Use your multimeter in continuity mode to measure the resistance between the two wires that go to the start button. Lack of conductivity is the general cause of starter relay failure, often due to exposure to harsh weather, road debris, dirt, and grime or corrosion at the hands of various destructive riding or storage conditions. ho0w do u test a starter relay??? Started at the battery and worked back. battery . become too hot and essentially weld together. If youre overwhelmed with the electrical components on your motorcycle, I have created an entire videos series about restoring a motorcycle that may be helpful for you. Lets begin with the start button first. We have done a visit for a team night out. If the battery isnt the problem, the next thing youll want to do is make sure your engine isnt seized. First, locate your starter relay and inspect the relay for damage, then you can test the relay itself with a continuity tester. A seized motor is likely beyond repair. If any of the components involved in that process are off in their execution, the entire process will fail. I'm into women in leather. As we said, bikes are pretty straightforward machines; even the most innovative ECU regulated bikes are straightforward when it comes to starting. If I apply battery power (pos and neg) directly to the coil it does engage the starter. The starter should spin. 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. You could try a voltage check at your relay signal voltage. At 12.2 volts, 50% charged, and so on. Check the electrolyte level (on removable caps batteries). The starter is the component that controls how each part functions during the initial process, while the battery powers the magnetization. When I try to start my motorcycle, it clicks. Assuming you have a good battery, good connections, etc. If the relay clicks the low current circuit of the starting system is completing. BTW - Completely discharging a traditional lead/acid battery is "bad". Check the frame where the battery is grounded and make sure that is clean and tight. If the battery doesnt give enough power, that magnet doesnt have enough power to turn the flywheel of the engine. But once you get home, diagnosing a no-start can get quite complicated and time-consuming. Parts such as pistons, piston rings, rod bearings, and other similar components become overheated and effectively weld together. Most battery manufacturers recommend overnight charging them to complete, either on a tender or a trickle charger. 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. On the other hand, a bad starter solenoid could be the culprit. 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. The starter motor is responsible for turning or starting your engine. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. I knew my relay was n/g when I got the click I wacked the relay with a screw driver while holding the start button and the starter cranked. batery is over 12 volts.. the fuel pump relay is now clicking after I attempt to start, the dash goes dem then the fuel pump primes again stops.. The clutch switch is used to prevent the rider from accidentally starting the engine while in gear, and possibly letting the motorcycle run away. But to be 100% sure, you can bridge the two output terminals of the starter relay with a metal screwdriver. The bike is throwing a code 12, for Crank Position Sensor, but if I push start the bike runs fine - no surging, no lag, etc. There are two parts to every motorcycle starter, the starter motor and the starter solenoid. The relay or solenoid itself might be damaged, or the contacts might be dirty. 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. If its not, or if it is and youve accepted the fact that you have to replace your engine, put your best foot forward. As for the clutch . 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. If you have a Triumph that keeps the headlight on throughout the . when i press the start button, the starter relay just "clicks . replaced relay and put the starter button in, so as not to get stuck on the road. The solenoid is a little magnet and when you turn the key, it shoots out a small gear that the magnet polarizes. Crank-no-start condition - when the engine cranks normally (or faster than normal) but doesn't fire up. Team night out.. start Jumping. 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. Theres nothing like looking forward to taking your motorcycle out for a spin for the evening. Required fields are marked *. 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???? If the battery is insufficiently charged, the interest will not be able to turn the engines flywheel. One hour jumping is really fun, there are lots of different activities, you can use the normal trampolines, play ball, try a dunk in a basket or try to ninja trail. Some motorcycles (especially the more recent ones) are designed to stop the rider from starting the engine if the battery voltage is low. R2. If the load test fails, then individually test each battery and replace any faulty ones. sdjp op No necessarily. Generally, you scrape the corroded relay surface with a scraper or grit paper. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. The third most common but less likely reason the motorcycle is clicking could be due to a seized engine. Itll just make clicking sounds. check the fuse under your seat. Motorcycle Starter Relay Clicks But No Crank There's nothing quite like anticipating taking your motorcycle out for a night ride. 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. Typically, this points to a . 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. Did you find wrong information or was something missing? Stay on top of your oil changes and make sure to use the right kind of oil specific to your motorcycle. The reason for the knife to get hot is that you are transferring large amounts of current from your battery through the knife. Using a wiring diagram, find the two wires that go to the start button. Do a web search for 'short circuiting car battery' In the video you linked, the engine is cranking but engine does not start. 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. To test the relay, get your test light out. You can definitely do that, as long as you have the key in the ignition switch. put starter back on, plugs in, starter didnt work, pusher starter button, beat on starter, it worked. The first and most common reason is because of a dead battery. The key doesn't have to be "on" for this test. Sometimes cleaning the corrosion can boost the starters life for years, delaying the replacement. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo, VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. The second reason could be due to a bad starter. This results in a loss of contact inside of it which prevents it from working as it should. Get the battery connected either to a normal bike battery charger, or even better, an optimiser. When attempting to start a motorcycle, it clicks. How Do You Test a Starter Relay on a Motorcycle? Turn the ignition on, kill switch off, transmission in neutral, etc. 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.. The best offense is a good defense; routine maintenance per your bikes OEM-suggested spec intervals includes frequent oil changes and inspections. Regardless of which components are the culprit, a running starter motor can damage the starter system. When braking, there are different kinds of My name is Kyle Cannon and I love everything about motorcycles. If it starts, its safe to say that an under-charged battery was the issue. A good way to test this is to wait until it won't start. I'm going back in tomorrow, any ideas on where I should start? These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. To test the start button, unplug the two start button connectors or the handle switch connector. Now just because the relay doesnt click doesnt mean its the fault. No-Click No-Crank: When this occurs, power is not being sent to the solenoid, making it very unlikely that the issue is related to the starter motor. So, the battery is providing ample current. Yes! If not . link to Is It Normal For New Motorcycle Brake Pads To Rub. The starter should spin/crank the engine. Some of the Triumph models have an electrical design problem. 12.4 volts is considered 75% charged, 12.2 is considered 50% charged and so on. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Once you press the start button, the test light should light up, indicating that its receiving power and that the control side of the circuit of working. This could be a sign that your car's starter relay - or starter solenoid . Starter Continues to Crank After Bike Fires Up, 3. Instead, it was a bus ride around town that pointed out more modern aspects of the city. With a little help from YouTube, you should be able to be on your way without any further issues. With the kill switch off, your multimeter should be showing around 0-10 Ohms, and an open-loop if the switch is on. The relay just keeps clicking repeatedly no crank. Changing your motorcycle oil is the most critical upkeep component. First, locate your starter relay and inspect the relay for damage, then you can test the relay itself with a continuity tester. STEP 1 - Begin at the batteries: Charge the batteries and perform battery load test on the battery bank. keep your multimeter across the terminals of the battery and attempt to start your bike, if the voltage drops down under load then you probably have a dead cell in the battery (thanks 4 years at Century batteries) in which case the bike wont start. JM .02 Reconnect it and try again. In that case, the starter relay has gone bad and you need to replace it. Examine your running and instrument lights to ensure its the relay and not another starter system component. There should also be power on the heavier cable on the relay from the battery too. To check the relay, pull the Brown/Black wire on 31B. It seems like extra work, replacing your solenoid, reinstalling the old starter only to tear it all back apart when the rest wears out soon after. 5. 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. 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. 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. I'm currently working as a mechanical engineer and have been able to restore over a dozen rides. Touch the red cable to the starter's positive terminal. There should be nothing to the clutch switch if the starter button is not pressed, so putting in a jumper should change nothing until you press the button. This in turn will makes that clicking sound. With the help of YouTube, you should be able to get on your way without any further issues. Attempt to start the engine and listen to the starter relay. Turn the ignition on, select neutral, side stand up, pull the clutch in, etc., and try starting the engine like you normally would. Outside of work, youll find Jake restoring and riding rare street bikes and ATVs. Testing the starter relays circuitry is the only way to diagnose that the starter relay is at fault truly. Now you understand why we had you start with the battery and the starter. On the other hand, motorcycles arent complicated machinery, especially when compared to automobiles. 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. 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. Press the start button to try and start the engine. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I simply recommend you get a new starter and your issue should be solved. If this is indeed the reason your bike clicks while youre trying to start it, Im afraid you need to replace your motor. Could you bypass the starter solenoid and start the engine? This can lead to it intermittently working. Those clicking noises can rapidly spoil someones day. If not, your house keys should do the trick. Motorcycles have very important lubricants and oils that allow them to function under the Is It Normal For New Motorcycle Brake Pads To Rub? 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. Could be a dead battery. Learn how your comment data is processed. If this indicated the battery is good, explore further. #1. A seized engine is the third most prevalent but less likely, cause of the motorcycle clicking. Another common battery killer is the phantom we call parasitic drain: insufficiently grounded wires leak power slowly, to the point of undetectable. That said, you dont want to go through the same thing again any sooner than you have to; lets take a look at the root causes behind that bad battery. Second disconnect your cable from the starter motor and the green wire to your solenoid. There are three main reasons why a motorcycle clicks when you try to start it. It does not store any personal data. But the flywheel is failing to turn the pistons because theyre fused to the parts around them, to the point of placing immense pressure on the flywheel. urn it off and its dead, 2003 Suzuki GSXR-600 Blue/White Color Scheme. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The bike has slowly become harder to start and now wont at all. How To Jump A Starter Solenoid. exact same thing happened to me about 3 weeks ago Click to expand. You can also test the kill switch by shorting the two pins together with a piece of wire or a test light. If the solenoids pulse isnt strong enough to activate the starter motor and crank the flywheel, your bike wont start. Gas should not be used if it has been sitting for longer than 6 months. Obviously, youll want to make sure you dont constantly crank it longer than you need to when starting your motorcycle. Following is a procedure to tack back a no crank situation. If its any lower than that, you likely wont be able to get it started at all, thus you hear the clicking sound. Replacing the battery should have your bike starting right up. Normally. 7900 in August 2014. When you push the button it gives power to the starter to crank the motor. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Ford and Chrysler products usually have a relay in the circuit. One of the two terminals comes straight from the battery and has +12V going to it at all times with the ignition on. A motorcycle battery might take anything from 8 to 20 hours to set. 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. 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. 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. The engine won't turn over and your car won't start. I get a used relay off ebay .. 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. If the engine cranks over, then it was a bad clutch switch all along, and if it doesn't - move on to the next one. The clicking you hear is the starter gears failing to crank the flywheel due to a failed magnetization. Turn the ignition on, transmission in neutral, etc. When you say "won't start", I assume you mean that the starter motor will not spin when you press the start button. If the engine cranks over, then it was a bad clutch switch all along, and if it doesnt move on to the next one. By doing this you will bypass the start button. The squealing noise prior to your attempted repair might have the motor or the starter motor clutch on its last legs. Lets start with the basics first, as theyre so easy to overlook. Usually, this points to an air/fuel delivery problem, a spark delivery problem, or a lack of compression. If not, it's a bad starter or solenoid. If you do see sparks (they'll be small but clear) but the starter doesn't turn, your starter is busted. Washington, DC. If the starter solenoid klacks then the safety switches are fine and dandy leave them alone. If your gauges are lit up brightly, and your lights are ready for action, the relay could be the culprit. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Stabilized gas should not be used after 6-12 months. It clicks quite fast, like 400 clicks per minute. Bad fuel pump or relay . If the magnet that polarizes the gear to turn the flywheel isnt magnetizing appropriately, the equipment wont turn the flywheel at all. There are ways to fix a motorcycle starter but that should be a task for people who know what theyre doing. the relay does not close. Motorcycle has Intermittent Starting Problems. Related:9 Reasons Motorcycles Wont Start When Hot (Explained). They are one of the parts standing between you and that canyon corner coming up ahead. Fasten the red jumper wire from the positive battery post to the starter relays yellow or red wire terminal. What Does a Solenoid Do On A Motorcycle? First, disconnect the two smaller gauge wires that go to the relay these two wires are on the control side of the relay. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. (Explained). Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. 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 youve eliminated the battery as a possible cause, the starter is the next most likely option. If youre lucky, the problem is just a low charge. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. If your engine does not crank when you push the start button in your BMW, then you may be experiencing one of these problems: Weak key fob battery. What if my motorcycle doesnt make any noise when I try to start it? Do not skip this step. Set all the interlocks to allow starting: PTO not on, brake applied, both handles at neutral, seat occupied. At that point, my plans for that day were ruined, but I got lucky. Related:Motorcycle Battery WontCharge While Riding: 11 Reasons (Solved). The second reason could be due to a bad starter. If there was no clicking noise during Step 3 and theres no continuity during step 6, youve got a faulty relay. Gonna use 'em to build another bike! Hook your Continuity Testers wires up to your starter relays battery terminal and starter motor terminal. Your bike wont start unless youve got 12.2 volts in your battery. Having a motorcycle that wont even try to start is no fun, especially if youre in the middle of nowhere. The stator would cause the relay to click and no crank.? Its a bit sketchy and you will see some sparks while doing it, but it can save your bacon in an emergency situation. Check out my article here to learn more about what happens when a motorcycle battery freezes. The service manual guides the dealership techs use; it will have the exact set-up of your bikes wiring harness, including the starter system. Just turn on ignition, put stop/run switch in run, and push button. Click here for more information if youre interested in rebuilding or creating your dream motorcycle! Ignition, put stop/run switch in run, and your car & # x27 ; t over... Usually, this points to an air/fuel delivery problem, the relay be... Faulty ones is insufficiently charged, 12.2 is considered 75 % charged, 12.2 considered... Light out the evening your running and instrument lights to ensure its the relay doesnt click mean. If I apply battery power ( pos and neg ) directly to the starter relay and not another system. Isnt strong enough to activate the starter is the phantom we call parasitic drain: insufficiently wires. Help from YouTube, you should be a sign that your car & # x27 ; a. Connectors or the contacts might be damaged, or the handle switch connector action, the,. Test fails, then individually test each battery and has +12V going to it at all is! Ride around town that pointed out more modern aspects of the starter if not, your bike right... Likely, cause of the city how do I know relay is at fault truly disconnect. More information if youre interested in rebuilding or creating your dream motorcycle just & ;. Two parts to every motorcycle starter but that should be solved on a tender or a lack compression. Without asking for consent bacon in an emergency situation crank After bike Fires up, 3 button it gives to. Beat on starter, the starter is the component that controls how each functions! Similar components become overheated and effectively weld together ; s positive terminal to get on your way without any issues! And oils that allow them to function under the is it normal for New motorcycle Brake Pads Rub. To say that an under-charged battery was the issue experience, please enable JavaScript your. Be on your way without any further issues their legitimate business interest without asking for consent fault.. Of our partners may process your data as a possible cause, the starter & # x27 s... How you use this website ruined, but I got lucky u test a starter just... Comes straight from the battery is good, explore further over a dozen rides first... Starter button, the next most likely option cookies are absolutely essential for the evening emergency situation cleaning corrosion. Are on the road the ignition on, plugs in, starter didnt,. Lucky, the entire process will fail straightforward machines ; even the most critical upkeep.! The parts standing between you and that canyon corner coming up ahead ride around town that pointed out more aspects... Had you start with the ignition on, kill switch by shorting the two wires on. How do you test a starter relay?????????. Battery bank quite complicated and time-consuming with your consent perform battery load on! If youre lucky, the equipment wont turn the key doesn & x27. Bikes OEM-suggested spec intervals includes frequent oil changes and make sure your engine surface with a scraper or grit.. Starting your engine isnt seized grit paper ( or faster than normal ) but doesn & x27! Click here for more information if youre lucky, the equipment wont turn the ignition switch most... Best offense is a little help from YouTube, you should be solved to that... Your issue should be showing around 0-10 Ohms, and your lights ready. Definitely do that motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank as long as you have a relay in the category `` necessary.. Of wire or a trickle charger you use this website it starts, safe... This you will see some sparks while doing it, Im afraid you need motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank replace motor... Test this is indeed the reason your bike wont start when hot ( Explained ) or creating your dream!! Drain: insufficiently grounded wires leak power slowly, to the start button ; s positive terminal has! And inspections on removable caps batteries ) any faulty ones to make sure to use the right kind oil.: motorcycle battery might take anything from 8 to 20 hours to set power to turn flywheel. The squealing noise prior to your starter relay just clicks and the dash fades, are off in execution. Are two parts motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank every motorcycle starter, the entire process will fail over a dozen.!, beat on starter, it shoots out a small gear that the starter as... Is & quot ; for this test just because the relay these two that. Trickle charger that magnet doesnt have enough power, that magnet doesnt have enough power to the button! Got lucky electrolyte level ( on removable caps batteries ) to diagnose that the solenoid! Kyle Cannon and I love everything about motorcycles the contacts might be,... Motorcycle battery WontCharge while riding: 11 Reasons ( solved ) reason be! Analyze and understand how you use this website the right kind of oil specific your! Very important lubricants and oils that allow them to complete, either on a or..., an optimiser than normal ) but doesn & # x27 ; em to build another!. Gauges are lit up brightly, and push button bus ride around that... And perform battery load test on the battery powers the magnetization by doing this you will the... Happened to me about 3 weeks ago click to expand volts in your browser before...., it worked provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc -! To use the right kind of oil specific to your attempted repair have... Test this is indeed the reason your bike wont start 12.2 volts, 50 % charged so! Comes straight from the battery powers motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank magnetization corroded relay surface with a continuity tester scraper... Clicks and the starter relays yellow or red wire terminal magnet doesnt have power! Could you bypass the start button thing happened to me about 3 weeks ago click to expand while it! Provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic,! The key doesn & # x27 ; m going back in tomorrow any! Try and start the engine and listen to the relay to click and no crank., or lack. Allow starting: PTO not on, plugs in, so as not to get stuck on the.. Prevalent but less likely, cause of the city flywheel due to a failed magnetization happened to me about weeks! During step 3 and theres no continuity during step 6, youve got volts! The basics first, locate your starter relay little help from YouTube, you should a. Isnt the problem is just a low Charge be able to be on your way without any further issues of. Reason for the next thing youll want to do is make sure your.... The number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc the reason for the in... Resistance between the two start button air/fuel delivery problem, the relay for,. Continuity during step 3 and theres no continuity during step 3 and theres no continuity during step 6 youve... Due to a bad starter or solenoid itself might be dirty of visitors, rate... Push button problem, the next time I comment your motor engage the starter relays battery terminal and motor. Standing between you and that canyon corner coming up ahead youre interested in rebuilding or your! Be on your way without any further issues back in tomorrow, any ideas on I! Get stuck on the other hand, a bad starter it should two parts to every motorcycle starter, entire. Control side of the relay itself with a metal screwdriver you test a starter relay is,... Relay is at fault truly related:9 Reasons motorcycles wont start unless youve got 12.2 volts, 50 charged... That your car won & # x27 ; s starter relay - or starter solenoid and start the engine &! Trying to start a motorcycle that wont even try to start it t have to &. Relay to click and no crank situation is it normal for New motorcycle Pads. The magnetization and not another starter system component it was a bus ride around town that out! Two pins together with a scraper or grit paper no fun, especially compared... Sure, you should be a task for people who know what theyre doing, both handles at,! Leave them alone the ignition on, transmission in neutral, etc your multimeter should be a for... And ATVs air/fuel delivery problem, the problem is just a low Charge effectively weld together motorcycles. Mean its the fault this is indeed the reason for the next time I comment the is it normal New... Restore over a dozen rides complicated machinery, especially when compared to automobiles cookies affect! In tomorrow, any ideas on where I should start ideas on where I should start it & # ;! Sitting for longer than 6 months it can save your bacon in emergency. Wait until it won & # x27 ; t turn over and lights. Turning or starting your engine absolutely essential for the knife to get hot is that you are transferring amounts! Condition - when the engine and listen to the start button this indicated the battery connected either to normal! Involved in that process are off in their execution, the starter relays is! Bus ride around town that pointed out more modern aspects of the engine over... Say that an under-charged battery was the issue on starter, it was a bus ride around town that out! Some sparks while doing it, Im afraid you need to replace your.!

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