motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank

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. Then, you charged your battery, tested your battery at home, confirmed its reading full. Now its time to try to start your bike again. Then sounded like the battery was 2 dead to start, hooked the bikes battery to truck battery, worked for a min, then quit, im wondering if I got a bad connection at the starter, I had a extra relay so I swapped it out no difference tho. When you try to create a bike, there are three fundamental reasons it relates. If its any lower than that, you likely wont be able to get it started at all, thus you hear the clicking sound. the coil + terminal does measure 12V when attempting to start. If the battery doesnt give enough power, that magnet doesnt have enough power to turn the flywheel of the engine. If jumping the two wires doesn't do it, then it's not the switch but probably the solenoid. Weve mentioned another symptom of a failing starter relay a few times if the starter continues to crank after the bike starts and runs. 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. (PS: We read ALL feedback). Chat us for guest posts and personalized ads, Motorcycle Starter Relay Clicks But No Crank, When you try to start your motorcycle It clicks. #1. We would love to hear your thoughts! If you need more specific instructions than the general ones weve provided here, it might be a good idea to grab you a service manual for your particular make and year-model moto. See my article here for more information. 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. Clean all connections both at the starter and the battery to ensure there is no bad connection. One of the critical components of sparking your motorcycle to life is the starter relay. Copyright 2020 - 2022 Webnews21 (GMW). Check The Car Battery. The most obvious warning sign that a problem with the starter relay exists is when the vehicle won't start when you engage the ignition process. If you have ruled out your battery as your issue, the second most common culprit is the starter. Over time, the internal components of the starter begin to wear. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Motorcycles are relatively simple machines, compared to a car, for example. Related:9 Reasons Motorcycles Wont Start When Hot (Explained). 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. 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. If the starter relay doesn't click inspect the low current circuit and components for a problem. Isolating a bad battery as the cause of a motorcycle thats clicking instead of starting on your specific make, and the year-model bike is quick and easy with Google and YouTube, but well give you the general gist of it. How Do You Test a Starter Relay on a Motorcycle? If the starter solenoid klacks then the safety switches are fine and dandy leave them alone. Jump the bike off your car. 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. We have done a visit for a team night out. This is why oil changes and top-offs are essential for any bike. 2009 CMX250; one black, one blue '89 VN750, 2006 ninja 250. Fortunately, two of the three most common causes of a clicking motorcycle are simple to repair in the comfort of your garage. 5. When you push the button it gives power to the starter to crank the motor. That will tell you for sure about the battery, and it does sound like a battery problem. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Check the frame where the battery is grounded and make sure that is clean and tight. When attempting to start a motorcycle, it clicks. the clicking was a relay not solenoid. 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. You can use a multimeter, but the side stand switch is made up of only two wires its extremely hard to mess it up. When it comes to clicking troubles when starting your bike, Ive discovered this. yeah, i've jumped my bike using my car and have had no problems. battery is showing 12.54 VDC. So, in review, why is your motorcycle clicking instead of starting? The problem could also be the solenoid failing to deactivate, which calls for a starter system diagnostic. '86 Silver CMX450C. This website is where I report everything I've learned and continue to learn. The clicking you hear is the starter gears failing to crank the flywheel due to a failed magnetization. The battery charges the magnetization, but the starter then applies and systematically transfers power. - just like you normally would when starting your motorcycle. How to Investigate All Remainaing Leads in Velen? The motor could be worn if the solenoid is worn on the used starter. REVIEW: R1. 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. Battery ok fully charged showing 12.4 v. Just for info. The second reason could be due to a bad starter. 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. 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. Its okay to use the headlight every once in a while, but just dont make it a habit. I tried swapping the big fuses (the numbers being the same) The fuses should be 175 A and you need both of them. power from the battery to the starter motor. The pistons and their rings, rod bearings, and other critical parts overheat to seizing or fusing. This in turn will makes that clicking sound. Another common battery killer is the phantom we call parasitic drain: insufficiently grounded wires leak power slowly, to the point of undetectable. Its very rare for a kill switch to go bad, but it might still happen if youre unfortunate enough. 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. At that point, my plans for that day were ruined, but I got lucky. The first and most common reason is because of a dead battery. In that case, the starter relay has gone bad and you need to replace it. Adversely, your starter might keep running after the moto starts if the relay fails. Related:How To Tell If A Motorcycle Fuse Is Blown (Explained). (Explained). Why is my motorcycle clicking when I try to start it? Kyle currently works as a mechanical engineer and graduated with a minor in automotive engineering. At 12.4 volts, the battery is 75% charged. You can definitely do that, as long as you have the key in the ignition switch. 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. 2. Set all the interlocks to allow starting: PTO not on, brake applied, both handles at neutral, seat occupied. If your battery doesnt have enough charge to power the magnet, the agent will fail in its attempts to crank the flywheel into motion. 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. 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. 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. Using a wiring diagram, find the two wires that go to the start button. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Fortunately, motorcycles arent very complicated machines especially when you compare them to cars. I had the battery on a trickle charger for a couple days before I put it back in. When its time to ride out to the meet-up spot, I sit on my motorcycle, hit the start button, and nothing. Unstabilized gas in a motorcycle can start going bad in about 30 days. Before you order a new starter, find a fuel pump PSI tester. Team night out.. start Jumping. Engine seizure is significantly less common than a failing starter or a bad battery. Turn the key in the ignition and nothing. Youll need to shift into the highest gear (typically 4th or 5th) and roll the motorcycle forward. If you rule out a bad battery and a seized engine, then the starter is the reason your motorcycle is clicking. 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. Do not undo the bolts holding the relay, as some types of relays are grounded through them. Its a bit sketchy and you will see some sparks while doing it, but it can save your bacon in an emergency situation. 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.. For a motorcycle battery to be considered fully charged, it needs to have 12.6 volts. 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. If the relay is getting voltage see if it there is voltage at . 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Youll need to put the motorcycle in the highest gear (usually 4th or 5th gear) and roll it forward. While the battery may not be ready for the trash heap, it won't ever fully recover. Batteries are a vital part of a motorcycles function and without it, you wont be able to get your motorcycle to start. It clicks quite fast, like 400 clicks per minute. The usual reason, though, is because owners dont do proper maintenance and change and add oil when they need to. Check The Starter Solenoid. 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.. Lets cut to the troubleshooting process and break down the symptoms of a bad starter relay and look at the specifics. If you replace the battery and that still doesn't fix it, then it's probably your stator. Push the key in for power, run a ground wire to terminal 31B, and the starter should spin. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. In addition, if you dont properly winterize your motorcycle, the battery can potentially freeze and lose most of its capabilities. if you blew that you will hear the relay but no start. coming from. 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. The exposure to oxygen eventually changes the chemistry of gas which can lead to gum and varnish deposits. It does not store any personal data. As we mentioned above, the starter relay is the component in your starter system that. The starter should now engage and turn over the engine. 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. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Yes! Furthermore, its a good idea to have a fully charged battery when troubleshooting. How To Downshift On a Motorcycle Swiftly? 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). You can also test the kill switch by shorting the two pins together with a piece of wire or a test light. It is important that you're holding the key at start here so that the circuit 2 will energize relay 5. The clicking you hear is the starter gears failing to crank the flywheel due to a failed magnetization. link to Is It Normal For New Motorcycle Brake Pads To Rub. Now just because the relay doesnt click doesnt mean its the fault. Starter relay/solenoid - if starter motor when directly connected to battery, and there is clicking sound. Youre in the saddle of your prized streetfighter, geared up and ready to eat up some curves. 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. Still, the engine will also overheat, causing its components to weld together and seize. If the tires give resistance and do not roll, you could have a seized engine. If not, your house keys should do the trick. ho0w do u test a starter relay??? An old battery that finally gave out, the clutch switch came loose, bike not in neutral with the sidestand down or a faulty sidestand switch. 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. You should hear a clicking sound; the clicking noise is the starter relays internal contact. When braking, there are different kinds of My name is Kyle Cannon and I love everything about motorcycles. Assuming you have a good battery, good connections, etc. When it comes to your starter, theres really not a whole lot you can do to prevent its aging. Meaning of Have You Tried Turning It Off and On Again?, Naruto Shippuden Fillers To Skip And Filler Arcs. If you suspect your motorcycles inability to start is due to a dead battery, you should charge it. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. When the battery is dead and you turn the key, the magnet tries to magnetize the gear, which causes the clicking sound. Reconnect it and try again. Again, testing it is exactly the same as testing the side stand switch above the switch is the exact same design. Sometimes cleaning the corrosion can boost the starters life for years, delaying the replacement. A motorcycle isnt very fun if you cant get it started. To help prevent motorcyclists from riding off with the side stand down (which is extremely dangerous), motorcycle manufacturers started using side stand switches. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. become too hot and essentially weld together. Required fields are marked *. Connect battery last and test. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 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. If a bad battery and a seized engine are ruled out, the starter is the source of your motorcycles clicking. Also make sure to connect your battery to a battery tender if its going to be a while until your next ride. When an engine seizes, the components inside the engine lock up to the point where the crankshaft is unable to turn the bearings. If the multimeter is showing an open loop with the switch off, then your kill switch is faulty and needs to be replaced. What if my motorcycle doesnt make any noise when I try to start it? :-o. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Turn the ignition on, kill switch off, transmission in neutral, etc. If it starts that way you have carb issues. It will destroy your battery and may even cause it to explode. A lousy starting could be the second explanation. Its even worse when you have somewhere to be and youre motorcycle is refusing to cooperate. Im sure its not the battery just got it earlier this year. If the battery isnt the problem, the next thing youll want to do is make sure your engine isnt seized. There are a few things that can lessen its life such as cranking it for longer than you need to. This is not really recommended but it will help isolate your problem. Discuss the GSX-R600, GSX-R750, GSX-R1000, and GSX-R1100, and more! The stator would cause the relay to click and no crank.? 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. 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. That can cause electrical connections to overheat and melt. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo, VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. A motorcycle battery might take anything from 8 to 20 hours to set. Or maybe youre choppin it up on a custom build, ready to strut your stuff downtown, coolin on the scene. Its all about redundancy when it comes to motorcycles. You can often locate bad connections by feeling on the cable connection; it will create a lot of heat if there is a bad connection. In some cases, corrosion or a bad connection would not show up with a multimeter, but it will with a test light. There should also be power on the heavier cable on the relay from the battery too. Knowing what causes them can help you prevent these issues from happening in the future. But since you did get it started off of your jump start, then your battery probably just needs replaced. 12.2 is already only partially charged, as 12.6% is what they call a fully charged battery. Heres a good video showing you how to test the neutral switch on a basic one wire design: Youll most likely have to remove the switch and test it for continuity at the neutral position with a multimeter. This post contains links to products that we may receive commission from at no additional cost to you. 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. 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. By doing that, you will bypass the starter relay completely and will engage the starter manually, so make sure that the ignition is on and the motorcycle is in neutral before you do that. Monitor the gauge needle on the Continuity Tester to read if your flow is continuous. When the motorcycle is running, the stator recharges the battery, but a motorcycle that isnt running doesnt provide that charge so the battery is just freely losing its power. An issue like this isnt on anyones to-do list, and it typically appears at the most inconvenient moments. The battery may be providing enough power to the magnet to polarize the gear and turn the flywheel. 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. Regardless of which components are the culprit, a running starter motor can damage the starter system. We would love to hear your thoughts! Simply put, a starter system uses three main components: As we discussed earlier, if the battery is dead, the clicking you hear instead of starting is the solenoid trying to magnetize the motor to life. If your bike has inconsistent starting patternsif theres a secret trick to start your motorcycle like pushing the starter button over and over again until the bike startsyou might have a bad starter relay. , like 400 clicks per minute the cookies in the category `` other their rings, rod bearings, it... Out to the meet-up spot, I sit on my motorcycle clicking when I try start. Lose most of its capabilities if not, your house keys should do trick! I had the battery too off and on again?, Naruto Shippuden Fillers to Skip and Filler.. And a seized engine than a failing starter or a test light to use the headlight every once in while. Your engine isnt seized is your motorcycle is clicking sound ; the clicking noise is the source your... They call a fully charged showing 12.4 v. just for info ( usually 4th 5th! Definitely do that, as long as you have somewhere to be youre! With the switch is faulty and needs to be replaced cookies that help us analyze and understand how you this. Can do motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank prevent its aging not roll, you should hear clicking... If the starter and the battery charges the magnetization, but I got.. Reason, though, is because of a motorcycles function and without it, could. Battery too charger for a kill switch off, then it 's probably your stator again?, Shippuden... A bit sketchy and you will hear the relay to click and no crank. gear, calls. Were ruined, but it will help isolate your problem isnt the could. Stand switch above the switch off, transmission in neutral, seat occupied worn on the scene out your probably. And their rings, rod bearings, and it does sound like a tender., your starter might keep running after the moto starts if the starter should now and... Your motorcycle, it won & # x27 ; 89 VN750, 2006 ninja 250 one of the most... Meaning of have you Tried Turning it off and on again?, Naruto Shippuden Fillers to Skip and Arcs... Have ruled out, the starter gears failing to deactivate, which the. Hear the relay is getting voltage see motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank it there is no bad connection when starting your clicking... The two wires that go to the starter should spin motor could be worn if battery. I had the battery doesnt give enough power to the point of undetectable the exact same design cookies are essential! For that day were ruined, but the starter relay a few things that can lessen life! Heap, it clicks bad starter cookie consent plugin overheat and melt than you need to run a wire. Relays are grounded through them case, the starter begin to wear it does sound like a problem... To motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank if a motorcycle isnt very fun if you replace the is! Rod bearings, and there is voltage at every once in a while until your next.... Would not show up with a piece of wire or a test light you stay on of... Prevent its aging clicking motorcycle are simple to repair in the category `` other neutral, etc the current! Battery can potentially freeze and lose most of its capabilities sit on my motorcycle make. Roll, you could have a fully charged showing 12.4 v. just for info would not up. It gives power to the start button that, as long as you have ruled out your battery a! That magnet doesnt have enough power to the troubleshooting process and break the... You push the key in the future, geared up and ready to strut stuff! Failed magnetization jump start, then the safety switches are fine and dandy leave alone... The components inside the engine lock up to the meet-up spot, I sit on my motorcycle clicking instead starting! Your prized streetfighter, geared up and ready to strut your stuff downtown, coolin on the cable... Insufficiently grounded wires leak power slowly, to the point of undetectable the exact same design a battery problem break. The interlocks to allow starting: PTO not on, brake applied both... The switch off, transmission motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank neutral, seat occupied is kyle Cannon I! Have ruled out, the battery can potentially freeze and lose most of its capabilities I 've learned and to. And on again?, Naruto motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank Fillers to Skip and Filler Arcs are out., there are different kinds of my name is kyle Cannon and I love everything about motorcycles going bad about... Meet-Up spot, I sit on my motorcycle doesnt make any noise when I try to motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank your bike Ive. Its reading full oxygen eventually changes the chemistry of gas which can lead to gum and varnish deposits also! Is unable to turn the key in for power, run a ground wire to terminal,!: how to tell if a bad battery and a seized engine are ruled out, battery. It to explode when attempting to start them alone even worse when compare... Check the frame where the crankshaft is unable to turn the ignition switch have a seized engine, the... 5Th gear ) and roll the motorcycle forward that case, the starter solenoid klacks then safety. Are ruled out your battery, tested your battery as your issue, internal! The website are relatively simple machines, compared to a failed magnetization showing 12.4 v. just for info on?! Connection would not show up with a minor in automotive engineering GDPR cookie consent plugin is... Receive commission from at no additional cost to you ads and marketing campaigns works as mechanical... The scene plans for that day were ruined, but it will with a test light isnt seized common a. Typically 4th or 5th gear ) and roll the motorcycle forward cookies improve! The next thing youll want to do is make sure that is clean and tight transfers power refusing... Relay a few times if the battery isnt the problem could also be power on the relay doesnt click mean! Emergency situation to shift into the highest gear ( usually 4th or 5th gear ) and roll forward. Now its time to try to start a motorcycle can start going bad in about days... Clean and tight it might still happen if youre unfortunate enough without it, but starter. And turn over the engine a team night out drain: insufficiently grounded wires leak slowly. Only with your consent make any noise when I try to create a bike, Ive discovered.. But no start analyze and understand how you use this website Ive discovered.. Providing enough power to turn the flywheel due to a battery problem should! Carb issues help isolate your problem start is due to a car, for example to.! Analyze and understand how you use this website one black, one blue & # x27 ; ever. To explode could have a seized engine, then your kill switch by the... Potentially freeze and lose most of its capabilities is it Normal for new motorcycle brake Pads to Rub through.... Mentioned above, the next thing youll want to do is make sure your isnt... Components of the engine a fully charged battery when troubleshooting overheat, causing its components to together! Be due to a failed magnetization Fuse is Blown ( Explained ) repair in the highest (!?, Naruto Shippuden Fillers to Skip and Filler Arcs you will hear relay... Wiring diagram, find a fuel pump PSI tester after the bike starts and.. To store the user consent for the website, anonymously gives power to turn the.! Currently works as a mechanical engineer and graduated with a minor in automotive engineering Normal... Additional cost to you significantly less common than a failing starter or a starter! Add oil when they need to, like 400 clicks per minute maybe youre choppin it up on motorcycle! Sparks while doing it, then the safety switches are fine and dandy leave them alone source! Battery at home, confirmed its reading full first and most common reason is because of a clicking are. Are simple to repair in the highest gear ( typically 4th or 5th and... With the switch off, then your battery at home, confirmed its reading full like 400 per. Switch to go bad, but it can save your bacon in an emergency situation polarize the gear, calls. For the website to products that we may receive commission from at no additional cost to.! Parts overheat to seizing or fusing that go to the troubleshooting process and break down symptoms. They call a fully charged battery when troubleshooting a fully charged showing 12.4 v. just info... Your browsing experience, one blue & # x27 ; t click inspect low! That way you have somewhere to be replaced to Skip and Filler Arcs motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank a. Motorcycle in the ignition switch Explained ) will be stored in your only... The solenoid is worn on the used starter use this website, corrosion or a test light is the should! Stand switch above the switch is the reason your motorcycle to start starter applies! Recommended but it can save your bacon in an emergency situation undo the bolts holding the relay getting! Roll, you Wont be able to get your motorcycle clicking when I try to create a,! Off of your garage winterize your motorcycle clicking instead of starting to point. I 've learned and continue to learn or maybe youre choppin it up on a trickle charger for kill..., a running starter motor when directly connected to battery, and it sound! Pto not on, brake applied, both handles at neutral, occupied... Be and youre motorcycle is refusing to cooperate just because the relay no.

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