STEP 2 - Perform a voltage drop test: Once batteries pass muster, then perform a voltage drop test on the starter main cables. The clicking noise happens from a seized engine because the fly wheel is unable to turn. :-o. When you push the button it gives power to the starter to crank the motor. If you do see sparks (they'll be small but clear) but the starter doesn't turn, your starter is busted. Continue with Recommended Cookies. The battery may be providing enough power to the magnet to polarize the gear and turn the flywheel. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. 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 starter relay and examine your starter relays 30 amp fuse for any indication of corrosion. Essentially, this gear begins to rotate, which causes the engines flywheel to rotate. just like you normally would when starting your motorcycle. What Does a Solenoid Do On A Motorcycle? 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. Learn how your comment data is processed. To test the start button, unplug the two start button connectors or the handle switch connector. The relay is only functional when it sends adequate electric current to the starter. If youve eliminated the battery as a possible cause, the starter is the next most likely option. If the battery isnt the problem, the next thing youll want to do is make sure your engine isnt seized. if you blew that you will hear the relay but no start. Generally, you scrape the corroded relay surface with a scraper or grit paper. If it still clicks, remove the starter and bench test. 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? 2. Power also goes from the run/stop switch to the starter button, then to the switch on the clutch, through it when the lever is pulled in to the starter relay, turning it on to crank the engine. Your email address will not be published. It is definitely an opportunity to see the city as it is quite large, but there was nothing in the recorded tour that was of true interest to me. Battery is reading 12.8v when not powered, and 14v with the bike running at around 5k RPM, so I don't think the issue is with the charging system (R/R or stator). Routine oil changes is the single most important thing you can do for your engine. Do not undo the bolts holding the relay, as some types of relays are grounded through them. Make sure that no wires are damaged and that there is no crusty green-ish dust on them (corrosion). Related:How To Tell If A Motorcycle Fuse Is Blown (Explained). The stator would cause the relay to click and no crank.? 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. I recommend checking the battery and motor before inspecting the starter because these two are more accessible to test than a starter. The neutral switch has the exact same purpose as the clutch switch to prevent the rider from starting the engine while its in gear. There are a few things that can lessen its life such as cranking it for longer than you need to. Pull twist and generally make sure the ends are not corroded or loose. If the relay is getting voltage see if it there is voltage at . If the motorcycle wont turn over no matter how many times you push the ignition switch, if you try multiple times and theres nothing, not even a click, it might mean youve got a blown relay fuse on your hands. The third most common but less likely reason the motorcycle is clicking could be due to a seized engine. With that out of the way, lets check if the starter relay is receiving power. Now when I try to start it the starter relay clicks (and actualy moves) but it doesn't turn the starter. Check the frame where the battery is grounded and make sure that is clean and tight. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. It will destroy your battery and may even cause it to explode. A series of rapid clicks from the starter Starter relay clicks, but no crank shows the starter motor is not receiving enough electrical current from the relay to turn the engine. No-crank-no-start condition - means the engine barely turns over or doesn't turn over at all. Cannon Entities LLC also participates in affiliate programs with Rakuten, AvantLink, and other sites. This website is where I report everything I've learned and continue to learn. 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. This is not really recommended but it will help isolate your problem. Had 5850 miles when purchased. This results in a loss of contact inside of it which prevents it from working as it should. the 4P* starter switch works = starter relay switch clicks only (noticed a tiny connection spark) R3. Still, the engine will also overheat, causing its components to weld together and seize. 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. A test light loads the circuit and allows any weak points to heat up and lose connection. 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. R2. You can find model-specific installation instructions online or in the service manual for your specific make and year-model motorcycle. A seized engine will click instead of starting because the motor parts inside are all locked up to the point where the crankshaft cannot turn the bearings. Shorting the two wires together should engage the starter, so be careful! Fortunately, two of the three most common causes of a clicking motorcycle are simple to repair in the comfort of your garage. A motorcycle battery might take anything from 8 to 20 hours to set. Not even a click from the starter relay. Lets cut to the troubleshooting process and break down the symptoms of a bad starter relay and look at the specifics. If its still an open loop, then the start button is bad and you need a new one. A motorcycle starter goes bad usually because of age. (PS: We read ALL feedback). 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. Relatd:What Does a Solenoid Do On A Motorcycle? Turn the ignition on, kill switch off, transmission in neutral, etc. We would love to hear your thoughts! Do not skip this step. Steps and advice for troubleshooting equipment. Ford and Chrysler products usually have a relay in the circuit. Schumacher SJ1289 Rechargeable AGM Jump Starter and Portable USB/DC Power Station - 1200 Amp - with Air Compressor and LED flex light Amazon 1 $58 USD Walker Exhaust 40001 Universal Exhaust Flex Pipe Amazon 1 $38 USD Premium Recoil Starter for Briggs Stratton 699335 1150,1450,1650 series snow engine Amazon 2 $88 USD 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. You may perform a few tests to determine what is causing your bike to click when you try to start it. I can't speak from experience, but I've heard that you should not under any circumstances jump a bike from a car batteryway to many cranking amps and can kill your starter. If you remove that switch and jump those two wires and it starts but won't power up the solenoid by pushing the button, the switch is bad. 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. In addition, if you dont properly winterize your motorcycle, the battery can potentially freeze and lose most of its capabilities. Cannon Entities LLC is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. But to be 100% sure, you can bridge the two output terminals of the starter relay with a metal screwdriver. (Explained), How To Tell If A Motorcycle Fuse Is Blown (Explained), Motorcycle Clicks Instead Of Starting: 3 Reasons (Solved). Worn spark plugs. So, in review, why is your motorcycle clicking instead of starting? If you have ruled out your battery as your issue, the second most common culprit is the starter. the starter motor is directly connected to the battery(+), grounded (-), additional . Starter relay/solenoid - if starter motor when directly connected to battery, and there is clicking sound. Old oil or lack of oil will cause your engine to seize which makes it so you cant start your motorcycle. In this case, check under the seat if there are any emergency screwdrivers hidden underneath. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. check the fuse under your seat. Charging a motorcycle battery can take anywhere between 8 20 hours. When you say "won't start", I assume you mean that the starter motor will not spin when you press the start button. 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. Those clicking noises can rapidly spoil someone's day. This is also a sign of low or dead battery. solenoid clicks but starter doesn't turn over. Fasten the red jumper wire from the positive battery post to the starter relays yellow or red wire terminal. Nothing but a click. Yes! While the battery may not be ready for the trash heap, it won't ever fully recover. 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. Ideally, it should be around 12.4-6V. Examine your running and instrument lights to ensure its the relay and not another starter system component. 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). We have done a visit for a team night out. 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. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The multimeter should show you that the circuit is an open-loop while the button is off. Crank-no-start condition - when the engine cranks normally (or faster than normal) but doesn't fire up. A forum community dedicated to the Suzuki GSX-R motorcycle. Regardless, a starter system diagnosis would be the next step in determining if it is, in fact, your relay thats causing the problem. Fixing a failing starter solenoid could be as simple as rejuvenating the connectors. As a result, the clicking sound will be produced. Sometimes cleaning the corrosion can boost the starters life for years, delaying the replacement. Damaged key. When the battery is dead and you turn the key, the magnet tries to magnetize the gear, which causes the clicking sound. If a bad battery and a seized engine are ruled out, the starter is the source of your motorcycles clicking. The clicking relay means it almost has to be a problem with the starter motor. If a relay is rusted past the threshold of no return, or if its old and worn, itll start falling apart; grinding it up more with steel wool wont solve the problem. Turn the ignition on, kill switch off, transmission in neutral, etc. Furthermore, its a good idea to have a fully charged battery when troubleshooting. You can use a multimeter, but the side stand switch is made up of only two wires its extremely hard to mess it up. 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. back probed everything and it all checks good except i'm getting no cu read more 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. Check out my article here to learn more about what happens when a motorcycle battery freezes. Dont use any electric components on your motorcycle while it is off longer than you need to. How Do You Isolate a Bad Starter Relay on a Motorcycle? ho0w do u test a starter relay??? While starter relay problems arent necessarily widespread, all mechanical parts wear out, eventually. If its any lower than that, you likely wont be able to get it started at all, thus you hear the clicking sound. By doing this, were completely bypassing the side stand switch. That said, many of these symptoms are also the symptoms of a failing starter motor or a bad solenoid. On the other hand, motorcycles arent complicated machinery, especially when compared to automobiles. The starter should spin/crank the engine. and the solenoid is polarizing the starter motor just fine. Regardless of which components are the culprit, a running starter motor can damage the starter system. Apr 2, 2012. 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. So in review, your bike was making a clicking sound while you were trying to start it. Motorcycle Battery WontCharge While Riding: 11 Reasons (Solved), 9 Reasons Motorcycles Wont Start When Hot (Explained), 12 Reasons Your Motorcycle Wont Start In Gear (Explained). A lack of motor oil cause rust and corrosion to develop inside your motor, causing flywheel resistance. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Now just because the relay doesnt click doesnt mean its the fault. A broken motorcycle starter relay can be disassembled and cleaned or rebuilt if it fails due to dirt, debris, moisture, or corrosion. How Do You Test a Starter Relay on a Motorcycle? While its unlikely that one of them is bad, they still fail from time to time and prevent the starter motor from working. Click here to see my article for more information about how to store your motorcycle long term. That said, if the relay is failing due to old age, wear and tear, disintegration, or high-current contact, it will have to be replaced. Those clicking noises can rapidly spoil someones day. If the battery isnt the issue, the next step is to ensure your engine isnt seized. The other one is open and does not have any voltage. the clicking was a relay not solenoid. You can tear out the starter, uninstall the solenoid, and try to repair or replace it if you want to, but the quickest bet is to replace the starter itself at the end of the day. The first and most common reason is because of a dead battery. Webnews21 is all about lifestyle and entertainment. Also make sure to connect your battery to a battery tender if its going to be a while until your next ride. Another symptom of a failing starter is intermittent starting. In that case, the starter relay has gone bad and you need to replace it. Following is a procedure to tack back a no crank situation. Fortunately, motorcycles arent very complicated machines especially when you compare them to cars. I'm into women in leather. The starter should spin. The relay battery should read B, while the starter motor terminal should be labeled with an M. Once the battery is connected, an electrical current should flow continuously through the entire circuit. 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. Theres nothing like looking forward to taking your motorcycle out for a spin for the evening. 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. 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. Get a quick visual check on the wiring. Typically, when a starter solenoid clicks but does not crank your engine, it is because there is a problem with the secondary side of the circuit. Its very rare for a kill switch to go bad, but it might still happen if youre unfortunate enough. Here are some ways you can prevent that from happening. If your motorcycle doesnt make any sound when you attempt to start it, the problem is likely a dead battery. when trying to start it the solenoid (relay) clicks but does not complete the starter circuit. Set all the interlocks to allow starting: PTO not on, brake applied, both handles at neutral, seat occupied. Adversely, your starter might keep running after the moto starts if the relay fails. Second disconnect your cable from the starter motor and the green wire to your solenoid. If you rule out a bad battery and a seized engine, then the starter is the reason your motorcycle is clicking. The usual reason, though, is because owners dont do proper maintenance and change and add oil when they need to. Now, what if youre in the middle of nowhere, with no service around for miles? You removed it and worked on it so likely something went wrong there. The solenoid is a small magnet that shoots out a little gear that the appeal polarises when you turn the key. When an engine seizes, the components inside the engine lock up to the point where the crankshaft is unable to turn the bearings. 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. 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. 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. The bike has slowly become harder to start and now wont at all. Engine seizure is significantly less common than a failing starter or a bad battery. One of the two terminals comes straight from the battery and has +12V going to it at all times with the ignition on. Now press and hold the start button the multimeter should now be showing 0-10 Ohms of resistance. 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. The starter works fine, and the only remaining component is the relay. Reconnect it and try again. Batteries are a vital part of a motorcycles function and without it, you wont be able to get your motorcycle to start. While holding the key, jump the solenoid contacts with a wrench. Checked the solenoid, that was ok, checked starter live ox and starter turns when connected directly to the +. no dimming of lights in the process (no clutch switch, kill . Youll need to shift into the highest gear (typically 4th or 5th) and roll the motorcycle forward. Check The Neutral Switch You can definitely do that, as long as you have the key in the ignition switch. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. 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. Washington, DC. Required fields are marked *. At 12.4 volts, the battery is 75% charged. You should hear a clicking sound; the clicking noise is the starter relays internal contact. 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. We would love to hear your thoughts! Thatll make it go out sooner than normal. If it doesn't, crank the engine, connect the black/negative jumper cable as a ground between the drivetrain and negative terminal of the battery. By centralizing critical equipment data, AEM systems make it simple to deploy maintenance troubleshooting tactics that detect the reason for abrupt failures and then mobilize the resources you need to get equipment back up and run. If you have a helper turn the ignition key to start, you'll be able to trace the underhood click. BTW - Completely discharging a traditional lead/acid battery is "bad". 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. I suggest that you get a new starter, and the problem should be resolved. Theres also a phenomenon called parasitic drain. Your battery is a critical part, not just of the ignition process, but of the fundamental function of your motorcycles electronic, starter, and fuel injection systems. Outside of work, youll find Jake restoring and riding rare street bikes and ATVs. Motorcycle Starter Relay Clicks But No Crank There's nothing quite like anticipating taking your motorcycle out for a night ride. check weather it is done. Takes the start button and relay out of the equation. 5. At one point, there was a reference to an . Touch the red cable to the starter's positive terminal. Gonna use 'em to build another bike! Youll need to put the motorcycle in the highest gear (usually 4th or 5th gear) and roll it forward. Make a list of plausible reasons and theories. A possible seized engine is the third most common but far less likely than the previous two. WulfMoto.com is a participant in the Amazon.com Services LLC Associates Program, and as an Amazon Associate, WulfMoto.com earns from qualifying purchases. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. If its not, or if it is and youve accepted the fact that you have to replace your engine, put your best foot forward. coming from. Adversely, your starter might keep running after the moto starts if the relay fails. Essentially, this gear starts turning which in turn starts rotating the flywheel in the engine. 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. Chat us for guest posts and personalized ads, Motorcycle Starter Relay Clicks But No Crank, When you try to start your motorcycle It clicks. The key doesn't have to be "on" for this test. This post contains links to products that we may receive commission from at no additional cost to you. Stay on top of your oil changes and make sure to use the right kind of oil specific to your motorcycle. Did you find wrong information or was something missing? There are three main reasons why a motorcycle clicks when you try to start it. Put your bike in the highest gear possible. 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. A battery that is low on voltage will cause the injectors not to fire. Luckily, two out of the three likely culprits to a clicking motorcycle are easily fixable by you in the comfort of your own garage. If the starter solenoid klacks then the safety switches are fine and dandy leave them alone. Instead, it was a bus ride around town that pointed out more modern aspects of the city. If it does, the problem is with the cables, connections or relay. If the battery is insufficiently charged, the interest will not be able to turn the engines flywheel. The starter solenoid is responsible for sending an electrical current to the starter motor. There are three main reasons why a motorcycle clicks when you try to start it. The starter is what assists the magnet in the polarizing process. Assuming you have a good battery, good connections, etc. 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. (PS: We read ALL feedback). The starter relay should click. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. At that point, my plans for that day were ruined, but I got lucky. Another common battery killer is the phantom we call parasitic drain: insufficiently grounded wires leak power slowly, to the point of undetectable. A dead battery is the primary and most likely cause of your motorcycle clicking. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Some engines have a ground strap and some don't. 7900 in August 2014. A GOOD battery should read 12.7 volts, if it's not then it will need to be charged. If the solenoid isn't the source of the click, tracing the sound should take you to the relay on those models. As stated above, electronic keys do not have a manual ignition switch. battery is showing 12.54 VDC. Parts such as pistons, piston rings, rod bearings, and other similar components become overheated and effectively weld together. 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. 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.