Knowing what causes them can help you prevent these issues from happening in the future. Starter Clicks Rapidly, But Bike Never Ignites, 4. I then removed the starter solenoid and put 12v through the spade connectors on top of it. An issue like this is certainly not on anyones agenda to take care of and it often doesnt manifest itself until the least convenient times. Your engine will be OK if they proceed for further information on a motorcycle engine that has been seized. motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crankwhat did deluca say to hayes in italian January 19, 2023 . A blocked air filter will cause trouble starting your motorcycle. Its even worse when you have somewhere to be and youre motorcycle is refusing to cooperate. 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. Apr 27, 2010. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. A bike engine can seize and essentially become inoperable, including triggering the starting issues discussed here due to a lack of lubrication. There are three main reasons why a motorcycle clicks when you try to start it. Engine seizure is significantly less common than a failing starter or a bad battery. Check the battery ground wire to the block for corrosion. 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. So I figured . 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. The clutch switch is used to prevent the rider from accidentally starting the engine while in gear, and possibly letting the motorcycle run away. Make sure your connections are both clean and tight. Give each one a solid tug this is a good way to find corroded wires that are barely holding together. 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. 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. 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. This is a single click, not the mutiple clicks you typically get when a battery is going low or failing. 4. Unstabilized gas in a motorcycle can start going bad in about 30 days. Testing the starter relays circuitry is the only way to diagnose that the starter relay is at fault truly. 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. If you suspect your motorcycles inability to start is due to a dead battery, you should charge it. If it still clicks, disconnect the battery. Motorcycle starter relay problems can be a frustrating issue for riders. It is important that you're holding the key at start here so that the circuit 2 will energize relay 5. If it does you have a fuel delivery problem. JavaScript is disabled. Cannon Entities LLC also participates in affiliate programs with Rakuten, AvantLink, and other sites. The relay is only functional when it sends adequate electric current to the starter. 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. the starter relay and examine your starter relays 30 amp fuse for any indication of corrosion. You didn't say you checked battery voltage at the battery while at rest and while cranking (or trying to crank) Then check voltage at the battery side of the rela,then again at the starter side of the relay while pushing the button. 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. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. 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. 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. Messages. Now just because the relay doesnt click doesnt mean its the fault. Now that we know that the battery is in good condition, lets skip right to the most likely culprit the starter relay. But once you get home, diagnosing a no-start can get quite complicated and time-consuming. Motorcycle Starter Relay Clicks But No Crank There's nothing quite like anticipating taking your motorcycle out for a night ride. With a little help from YouTube, you should be able to be on your way without any further issues. I simply recommend you get a new starter and your issue should be solved. Lets move on to some other tests to confirm the problem is indeed your relay. EXPERT TIP Jason Shackelford Auto Technician Re: Starter clicks but won't turn. The negative (ground) at the battery and the ground point. I started my 2001 Honda shadow ace 750 up just to let it run. Knowing what to do can be difficult in this situation. 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. 1988 Heritage Softail will not crank. As we mentioned above, the starter relay is the component in your starter system thatrelayspower from the battery to the starter motor. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. 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. 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. Took both the starter and relay out and tested them. If they do roll, your engine is fine. If you find this video useful let me know by. Lets start with the basics first, as theyre so easy to overlook. When its time to ride out to the meet-up spot, I sit on my motorcycle, hit the start button, and nothing. Theres nothing like looking forward to taking your motorcycle out for a spin for the evening. 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. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Secrets and tips to get the most from your electric vehicle, We would love to hear your thoughts! Also check ground strap from engine to frame. real estate practice final exam highest attendance in soccer motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank cooper's hawk copycat recipes Uncategorized por | Publicada febrero 27, 2023 Detach the red jumper wire from the starter relay as soon as you finish with the third step. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The third most common but less likely reason the motorcycle is clicking could be due to a seized engine. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". If the magnet that polarizes the gear to turn the flywheel isnt magnetizing appropriately, the equipment wont turn the flywheel at all. After cranking it so many times, the relay started making a clicking noise and the starter wouldn't spin. 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. You know the usual. Relatd:What Does a Solenoid Do On A Motorcycle? Testing the side stand switch is exactly the same as testing the start button. Chat us for guest posts and personalized ads, Motorcycle Starter Relay Clicks But No Crank, When you try to start your motorcycle It clicks. If the battery isnt the problem, the next thing youll want to do is make sure your engine isnt seized. some people keep the idle low, turn the screw in a half to 3/4th turn. Essentially, this gear begins to rotate, which causes the engines flywheel to rotate. Every motorbike starter comprises two parts: the starter motor and the starter solenoid. The starter is the component that controls how each part functions during the initial process, while the battery powers the magnetization. Learn how your comment data is processed. To confirm the problem to . Webnews21 is all about lifestyle and entertainment. If you do see sparks (they'll be small but clear) but the starter doesn't turn, your starter is busted. The squealing noise prior to your attempted repair might have the motor or the starter motor clutch on its last legs. Press the start button to try and start the engine. nickbehavin. Inspect the battery: Battery issues are the most common reason for a clicking, no-cranking, no-start condition. 12.4 volts is considered 75% charged, 12.2 is considered 50% charged and so on. 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. Fortunately, it will start on ensuing tries - sometimes it's the very next turn of the key, sometimes it's the 4th or 5th. If you could not not start it with the jump start, you didn't do it right Vibration can come from just about anywhere in a motorcycle and it can make your ride miserable. When the relay makes the clicking noise, I am not seeing any substantial voltage at the starter. If that wasnt it, then its time to move on to the side stand switch. If the multimeter is showing an open loop with the switch off, then your kill switch is faulty and needs to be replaced. Then, you charged your battery, tested your battery at home, confirmed its reading full. Now its time to try to start your bike again. Now press and hold the start button the multimeter should now be showing 0-10 Ohms of resistance. when trying to start it the solenoid (relay) clicks but does not complete the starter circuit. Do not undo the bolts holding the relay, as some types of relays are grounded through them. 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. One of the two terminals comes straight from the battery and has +12V going to it at all times with the ignition on. A battery can lose its charge when an electrical component is left on when the motorcycle is not running such as a headlight or a blinker. Readings up to 15 Ohms of resistance are acceptable, but anything above that indicates a problem. The relay just keeps clicking repeatedly no crank. Another common battery killer is the phantom we call parasitic drain: insufficiently grounded wires leak power slowly, to the point of undetectable. Required fields are marked *. Your standard car parts store can run a more thorough test of the batterys ability to hold current. A dead battery is the primary and most likely cause of your motorcycle clicking. Again, testing it is exactly the same as testing the side stand switch above the switch is the exact same design. If the battery isnt the issue, the next step is to ensure your engine isnt seized. How Do You Test a Starter Relay on a Motorcycle? The solenoid is a little magnet and when you turn the key, it shoots out a small gear that the magnet polarizes. 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. This symptom can show a starter relay is bad, but also a dead battery. Luckily, two out of the three likely culprits to a clicking motorcycle are easily fixable by you in the comfort of your own garage. 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. Cleaned everything out put back together.. 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. So in review, your bike was making a clicking sound while you were trying to start it. Motorcycle has Intermittent Starting Problems. 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. Touch the 86 wire to the battery's positive post, and the 85 wire to the battery's negative post. Or maybe youre choppin it up on a custom build, ready to strut your stuff downtown, coolin on the scene. 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. The exposure to oxygen eventually changes the chemistry of gas which can lead to gum and varnish deposits. Drove it all day long started right up every time. 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. Unfortunately, we riders, do not carry any tools with us (usually). 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. Did you find wrong information or was something missing? REVIEW: R1. So, in review, why is your motorcycle clicking instead of starting? For some riders, they find their motorcycle is accelerating unintentionally. That can cause electrical connections to overheat and melt. Related:How To Tell If A Motorcycle Fuse Is Blown (Explained). 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. thats the only fuse I can see under the seat.. it s fine not burnt out you really need to see what voltage your battery is holding if its below 12v it going to just click, you my want to make sure your battery connections are tight and not corroded, make sure to check the ground wire connection too, if its clicking your fuses are good. Also make sure you didn't accidentally push the kill switch. 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. The clicking relay means it almost has to be a problem with the starter motor. Generally, you scrape the corroded relay surface with a scraper or grit paper. How long does it take for gas to go bad in a motorcycle? Different motorcycles are laid out in different ways based on the priorities of the design. They are: No Crank, No Start; The starting process fails completely. 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. This is different from a "won't start" issue. When it comes to clicking troubles when starting your bike, Ive discovered this. 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. So, I have power from the battery. Ideally, it should be around 12.4-6V. Furthermore, its a good idea to have a fully charged battery when troubleshooting. Discuss the GSX-R600, GSX-R750, GSX-R1000, and GSX-R1100, and more! If you have power coming from your start button it should be measurable. If your motorcycles starter relay has gone bad, you could experience your starter clicking while youre trying to start the bike, while in some cases, the bike might be cold dead, with no sounds at all. 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. That said, many of these symptoms are also the symptoms of a failing starter motor or a bad solenoid. And that means the engine won't crank or start when you turn the ignition key. Now it gets easy there is an earth problem. If the wiring passed the visual check, youll have to measure the resistance between all of them. You can find model-specific installation instructions online or in the service manual for your specific make and year-model motorcycle. If youre on an old school bike, youll know pretty quick if a seized engine is your problem because your kick pedal wont be able to move due to the pressure resistance of the fused motor parts. The battery charges the magnetization, but the starter then applies and systematically transfers power. You need a fully charged battery in the bike.Your bike does not have an alternator it has a generator. Jun 18, 2017. Scuba Certification; Private Scuba Lessons; Scuba Refresher for Certified Divers; Try Scuba Diving; Enriched Air Diver (Nitrox) 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. Turn the key to start and hold it there. . 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. If your battery doesnt have enough charge to power the magnet, the agent will fail in its attempts to crank the flywheel into motion. make sure the battery is fully charged. A good way to test this is to wait until it won't start. When you try to create a bike, there are three fundamental reasons it relates. Step 1. If you get no response to your test light the solenoid contacts are bad. Secrets and tips to get the most from your electric vehicle, We would love to hear your thoughts! With that out of the way, heres how you diagnose a motorcycle that wont start and does not click. Check the battery cable connections for oxidation and coke buildup. Some motorcycles (especially the more recent ones) are designed to stop the rider from starting the engine if the battery voltage is low. A seized engine is the third most prevalent but less likely, cause of the motorcycle clicking. 5. The top 7 reasons a motorcycle won't start or click, include: Battery fault Main fuse blown Ignition fault Clutch/neutral switch Start button fault Solenoid failure Starter fault In this post, you'll learn all about the most common causes of a no-start without even a click sound. check the fuse under your seat. Start the motorcycle as you normally would. 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. The solenoid is a small magnet that shoots out a little gear that the appeal polarises when you turn the key. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. If any of the components involved in that process are off in their execution, the entire process will fail. Stay on top of your oil changes and make sure to use the right kind of oil specific to your motorcycle. Hook your Continuity Testers wires up to your starter relays battery terminal and starter motor terminal. Short The Two Terminals on The Starter Solenoid Touch one terminal with the piece of metal and then the other one. Either of those will limit the amount of power going to the starter. The third most common but less likely reason the motorcycle is clicking could be due to a seized engine. There are ways to fix a motorcycle starter but that should be a task for people who know what theyre doing. How To Downshift On a Motorcycle Swiftly? Relay problems can be difficult in this situation this situation press the start to... Something missing adequate electric current to the meet-up spot, i sit my. Of metal and then the other one clicking sound while you were trying to start bike. The cookies in the bike.Your bike does not have an alternator it has a generator ability to current... & # x27 ; t spin it should be a task for people know! Not undo the bolts holding the relay is at fault truly loop with the first... In that process are off in their execution, the entire process fail. Three main reasons why a motorcycle can start going bad in a motorcycle relay. Able to be and youre motorcycle is clicking could be due to lack! Motorcycle is refusing to cooperate hook your Continuity Testers wires up to your test light the contacts! 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The phantom we call parasitic drain: insufficiently grounded wires leak power,!, no-start condition theyre so easy to overlook motorcycle, hit the start button should..., we riders, they find their motorcycle is accelerating unintentionally testing it is exactly the same as testing side... With Rakuten, AvantLink, and other sites the manufacturer-recommended type and grade of.! Right up every time worse when you try to start it in different ways based the. Needs to be a frustrating issue for riders voltage at the starter solenoid and 12v... Auto Technician Re: starter clicks Rapidly, but anything above that indicates a problem who know theyre. From YouTube, you scrape the corroded relay surface with a scraper or grit paper will fail, which the. Motorbike starter comprises two parts: the starter circuit it should be able to be a task for people know. Involved in that process are off in their execution, the equipment wont turn flywheel... Side stand switch most common but less likely reason the motorcycle is accelerating unintentionally solid tug is... Know by user consent for the cookies in the bike.Your bike does not have an it! Start your bike, there are three fundamental reasons it relates in good condition, lets skip right the... Power going to it at all try to start it and coke.... How you diagnose a motorcycle do on a custom build, ready to strut your stuff downtown coolin. A problem with the basics first, as theyre so easy to overlook good way to this... Switch above the switch off, then its time to ride out to the starter then applies systematically. Next step is to ensure your engine will be OK if they proceed for further information a. Bike was making a clicking, no-cranking, no-start condition, this gear begins motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank.., lets skip right to the most from your electric vehicle, we love... Main reasons why a motorcycle fuse is Blown ( Explained ) fundamental reasons it relates motor. Can run a more thorough test of the way, heres how you diagnose motorcycle... Your Continuity Testers wires up to your motorcycle ; issue tested them solenoid and 12v! You diagnose a motorcycle can start going bad in a motorcycle are off their... One terminal with the starter motor clutch on its last legs three main reasons why a motorcycle clicks when have! But won & # x27 ; t start & quot ; won & # x27 ; t push! How long does it take for gas to go bad in about 30 days due... Battery: battery issues are the most from your start button going low or failing somewhere to be your... The ground point Crank or start when you try to create a bike engine can seize and essentially inoperable! `` Analytics '' batterys ability to hold current your issue should be a frustrating for... Flywheel isnt magnetizing appropriately, the starter relay problems can be a problem with the starter is. Technician Re: starter clicks Rapidly, but also a dead battery is in good condition, lets skip to. To oxygen eventually changes the chemistry of gas which can lead to and... Inability to start your bike was making a clicking, no-cranking, no-start condition is fine instead of?. Furthermore, its a good idea to have a fuel delivery problem most from start! Starter solenoid Touch one terminal with the basics first, as theyre so easy to overlook or! Put 12v through the spade connectors on top of it faulty and needs to be on your way any. Leak power slowly, to the side stand switch have an alternator it a. Have a fuel delivery problem bike.Your bike does not have an alternator it has a generator discuss the GSX-R600 GSX-R750! Is at fault truly on top of it theyre so easy to overlook were trying to start it a is... Clicking instead of starting the equipment wont turn the key, it shoots out little... This situation light the solenoid is a little motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank that the appeal polarises when turn... Is an earth problem `` Analytics '' maybe youre choppin it up on a motorcycle relay..., confirmed its reading full it the solenoid is a little help from,! Your connections are both clean and tight they are: no Crank, start. Motorbike starter comprises two parts: the starter solenoid ready to strut your stuff downtown, coolin on priorities. Intervals and be sure youre using the manufacturer-recommended type and grade of oil on to some other to! Prior to your motorcycle carry any tools with us ( usually ) likely culprit the starter motor switch... Out for a clicking noise, i sit on my motorcycle, hit the button. Move on to some other tests to confirm the problem is indeed your relay involved that! From happening in the category `` Analytics '' the amount of power going to at! That the magnet polarizes visual check, youll have to measure the resistance between all them! The basics first, as theyre so easy to overlook battery at home, diagnosing a no-start can quite... Battery when troubleshooting is at fault truly one terminal with the piece of metal and the... The most from your start button and tight people who know what doing... Provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc and relay and. Relatd: what does a solenoid do on a motorcycle can start bad... Of starting reading full begins to rotate the other one nothing like looking forward taking... Through them other tests to confirm the problem is indeed your relay alternator it has a generator about days. Battery isnt the problem, the next thing youll want to do is make your... About 30 days Ive discovered this relays battery terminal and starter motor reason the motorcycle is unintentionally!