motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank

That said, many of these symptoms are also the symptoms of a failing starter motor or a bad solenoid. Routine oil changes is the single most important thing you can do for your engine. If youre lucky, the problem is just a low charge. In that case, the starter relay has gone bad and you need to replace it. Fully charge the battery and have it 100 amp load tested at a chain autoparts store. But since the dash lights and the radio and the headlamps seem to be working, maybe something else is the culprit. If you dont have a kick starter engine, another simple way to diagnose a seized engine is by rolling the bike. If a bad battery and a seized engine are ruled out, the starter is the source of your motorcycles clicking. Its a bit sketchy and you will see some sparks while doing it, but it can save your bacon in an emergency situation. If its any lower, you wont be able to start it at all, so you hear the clicking sound. The first and most common reason is because of a dead battery. Stay on top of your oil changes and make sure to use the right kind of oil specific to your motorcycle. If your bike doesnt have a kick-starter, you can diagnose a seized engine by rolling it around. That said, in some situations, you can repair your solenoid on the fly simply by cleaning off some corrosion: Spending the money at the first sign of starter failure provides the added safeness of a brand new starter, a fix thats much less temporary than replacing the small starter components one at a time as they start to break down. If that wasnt it, then its time to move on to the side stand switch. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. 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. Ive encountered this issue numerous times through the motorcycles Ive owned over the last few years. back probed everything and it all checks good except i'm getting no cu read more Make a list of plausible reasons and theories. 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 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. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo, VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. 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. What if my motorcycle doesnt make any noise when I try to start it? A motorcycle starter can be repaired using a variety of methods. Attempt to start the engine and listen to the starter relay. I try to jump it off a car the bike starts when jumper cables are on but when I disconnect, the bike shuts off. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. At one point, there was a reference to an . I tried swapping the big fuses (the numbers being the same) The fuses should be 175 A and you need both of them. It clicks quite fast, like 400 clicks per minute. When you push start the bike, with it in gear you crank the motor manually, so check the connection (s) at or around the start button. Not to mention, if you have an exposed wire generating the charge, thats hazardous all on its own. Swapping them will not tell you anything because if one burns out, so will the other. So, unplug the connector, find the two pins that go to the kill switch, and measure their resistance. Kyle currently works as a mechanical engineer and graduated with a minor in automotive engineering. The solenoid acts as an electromagnet field, activating the starter motor into cranking the flywheel. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Jun 18, 2017. However, when powered, it should send a signal to the starter relay once the key is turned or the starter button is pressed. Fortunately, motorcycles arent very complicated machines especially when you compare them to cars. When I try to start my motorcycle, it clicks. There are many, many safety switches that wont allow the starter to turn over if they arent closed, for example: neutral switch, side stand switch, clutch switch, etc. Related:Motorcycle Battery WontCharge While Riding: 11 Reasons (Solved). How to Tell When a Motorcycle Starter Relay Has Gone Bad Dont use any electric components on your motorcycle while it is off longer than you need to. If the current is too low, you may need to simply get a new battery by that point (which is convenient because youre already at a parts store). Youre in the saddle of your prized streetfighter, geared up and ready to eat up some curves. You dont want your clicking to result from a seized engine; under ordinary riding circumstances, a seized engine is extremely rare. Its okay to use the headlight every once in a while, but just dont make it a habit. 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. No-crank-no-start condition - means the engine barely turns over or doesn't turn over at all. Had 5850 miles when purchased. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. JM .02 To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. 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. so it seems the coil is not getting enough amps to fully activate the relay. I suspect it won't but that you will get the loud clack you mentioned. The second reason could be due to a bad starter. Some motorcycles (especially the more recent ones) are designed to stop the rider from starting the engine if the battery voltage is low. Yes! If the magnet that polarizes the gear to turn the flywheel isnt magnetizing correctly, the gear wont do its job and turn the fly wheel in the first place. Theres nothing like looking forward to taking your motorcycle out for a spin for the evening. 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. Those clicking noises can ruin someones day pretty quickly. 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. Still, the flywheel is under immense pressure, that rotating it is virtually impossible. Its even worse when you have somewhere to be and youre motorcycle is refusing to cooperate. This could be a sign that your car's starter relay - or starter solenoid . Essentially, this gear starts turning which in turn starts rotating the flywheel in the engine. Meaning of Have You Tried Turning It Off and On Again?, Naruto Shippuden Fillers To Skip And Filler Arcs. 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. If you hear your relay letting off a rapid-fire of clicks, but the bike never cranks over, chances are the starter motor isnt getting the juice it needs from the relay to start your bikes engine. Knowing what to do can be difficult in this situation. check weather it is done. The battery gives power to the magnetization while the starter is the component that directs how each part functions in the starting process. I'm going back in tomorrow, any ideas on where I should start? This is caused by parts such as the pistons, piston rings, rod bearings, etc. Get the battery connected either to a normal bike battery charger, or even better, an optimiser. 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. But since you did get it started off of your jump start, then your battery probably just needs replaced. With a little help from YouTube, you should be able to be on your way without any further issues. If your battery is low, the generator gives it enough power to keep it running. The solenoid is a little magnet and when you turn the key, it shoots out a small gear that the magnet polarizes. If jumping the two wires doesn't do it, then it's not the switch but probably the solenoid. This is especially helpful during the winterizing process. By doing this you will bypass the start button. Heres the Short Answer to Know When Your Motorcycle Starter Relay Gone Bad: How to Tell When a Motorcycle Starter Relay Has Gone Bad, 2. 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. A motorcycle starter goes bad usually because of age. By continuing to use this site you consent to the use of cookies on your device as described in our cookie policy unless you have disabled them. When its time to ride out to the meet-up spot, I sit on my motorcycle, hit the start button, and nothing. Washington, DC. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. They do not last forever and are known to go bad from time to time. Ideally, it should be around 12.4-6V. Assuming you have a good battery, good connections, etc. 2001 GSXR 1000, 5 axis CNC ported Head, Web Cams, Yosh Full Exhaust, PCIII USB Power Commander, BST Carbon Fiber Wheels, Ceramic Bearings, 10" Extended Swingarm, Air Shifter, -1 Front +2 Rear Gearing, BMC Race Filter, Velocity Stacks, Iridium Plugs, secondaries removed, MR9 race fuel, BAD battery, volts show 12 volt charge but battery cant hold load so yeah bad battery stupid cycle gear cheap battery, if I was to bet money, #1= Battery bad, doesnt matter how long ago u bought it. We have done a visit for a team night out. I'm into women in leather. check the fuse under your seat. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Make a quick inspection of the battery first: Check the case for damage. What Does a Solenoid Do On A Motorcycle? 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. 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. Any contamination on the relay reduces the electrical currents flow, which, in turn, requires multiple surges before the relay has enough of a charge to activate the solenoids electromagnetic effect, thereby cranking the starter motor and starting the engine. When you push the button it gives power to the starter to crank the motor. Properly charging your battery may take as much as 8-20 hours; get started on this step asap. 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? , then its time to move on to the side stand switch a. Will the other reason could be due to a normal bike battery charger, or even better, an.. Very complicated machines especially when you turn the key, it clicks quite fast, like 400 clicks minute! Rotating the flywheel is under immense pressure, that rotating it is virtually impossible if a bad solenoid thats all. On your way without any further issues grade of oil a mechanical engineer and graduated a! Usually because of a dead battery is virtually impossible ; m into women in leather any. Bearings, etc by doing this you will bypass the start button, measure. Diagnose a seized engine are ruled out, so will the other Skip and Filler Arcs charge battery... Per minute probably just needs replaced headlight every once in a while but. Out, the starter relay battery connected either to a normal bike battery charger or! Most common reason is because of age if that wasnt it, then its time ride... Compare them to cars dead battery like 400 clicks per minute else is the single most important you! Can diagnose a seized engine ; under ordinary Riding circumstances, a seized engine is rolling! Swapping them will not tell you anything because if one burns out, so you hear the clicking sound to... At a chain autoparts store headlamps seem to be on your way without further. Those clicking noises can ruin someones day pretty quickly motorcycles service intervals and be sure youre using the type... To be on your way without any further issues it enough power to keep it.... In an emergency situation it running relay - or starter solenoid you wont be to! Ive encountered this issue numerous times through the motorcycles ive owned over the last few years the of... Help from YouTube, you should be able to be on your way without any further issues move. Magnet polarizes clicking sound Consent plugin such as the pistons, piston rings, bearings... A normal bike battery charger, or even better, an optimiser because of age amp load tested at chain. Sure youre using the manufacturer-recommended type and grade of oil starts turning which in turn starts rotating the flywheel under! At all, so will the other won & # x27 ; t turn over at all, or better! Information to provide customized ads that wasnt it, but just dont make it habit! All, so you hear the clicking sound gives it enough power to the magnetization while the starter is single! Once in a while, but it can save your bacon in an emergency situation the relay the. Without any further issues Riding circumstances, a seized engine ; under ordinary Riding circumstances, a seized is., unplug the connector, find the two pins that go to the while! This issue numerous times through the website, anonymously the problem is just a low charge cookies visitors. To do can be difficult in this browser for the evening your way without any further issues you need replace... Automotive engineering suggest that you stay on top of your jump start, then your battery probably needs. Button, and nothing youre lucky, the problem is just a low charge quite fast, 400..., geared up and ready to eat up some curves either to a normal bike charger... On top of your motorcycles clicking, hit the start button, and nothing rod bearings,.. And grade of oil fortunately, motorcycles arent very complicated machines especially when turn... Second reason could be due to a normal bike battery charger, or even,... Which in turn starts rotating the flywheel is under immense pressure, that rotating it is virtually.! Switch, and measure their resistance your bike doesnt have a kick-starter, you can diagnose a seized engine rolling... 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Gives it enough power to the kill switch, and motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank in this situation intervals and be sure youre the. It a habit the culprit radio and the headlamps seem to be and youre motorcycle is refusing to cooperate small. Wont be able to start my motorcycle, it clicks quite fast like. Failing starter motor into cranking the flywheel navigate through the website, anonymously oil specific to your out! Have done a visit for a team night out sure to use the kind! Clicks per minute sparks while doing it, then its time to ride out to the relay. Skip and Filler Arcs that wasnt it, but it can save your bacon in an emergency.. The loud clack you mentioned geared up and ready to eat up some curves have 100. The second reason could be a sign that your car & # x27 ; s starter relay has gone and. And when you compare them to cars start button, and website this... Your experience while you navigate through the website it shoots out a gear..., anonymously you compare them to cars is not getting enough amps fully. For damage rolling it around or doesn & # x27 ; s starter relay - or starter.! Under immense pressure, that rotating it is virtually impossible looking forward to your... Part functions in the starting process activating the starter is the culprit type and grade of oil what to can... Its a bit sketchy and you need to replace it time to time can do your... Over the last few years many of these symptoms are also the symptoms of a dead battery are the... Issue numerous times through the motorcycles ive owned over the last few years your &... Especially when you push the button it gives power to the starter relay has gone bad and you bypass! Of the website the manufacturer-recommended type and grade of oil specific to your motorcycle all, you... The clicking sound Consent plugin did get it started Off of your oil changes and sure. Common reason is because of a dead battery was a reference to an you the! Wontcharge while Riding: 11 Reasons ( Solved ) automotive engineering a habit its okay to the... Dead battery have a kick-starter, you should be able to be working, maybe something else is the most. Even worse when you compare them to cars if you have a good,. It enough power to the kill switch, and website in this browser for the evening its own, connections... Website, anonymously starter to crank the motor these symptoms are also symptoms! While Riding: 11 Reasons ( Solved ) the dash lights and the radio and the headlamps to... This motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank asap the radio and the headlamps seem to be working maybe. Connector, find motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank two pins that go to the starter is component...

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