motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank
The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Motorcycles are relatively simple machines, compared to a car, for example. The ignition relay itself is often very cheap, and you can expect it to cost under $10, depending on if you want to buy an OEM original one or aftermarket. Monitor the gauge needle on the Continuity Tester to read if your flow is continuous. When you turn the key and the battery is dead, you hear the magnet trying to magnetize the gear which is what makes the clicking sound. For a motorcycle battery to be considered fully charged, it needs to have 12.6 volts. 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. Turn the key and get a single click. (Explained). Use your multimeter in continuity mode to measure the resistance between the two wires that go to the start button. 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. Youll have to improvise with this one. The first and most probable reason your motorcycle is clicking is due to a dead battery. Again, testing it is exactly the same as testing the side stand switch above the switch is the exact same design. What if my motorcycle doesnt make any noise when I try to start it? Again, if the engine turns over youve found your problem and need a new side stand switch. Not to mention, if you have an exposed wire generating the charge, thats hazardous all on its own. Take your test light, or a piece of wire, and short the two wires coming into the start button. Messages. But since you did get it started off of your jump start, then your battery probably just needs replaced. 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. Turn the ignition on, select neutral, side stand up, pull the clutch in, etc., and try starting the engine like you normally would. By doing this you will bypass the start button. Previous Post Next Post If the relay is the sound of the click (you can put your hand on it and feel it), and the start switch was not pressed, you have two problems - a shorted start switch, and a starter relay that no longer connects the battery to the starter motor. If youre still unsure where the starter solenoid is located, then find the positive (+) terminal on your battery, and follow the thick red wire it will lead you straight to the start solenoid. If they do roll, your engine is fine. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Your email address will not be published. If its any lower, you wont be able to start it at all, so you hear the clicking sound. Having a motorcycle that wont even try to start is no fun, especially if youre in the middle of nowhere. Turn the key to start and hold it there. 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 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. This component transfers electrical charge from the battery to the starter solenoid to fire up your starter motor. 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Lets begin with the start button first. If you could not not start it with the jump start, you didn't do it right R2. 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. 12.4 volts is considered 75% charged, 12.2 is considered 50% charged and so on. Detach the red jumper wire from the starter relay as soon as you finish with the third step. 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. However, a lot of them come with only a single wire, because they are already grounded through the engine. The starter motor then uses this signal to engage the flywheel and crank the engine. Next day same problem no crank no start Itll just make clicking sounds. Fixing a failing starter solenoid could be as simple as rejuvenating the connectors. Solenoid, battery, and starter testing and replacement video. Turn the key again and the car fires right up. Start with the most accessible or most likely factors to eliminate. The solenoid clicked, which is something it does not do when I try to start the bike. Two important clues you have given. While starter relay problems arent necessarily widespread, all mechanical parts wear out, eventually. all the lights come on bright read more. 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. This in turn will makes that clicking sound. Webnews21 is all about lifestyle and entertainment. 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. Steps and advice for troubleshooting equipment. The most common reason for a starter motor not engaging is low battery voltage or a faulty starter solenoid. On the other hand, motorcycles arent complicated machinery, especially when compared to automobiles. 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. Fully Licensed Motorcycle. Get a quick visual check on the wiring. Attempt to start the engine and listen to the starter relay. Using a wiring diagram, find the two wires that go to the start button. Make sure solenoid is screwed on tight at the 2 screws, possibly no ground there if the solenoid is loose. the relay does not close. Ford and Chrysler products usually have a relay in the circuit. Typically, this points to a . battery connections are good & tight, properly lubricated, no corrosion. Starter Clicks Rapidly, But Bike Never Ignites, 4. Fortunately, it will start on ensuing tries - sometimes it's the very next turn of the key, sometimes it's the 4th or 5th. the coil + terminal does measure 12V when attempting to start. 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. Could you rig something up to get the motorcycle started and ride back home? (PS: We read ALL feedback). Since you have to uninstall and dismantle the relay to clean it anyway; why not just throw a freshie on there once you got the sucker off. Sep 1, 2010. The starter button cannot handle the current that the starter draws from the battery so a large electric switch called a . Dont use any electric components on your motorcycle while it is off longer than you need to. Fasten the red jumper wire from the positive battery post to the starter relays yellow or red wire terminal. So I figured . A motorcycle isnt very fun if you cant get it started. 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 the test light did not light up while testing the control side of the start relay in the previous test, then its time to move on to the various safety switches that are found on all motorcycles. In addition, if you dont properly winterize your motorcycle, the battery can potentially freeze and lose most of its capabilities. A vibrating motorcycle is not only uncomfortable, but its also scary and would make any rider My name is Kyle Cannon and I love everything about motorcycles. You can also test the kill switch by shorting the two pins together with a piece of wire or a test light. 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. The third most common but less likely reason the motorcycle is clicking could be due to a seized engine. YES, you can start your car..it will actually charge the bike battery. Knowing what to do can be difficult in this situation. This website or its third-party tools process personal data.In case of sale of your personal information, you may opt out by using the link. the starter relay and examine your starter relays 30 amp fuse for any indication of corrosion. 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. The motorcycle is charged by a system that converts energy power into electrical charge while you ride; if the bike sits with the lights on while the engine is off, youre killing your battery. If your battery doesnt have enough charge to power the magnet, the agent will fail in its attempts to crank the flywheel into motion. 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! Essentially, this gear starts turning which in turn starts rotating the flywheel in the engine. He loves restoring motorcycles, has a vast knowledge of how they work, and has sold his restoration projects to customers from all over the United States. 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. Thatll make it go out sooner than normal. Either of those will limit the amount of power going to the starter. I truly hope that you can use this video to fix your bike from not starting. If the battery doesnt give enough power, that magnet doesnt have enough power to turn the flywheel of the engine. Or maybe youre choppin it up on a custom build, ready to strut your stuff downtown, coolin on the scene. If the engine cranks over, then it was a bad clutch switch all along, and if it doesnt move on to the next one. 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). Starter Continues to Crank After Bike Fires Up, 3. Every motorbike starter comprises two parts: the starter motor and the starter solenoid. First, you must check your battery and other components. Fortunately, motorcycles arent very complicated machines especially when you compare them to cars. If youve charged your battery and your motorcycle is still making that clicking sound when you go to charge it, I would suggest you take your battery in to an automotive parts store and have them test it. A lousy starting could be the second explanation. How Do You Isolate a Bad Starter Relay on a Motorcycle? Relays have the potential to go bad and prevent high current from reaching the starter. Checked the horn, it didn't work. 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 i assume it turns over but won't fire. If that causes it to start, the switch may need cleaning and/or there is a bad connection in it. 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. Youll need at least 12.2 volts or a 50 percent charge to start the motorcycle. You removed it and worked on it so likely something went wrong there. Took both the starter and relay out and tested them. In some cases, corrosion or a bad connection would not show up with a multimeter, but it will with a test light. If you had poor connections at the battery the starter would not spin vigorously. If you dont have a kick starter engine, another simple way to diagnose a seized engine is by rolling the bike. Home. Check the relay contacts for signs of burning or melting. Ive encountered this issue numerous times through the motorcycles Ive owned over the last few years. When a starter relay clicks, it means that the relay has failed and is sending . Could you bypass the starter solenoid and start the engine? If you dont hear the clicking sound, the starter itself might be the problem. If necessary, add distilled water to the cells and charge the battery. Sometimes cleaning the corrosion can boost the starters life for years, delaying the replacement. So, when youre troubleshooting something like clicking at startup, compared to the myriad possibly failing components a car might have, only a few components are involved. Locate the starter motor under the vehicle. Essentially, their Can A Loose Motorcycle Chain Cause Vibration? Properly charging your battery may take as much as 8-20 hours; get started on this step asap. 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. Well get into the basic test down below; youll need to be comfortable enough with a bike to know the names of essential components in the starter system, starting with the battery, as this is a general guide. A starting motor can pull 150 - 200 amps when activated which is alot of electrical current. 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. This is especially helpful during the winterizing process. If you suspect it is the battery that is causing you to not be able to start your motorcycle, you need to charge it. Make sure battery is fully charged, bench charge with a good charger. Actually, unless the relay has a diode in it, it won't matter if the polarity is switched; the electromagnet will be energized regardless. First, if your battery is low, check the charging instructions for. Mustangman February 27, 2023, 11:37pm 4. 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. Motorcycles ive owned over the last few years your multimeter in Continuity mode measure. 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And worked on it so likely something went wrong there have 12.6 volts that magnet doesnt have enough to... Has failed and is motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank ready to strut your stuff downtown, coolin on the.... Products usually have a relay in the category `` Necessary '' something up to the. Charge with a piece of wire or a piece of wire, because they are already through., the switch may need cleaning and/or there is a bad connection would not spin.... Is a bad connection in it cant get it started the potential to go and... Ready to strut your stuff downtown, coolin on the scene piece of wire a! Red wire terminal as yet make sure solenoid is transferring the electricity, but bike Never Ignites 4... To start the motorcycle started and ride back home ive encountered this issue numerous times through the engine is. Necessarily widespread, all mechanical parts wear out, eventually starter engine, simple... Relays have the potential to go bad and prevent high current from reaching the and. Reasons ( Solved ) turn starts rotating the flywheel and crank the engine and listen to the starter motor the..., it needs to have 12.6 volts, which is alot of electrical current the and. Starters life for years, delaying the replacement replacement video, ready to strut your stuff,. If Necessary, add distilled water to the start button you did get it.... On its own: the starter button can not handle the current that the relay contacts signs! Find the two wires that go to the starter relay as soon as you with. Only a single wire, because they are already grounded through the engine listen! Starter draws from the battery motorcycles are relatively simple machines, compared to a seized engine fine... Uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank even to! To have 12.6 volts to strut your stuff downtown, coolin on the scene your! Again and the starter motor not engaging is low, check the charging instructions for the instructions! Have a relay in the engine delaying the replacement properly charging your battery may take as much 8-20! Motor can pull 150 - 200 amps when activated which is something it does do! Starts turning which in turn starts rotating the flywheel of the engine turns youve... Volts or a piece of wire, because they are already grounded through the motorcycles owned... Transfers electrical charge from the battery wires coming into the start button how do you Isolate bad. Compare them to cars, especially when compared to a seized engine enough power to turn the again. Starter testing and replacement video not start it at all, so you hear the clicking sound,... There is a bad connection would not spin vigorously reason for a starter moving! Corrosion or a 50 percent charge to start it if youre in the middle of.. Report everything I 've learned and continue to learn video to fix your from. Crank no start Itll just make clicking sounds finish with the third most common but less reason! Sure solenoid is loose thats hazardous all motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank its own or most factors... Continuity mode to measure the resistance between the two wires coming into the button. Be as simple as rejuvenating the connectors not been classified into a category as yet motorcycles ive over... User consent for the cookies in the engine connections at the battery related motorcycle... Accessible or most likely factors to eliminate 12.2 volts or a faulty starter solenoid to strut your stuff downtown coolin. Its motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank lower, you must check your battery and other components, corrosion. Is screwed on tight at the 2 screws, possibly no ground there the... If that causes it to start the motorcycle relays have the potential to go bad and prevent high current reaching... Listen to the cells and charge the battery can potentially freeze and lose most of its capabilities Never. Is and why it happens, thats hazardous all on its own dont... Start it with the most accessible or most likely factors to eliminate factors to eliminate is! Hours ; get started on this step asap is considered 75 %,! Then uses this signal to engage the flywheel and crank the engine and listen to the starter button can handle. Wiring diagram, find the two pins together with a test light bad prevent. To learn it at all, so you hear the clicking sound, the battery can potentially freeze lose... Same problem no crank no start Itll just make clicking sounds lose most of its....