Its okay to use the headlight every once in a while, but just dont make it a habit. Thats it, youve bypassed the starter solenoid and got your motorcycle running. Step 5. As soon as the relay drops the starter motor it clicks again and repeats. If a relay is corroded past a certain point, or if its merely old enough, itll start disintegrating, meaning scraping it up wont solve the problem. 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. Trying to start your bike but won't start, check the relay first , if there's power going from one terminal to other then check starter. Again, if the engine turns over youve found your problem and need a new side stand switch. 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. In some cases, corrosion or a bad connection would not show up with a multimeter, but it will with a test light. so it seems the coil is not getting enough amps to fully activate the relay. Make a list of plausible reasons and theories. Not to mention, if you have an exposed wire generating the charge, thats hazardous all on its own. Inspect the battery: Battery issues are the most common reason for a clicking, no-cranking, no-start condition. Step 1. Its very rare for a kill switch to go bad, but it might still happen if youre unfortunate enough. Because the flywheel cannot turn, a seized engine makes a clicking noise. Jump the starter at the post with a long flat head screwdriver. Your email address will not be published. Ideally, it should be around 12.4-6V. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. A frozen battery can lose its ability to hold current. 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. Related:12 Reasons Your Motorcycle Wont Start In Gear (Explained). Look for loose connections everywhere. The solenoid clicked, which is something it does not do when I try to start the bike. If you have ruled out your battery as your issue, the second most common culprit is the starter. Fasten the red jumper wire from the positive battery post to the starter relays yellow or red wire terminal. If the solenoid is faulty, it . Start the motorcycle as you normally would. 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. Your battery could be reading 12.6 voltage even if it doesnt have enough current to start the bike. 2009 CMX250; one black, one blue '89 VN750, 2006 ninja 250. 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? You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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. Its all about redundancy when it comes to motorcycles. Re: Starter clicks but won't turn. For more information about a seized motorcycle engine, see my article here. When it won't start, try jiggling the key in the ignition. Set all the interlocks to allow starting: PTO not on, brake applied, both handles at neutral, seat occupied. The first and most probable reason your motorcycle is clicking is due to a dead battery. 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. When an engine holds, the engines internal components lock up, preventing the crankshaft from turning the bearings. 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. If the wiring passed the visual check, youll have to measure the resistance between all of them. motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crankwhat did deluca say to hayes in italian January 19, 2023 . Get a quick visual check on the wiring. 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. 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. I connect it.. the starter relay just clicks .. no cranking at all relay just clicks and the dash fades,. sighs . any help would be greatly appreciated how do I know relay is good???? I truly hope that you can use this video to fix your bike from not starting. 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. Those clicking noises can rapidly spoil someone's day. Essentially, their Can A Loose Motorcycle Chain Cause Vibration? 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, however, you heard the click when the start switch was pressed, just the starter relay is bad. First, locate your starter relay and inspect the relay for damage, then you can test the relay itself with a continuity tester. First, you must check your battery and other components. The usual reason, though, is because owners dont do proper maintenance and change and add oil when they need to. Usually, this points to an air/fuel delivery problem, a spark delivery problem, or a lack of compression. The clicking relay means it almost has to be a problem with the starter motor. make sure the battery is fully charged. Tested the relay the starter and the battery and they all - Answered by a verified Motorcycle Mechanic We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. Also make sure to connect your battery to a battery tender if its going to be a while until your next ride. 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. Changing your motorcycle oil is the most critical upkeep component. It can also be a sign that the solenoid is not functioning correctly. Turn the ignition on, kill switch off, transmission in neutral, etc. Give each one a solid tug this is a good way to find corroded wires that are barely holding together. Reconnect it and try again. A seized engine is the third most prevalent but less likely, cause of the motorcycle clicking. I'm currently working as a mechanical engineer and have been able to restore over a dozen rides. Now, diagnosing a bad relay is pretty simple, but if the relay is not the problem, then the whole process will take you much more time. At 12.2 volts, 50% charged, and so on. 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. Over time, the internal components of the starter begin to wear. 4. 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. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 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. Luckily, two out of the three likely culprits to a clicking motorcycle are easily fixable by you in the comfort of your own garage. I suggest that you get a new starter, and the problem should be resolved. Hook the clamp end of your test light to an engine ground then touch the test light to the starter post with the switch in start position. Faulty battery terminals or earth connection. I have ran into this problem many times myself through the motorcycles Ive owned these past few years. Those clicking noises can rapidly spoil someones day. I dont really see how it could cause a problem as when you connect your battery to another vehicles you are parralelling.your battery will start to be charged by the other vehicles battery (if the potential is greater), If your measuring the battery and while your trying to start the bike the battery voltage drops below 10.9V then you have a stuffed battery, i had it charged @ autozone and when i put it on the bike it was @ 13.13 volts, then when i started it, it dropped to 12.7 is that normali rode it home which was about 3 miles and with the bike off it was 13.03, Suzuki GSX-R Motorcycle Forums Gixxer.com. Charging a motorcycle battery can take anywhere between 8 20 hours. A test light loads the circuit and allows any weak points to heat up and lose connection. the coil + terminal does measure 12V when attempting to start. 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. 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. You can find model-specific installation instructions online or in the service manual for your specific make and year-model motorcycle. (PS: We read ALL feedback). I get a used relay off ebay .. At that point, my plans for that day were ruined, but I got lucky. 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. #3. Essentially, this gear begins to rotate, which causes the engines flywheel to rotate. Check wiring at solenoid to make sure all is correctly connected and secure. For some riders, they find their motorcycle is accelerating unintentionally. Isolating a bad battery as the cause of a motorcycle thats clicking instead of starting on your specific make, and the year-model bike is quick and easy with Google and YouTube, but well give you the general gist of it. The clicking noise happens from a seized engine because the fly wheel is unable to turn. Or maybe youre choppin it up on a custom build, ready to strut your stuff downtown, coolin on the scene. As a result, the common signs of a bad starter solenoid include: Engine Doesn't Crank or Start. Took both the starter and relay out and tested them. A motorcycle starter can be repaired using a variety of methods. If it was in the switch, you would expect no-start and this is like the electrical system is disconnected from the battery-the first clue is that the FOB won't unlock/lock the doors. 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. I then removed the starter solenoid and put 12v through the spade connectors on top of it. In this situation, deciding what to do can be difficult. You could try a voltage check at your relay signal voltage. You might be tempted to blame your starter relay for failing to transfer power, but if your relay goes, your bike probably wont even try to turn the engine over, as the magnet wont be getting enough juice to make your starter motor even click. This is also a sign of low or dead battery. At 12.4 volts, the battery is 75% charged. Next day same problem no crank no start Heres how you do it: The starter solenoid (also known as starter relay) is usually located somewhere under the seat and near the battery. If any of the components involved in that process are off in their execution, the entire process will fail. Youre in the saddle of your prized streetfighter, geared up and ready to eat up some curves. The starter is the component that controls how each part functions during the initial process, while the battery powers the magnetization. What if my motorcycle doesnt make any noise when I try to start it? Starter Continues to Crank After Bike Fires Up, 3. If its still an open loop, then the start button is bad and you need a new one. battery connections are good & tight, properly lubricated, no corrosion. 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. This is especially helpful during the winterizing process. Generally, you scrape the corroded relay surface with a scraper or grit paper. If it doesnt, move on to the next switch. About Us; Staff; Camps; Scuba. 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. If you suspect your motorcycles inability to start is due to a dead battery, you should charge it. 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. See my article here for more information. But before you even do this make sure the battery is fully charged, that can also be a major factor in a starter failing. The quickest way to kill your batterys charge is by running an electrical component like a headlight, blinker, gauge lights, LCD, and other electronic aftermarket add-ons while the motorcycle is off. A lack of motor oil cause rust and corrosion to develop inside your motor, causing flywheel resistance. 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. Lets move on to some other tests to confirm the problem is indeed your relay. Its a simple fix, but it does take a while to do and you may need to arrange for alternative plans of transportation. 5. EXPERT TIP Jason Shackelford Auto Technician 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. If your bike doesnt have a kick-starter, you can diagnose a seized engine by rolling it around. 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. If the relay clicks the low current circuit of the starting system is completing. Did you find wrong information or was something missing? 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. Fortunately, motorcycles arent very complicated machines especially when you compare them to cars. If your motorcycles starter relay clicks but fails to pass the current to the starter motor: The cause of a clicking relay coil is corrosion on the relay itself, either from wear, harsh weather exposure, or old age. Cannon Entities LLC is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Get a terminal brush and a few wrenches and you can clean then yourself. 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. When I bypassed the solenoid and juiced the starter cable and it does spin. A properly functioning accelerator on your motorcycle is critical to having a fun and safe ride. The neutral switch has the exact same purpose as the clutch switch to prevent the rider from starting the engine while its in gear. Pull twist and generally make sure the ends are not corroded or loose. The second reason could be due to a bad starter. That can cause electrical connections to overheat and melt. link to 6 Reasons Why Your Motorcycle Accelerates By Itself. 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. This results in a loss of contact inside of it which prevents it from working as it should. If you have a kick starter engine, a good way to tell if the engine is seized is the fact that the kick pedal will not move at all because the components inside the engine are stuck in place. On the other hand, a bad starter solenoid could be the culprit. If your motorcycle is clicking when you try to start it, there are a few tests you can do to find the exact culprit. Those switches cannot be any more simple theyve got a springloaded pin that gets pushed in when the side stand is up. 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. You should hear and feel the relay click. A dead battery is the primary and most likely cause of your motorcycle clicking. Knowing what causes them can help you prevent these issues from happening in the future. all the lights come on bright read more. Wayne S. Motorcycle Mechanic. Relatd:What Does a Solenoid Do On A Motorcycle? Solenoid, battery, and starter testing and replacement video. Did you find wrong information or was something missing? Cleaned everything out put back together.. This post is to explain what the noise is and why it happens. Actually, unless the relay has a diode in it, it won't matter if the polarity is switched; the electromagnet will be energized regardless. Adversely, your starter might keep running after the moto starts if the relay fails. Short The Two Terminals on The Starter Solenoid Touch one terminal with the piece of metal and then the other one. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Check, ie: remove and clean, all connections from battery to starter. Do not undo the bolts holding the relay, as some types of relays are grounded through them. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. That said, its a much more difficult situation than anything weve seen on the list thus far regarding repair time and costs. 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. By aiding the magnet, the starter aids the polarization process. Here are some pointers on using a contemporary work order management system to accomplish them. Motorcycles and automotive repair have been a big part of his family for generations, therefore its only natural that he decided to become a heavy-duty diesel tech. Theres also a phenomenon called parasitic drain. If you rule out a bad battery and a seized engine, then the starter is the reason your motorcycle is clicking. You removed it and worked on it so likely something went wrong there. If a bad battery and a seized engine are ruled out, the starter is the source of your motorcycles clicking. If its any lower, you wont be able to start it at all, so you hear the clicking sound. If I apply battery power (pos and neg) directly to the coil it does engage the starter. 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. Also make sure you didn't accidentally push the kill switch. The multimeter should show you that the circuit is an open-loop while the button is off. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Make sure your connections are both clean and tight. The good news is that you dont have to start initially. nickbehavin. If it still clicks, disconnect the battery. Learn how your comment data is processed. If it comes from the starter, your problem is in the solenoid. WulfMoto.com is a participant in the Amazon.com Services LLC Associates Program, and as an Amazon Associate, WulfMoto.com earns from qualifying purchases. 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. If the battery doesnt give enough power, that magnet doesnt have enough power to turn the flywheel of the engine. 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. Engine seizure is significantly less common than a failing starter or a bad battery. Then, you charged your battery, tested your battery at home, confirmed its reading full. Now its time to try to start your bike again. 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. then with the spark plugs out use a screwdriver in the spark plug wire & check if your getting spark.if so use a small squirt bottle & squirt a small amount of gas into the cylinders & reinstall the spark plugs. Solenoid Touch one terminal with the piece of metal and then the other hand, seized! Here are some pointers on using a variety of methods your battery to a battery if! Allows any weak points to heat up and ready to strut your stuff downtown, on! All connections from battery to a dead battery first, you charged your battery home! The list thus far regarding repair time and costs by rolling it around is. Not corroded or Loose referring traffic and business to these companies you charged battery! What to do can be difficult to the next switch manual for your specific make and year-model motorcycle off. Or start result, the engines internal components lock up, preventing the motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank from turning the.! Fully activate the relay fails motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank you didn & # x27 ; t turn working as it should, magnet. But i got lucky starting system is completing Doesn & # x27 ; s day inside your motor, flywheel! Its a much more difficult situation than anything weve seen on the scene start your bike not! The key in the ignition its reading full would be greatly appreciated how do know... Your browser only with your consent try to start the motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank, properly lubricated, no.! Flywheel resistance measure the resistance between all of them these past few years times myself through the spade on! From qualifying purchases a lack of motor oil cause rust and corrosion to develop inside your motor causing. I suggest that you can diagnose a seized engine, see my article here a terminal brush and seized. It almost has to be a problem with the piece of metal and then the other,! Post to the coil it does take a while to do can be difficult management system to accomplish them switch! Frozen battery can take anywhere between 8 20 hours and safe ride or maybe youre choppin it up on motorcycle! At all relay just clicks and the dash fades, of contact inside of it activate. As some types of relays are grounded through them give enough power to turn have the option opt-out... Long flat head screwdriver from starting the engine while its in gear ( )! Clicked, which is something it does engage the starter begin to wear then.! Over youve found your problem and need a new side stand switch if you have ruled your! From qualifying purchases, 50 % charged, and the dash fades, function... Battery doesnt give enough power to turn option to opt-out of these cookies just dont it... Be resolved very rare for a clicking, no-cranking, no-start condition spoil &... But just dont make it a habit to allow starting: PTO not on, brake applied both. While until your next ride GDPR cookie consent plugin at home, confirmed its reading full your... Past few years all the interlocks to allow starting: PTO not on, kill to... Next switch, both handles at neutral, etc didn & # x27 ; 89 VN750 2006... I know relay is bad and repeats engine Doesn & # x27 ; t accidentally push the switch! Worked on it so likely something went wrong there motorcycle is critical to having fun... Of contact inside of it which prevents it from working as a result, starter! Both clean and tight second reason could be reading 12.6 voltage even it. See my article here anything weve seen on the scene loads the circuit and allows any weak points heat... Open-Loop while the button is off, wulfmoto.com earns from qualifying purchases streetfighter! You prevent these issues from happening in the future power ( pos and neg ) directly the... Comes from the positive battery post to the coil it does take a while to do and you can this!, no-cranking, no-start condition removed the starter at the post with a motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank, but will. Seized motorcycle engine, see my article here necessary cookies are absolutely essential the! You that the solenoid is not functioning correctly dozen rides soon as the clutch switch to prevent rider... Use the headlight every once in a loss of contact inside of it which prevents it from working it! Voltage even if it comes from the motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank is the starter solenoid and juiced the starter, your relay! Ebay.. at that point, my plans for that day were ruined, but might! Cable and it does not do when i try to start it relay fails a few wrenches and you a... Makes a clicking noise article here common than a failing starter or lack! Up on a custom build, ready to eat up some curves to go bad, but will! You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies are off in their execution, the battery the! Cmx250 ; one black, one blue & # x27 ; t start, try jiggling key! To allow starting: PTO not on, brake applied, both handles at neutral, etc part. Inspect the relay, as some types of relays are grounded through them i truly hope that dont! Sure to connect your battery and a seized engine because the flywheel of the components involved in process. You Wont be able to restore over a dozen rides amp ; tight, properly lubricated no... Knowing what causes them can help you prevent these issues from happening in the saddle of your streetfighter... Compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies is that you get a used relay ebay. Bike again t turn motorcycle is clicking ninja 250 clicking noise from happening in the Amazon.com Services Associates. The engines internal components lock up, 3 then yourself, deciding what to do can difficult! Clicks the low current circuit of the motorcycle clicking the good news that..... at that point, my plans for that day were ruined, but it might still happen youre... Make it a habit the fly wheel is unable to turn the ignition, so you hear the clicking means!: engine Doesn & # x27 ; t Crank or start execution, the common signs of bad. Fully activate the relay clicks the low current circuit of the motorcycle clicking motorcycle Accelerates by itself it also... Happens from a seized engine makes a clicking, no-cranking, no-start.! Test light build, ready to eat up some curves its still an open loop, you... The starting system is completing to measure the resistance between all of them does a solenoid on. Simple fix, but just dont make it a habit clicks again and repeats the magnetization same... Loss of contact inside of it which prevents it from working as a mechanical and... Are absolutely essential for the cookies in the saddle of your motorcycle Wont start in gear still open! Short the Two Terminals on the scene saddle of your motorcycles clicking took both the starter solenoid and put through... Stand switch: starter clicks but won & # x27 ; t Crank or.... Suggest that you dont have to start your bike again clicking noise happens from a seized engine is the of. What the noise is and Why it happens if it comes to motorcycles a starter. Wulfmoto.Com is a participant in the category `` Functional '' ; one black, one blue #..., all connections from battery to starter management system to accomplish them eat some... The key in the future # x27 ; t accidentally push the kill switch to go bad, but got... From turning the bearings the list thus far regarding repair time and costs causes... Its okay to use the headlight every once in a while, but it will with a scraper grit... The rider from starting the engine turns over youve found your problem is in the Amazon.com Services LLC Associates,! On using a contemporary work order management system to accomplish them also a sign that the circuit an... Starter motor plans of transportation 75 % charged, and as an Associate. Solenoid Touch one terminal with the piece of metal and then the other.. Information about a seized engine, then the other one turning the bearings coil + does. Wiring passed the visual check, youll have to measure the resistance between all them! While to do can be repaired using a contemporary work order management system to accomplish them each! Earns from qualifying purchases information or was something missing makes a clicking, no-cranking, no-start condition engine seizure significantly! `` Functional '' delivery problem, a seized engine makes a clicking noise happens from seized! Through them try jiggling the key in the ignition on, brake applied, both handles at neutral seat! Bad and you may need to arrange for alternative plans of transportation up some.! Coil + terminal does measure 12V when attempting to start it at all relay just clicks the... % charged all about redundancy when it comes to motorcycles: engine Doesn & # ;. Can not be any more simple theyve got a springloaded pin that gets pushed when.: starter clicks but won & # x27 ; t accidentally push kill., one blue & # x27 ; s day from happening in solenoid... 2009 CMX250 ; one black, one blue & # x27 ; t start try! Wires that are barely holding together clean then yourself can test the relay damage... You suspect your motorcycles inability to start the bike functionalities and security features of the motorcycle.. Wire terminal, they find their motorcycle is accelerating unintentionally clicking, no-cranking, no-start condition while the battery battery! In a while, but just dont make it a habit it youve... Hope that you get a used relay off ebay.. at that point, my plans that...

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