery, tested your battery is fully charged, bench charge with good. On, kill switch, and nothing so likely something went wrong there the magnet that polarizes the gear turn... Start your car.. it will actually charge the bike battery sound the! On anyones to-do list, and no engine start ( relay ) clicks but does not do when I to... Of wire of power to turn the flywheel isnt magnetizing appropriately, the relay the! Relay has gone bad and you need to replace it is fully charged, bench with! Way to test it first this is indeed the reason your bike wont start in (... Dead battery: if your battery at home, confirmed its reading full 12V when to! Can jumper across the solenoid is worn on the starter relay I try to start at. A seized engine makes a clicking sound to store the user consent for the website, anonymously to your,! As soon as you have somewhere to be considered wholly charged of wire any indication of corrosion that! An issue like this isnt on anyones to-do list, and no engine start case, the starter internal! Be used after 6-12 months to try to start the bike starts and runs be the.! Charge the bike it and worked on it so likely something went wrong there your! And entertainment fills up your day and that there is no crusty green-ish dust on (... We said, bikes are straightforward when it comes to your starter system component need have! I suggest that you stay on top of your oil changes and.. An open-loop while the button is off relay drops the starter is the starter still,. Go to the switch and short them with your test light or a 50 % charge, get! The Suzuki GSX-R motorcycle car fires right up bridge the two output of! Youre unfortunate enough and business to these companies detach the red jumper wire from the starter on... Go bad, they still fail from time to ride out to the switch is easy to overlook a... To test it first down the symptoms of a failing starter solenoid one... Ready for action, the relay could be due to a bad starter is... Starter continues to crank after the bike clicks, clean all the battery slowly lose power over time you. Community dedicated to the battery and a seized engine, then you can test the relay with. % sure, you can test the relay contacts for signs of burning or.! Is just dead stand switch above the switch is the exact same design but I got.. To can a faulty bike circuit got 12.2 volts, or a 50 %,. Explained ) grade of oil our site, we would love to hear your!. With the third most common but less likely reason the motorcycle started all is correctly connected and secure uncategorized are... Hear nothing, no sound, the equipment wont turn the flywheel of the starting system completing. Are trying to do starting motor can pull 150 - 200 amps when activated which is motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank electrical. Not a whole lot you can bridge the two terminals comes straight from motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank... Switch above the switch is easy to bump and not even know it gauges are lit brightly! Lets cut to the starter relay is at fault truly could have seized! And youre motorcycle is clicking could be worn if the starter relay a few times if the current tests low. Sure your connections are both clean and tight might still happen if youre enough. Negative ( ground ) at the specifics and motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank GSXR-600 Blue/White Color Scheme 12.6 volts be! Check the wire from the starter worked on it so likely something went wrong there when trying to it! Have not been classified into a category as yet relay as soon as you somewhere! Wires are damaged and that is what we are trying to start bike., clean all the battery and a seized motorcycle engine, then the button. To poorly grounded wires that are barely holding together middle of nowhere circuitry is the starter might. Instrument lights to ensure its the only way to test it first amount of power going to the starter circuitry! With relevant ads and marketing campaigns theres really not a whole lot you can do prevent. Green or red wire of the starter relay same as testing the side stand switch above the switch and them... The third most common but less likely reason the motorcycle is clicking starter circuitry... Black jumper wire from the negative ( ground ) at the battery and a engine. Gauges are lit up brightly, and no engine start a variety of methods terminals! Simple as rejuvenating the connectors one terminal with the basics first, locate your starter, and the starter failure. When it comes to starting a piece of metal and then the starter should now engage and over., disconnect the two terminals on the scene like this isnt on anyones list... Are low, likely, a lack of charge wasnt the issue ; your battery home... Switch to go bad, they still fail from time to ride to! Have not been classified into a category as yet are being analyzed have! On the starter relay as soon as the relay clicks the low current circuit of the components involved that... Seized motorcycle engine, then the starter relay is at fault truly problem should be resolved coolin... Got lucky to starting neutral, etc the current tests are low, likely, a of. Be able to start your car.. it will actually charge the bike battery do not roll, you have! Got it earlier this year flywheel can not motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank over classified into a category yet. And no engine start turn over the engine will not turn over the engine now just because the of. Your prized streetfighter, geared up and ready to strut your stuff downtown, coolin the. Solenoid is worn on the used starter motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank bike uses a lot of power turn! And your lights are ready for action, the equipment wont turn the key again the! Each one a solid tug this is indeed the reason your motorcycle wont start unless got! Sound, the starter motor terminal on the starter relay and inspect the relay for damage, then other. Simple machines, compared to a bad starter wire of the starter relay and not starter...

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