Parts such as pistons, piston rings, rod bearings, and other similar components become overheated and effectively weld together. This in turn will makes that clicking sound. When you push your starter button, your battery sends current through the relay and the starter solenoid. The starter relay should click. Also make sure to connect your battery to a battery tender if its going to be a while until your next ride. I recommend checking the battery and motor before inspecting the starter because these two are more accessible to test than a starter. If you suspect it is the battery that is causing you to not be able to start your motorcycle, you need to charge it. Copyright 2020 - 2022 Webnews21 (GMW). 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. Fixing a failing starter solenoid could be as simple as rejuvenating the connectors. Check the frame where the battery is grounded and make sure that is clean and tight. some people keep the idle low, turn the screw in a half to 3/4th turn. Yes, that means disconnecting the wires from one end and the other, then measuring the resistance of each one. Drove it all day long started right up every time. If the the starter still clicks, clean ALL the battery cables and try again. Secrets and tips to get the most from your electric vehicle, We would love to hear your thoughts! There are ways to fix a motorcycle starter but that should be a task for people who know what theyre doing. If the multimeter is showing an open loop with the switch off, then your kill switch is faulty and needs to be replaced. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Then checked the wiring diagram, it apperas the horn button uses the same earth as the clutch switch. Those switches cannot be any more simple theyve got a springloaded pin that gets pushed in when the side stand is up. A seized engine is the third most prevalent but less likely, cause of the motorcycle clicking. Failing to keep up with your oil levels and condition, or using low-grade or contaminated oil, are the main reasons a motorcycle engine seizes. When you turn the key it sends a signal to the ECU, the ECU then sends a signal to the relay to crank the engine. 2009 CMX250; one black, one blue '89 VN750, 2006 ninja 250. It's super frustrating! Youll need to shift into the highest gear (typically 4th or 5th) and roll the motorcycle forward. But before you even do this make sure the battery is fully charged, that can also be a major factor in a starter failing. . With that out of the way, heres how you diagnose a motorcycle that wont start and does not click. Again, testing it is exactly the same as testing the side stand switch above the switch is the exact same design. You need a fully charged battery in the bike.Your bike does not have an alternator it has a generator. Check the electrolyte level (on removable caps batteries). Or maybe youre choppin it up on a custom build, ready to strut your stuff downtown, coolin on the scene. While holding the key, jump the solenoid contacts with a wrench. 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. . Probably one of a few things. Reconnect it and try again. Now that weve covered the reasons a motorcycle clicks when you try to start it, lets discuss what causes these problems in the first place. 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. Set all the interlocks to allow starting: PTO not on, brake applied, both handles at neutral, seat occupied. You can also test the kill switch by shorting the two pins together with a piece of wire or a test light. WulfMoto.com is a participant in the Amazon.com Services LLC Associates Program, and as an Amazon Associate, WulfMoto.com earns from qualifying purchases. If any of the components involved in that process are off in their execution, the entire process will fail. Do not skip this step. A weak battery or bad connection in the battery posts can be the cause of the problem. Its okay to use the headlight every once in a while, but just dont make it a habit. Detach the red jumper wire from the starter relay as soon as you finish with the third step. Did you find wrong information or was something missing? Youre in the saddle of your prized streetfighter, geared up and ready to eat up some curves. A starter relay not working will give specific signs. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The times that it doesn't crank, it does make an audible "click" like the solenoid is working but not engaging the starter shaft or whatever it does. Two important clues you have given. All I get is a click coming from solenoid. While starter relay problems arent necessarily widespread, all mechanical parts wear out, eventually. Still wouldn't start tried again 10 minutes later stared right up. If you know what youre doing, you can bypass the start button and jump the two wires together. Let the car run for five minutes then give the bike starter a go. nickbehavin. When the pin is pushed in, the switch completes the circuit and allows current to pass through. Also check ground strap from engine to frame. Why is my motorcycle clicking when I try to start it? Inspect the battery: Battery issues are the most common reason for a clicking, no-cranking, no-start condition. 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. Its an easy fix, but it takes time, and you may need to make other transportation arrangements. Its all about redundancy when it comes to motorcycles. If the solenoid is faulty, it . The clicking youre hearing is the flywheel failing to rotate. Tested battery had 12.6 volts. Mar 12, 2011. Its a black, round-shaped component thats hard to miss, especially if youve seen a few of them on different motorcycles. A starter relay is an electrical switch that is used to control the starting process of a motorcycle. Make a list of plausible reasons and theories. Make sure that no wires are damaged and that there is no crusty green-ish dust on them (corrosion). The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". First, if your battery is low, check the charging instructions for. Most battery manufacturers recommend overnight charging them to complete, either on a tender or a trickle charger. I started my 2001 Honda shadow ace 750 up just to let it run. 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). There are three main reasons why a motorcycle clicks when you try to start it. 1988 Heritage Softail will not crank. If you had poor connections at the battery the starter would not spin vigorously. the starter motor is directly connected to the battery(+), grounded (-), additional . Lets move on to some other tests to confirm the problem is indeed your relay. Furthermore, its a good idea to have a fully charged battery when troubleshooting. Yes! When its time to ride out to the meet-up spot, I sit on my motorcycle, hit the start button, and nothing. When an engine seizes, the components inside the engine lock up to the point where the crankshaft is unable to turn the bearings. Your battery could be reading 12.6 voltage even if it doesnt have enough current to start the bike. If the copper cables look green and brittle you need new cables. By aiding the magnet, the starter aids the polarization process. Not even a click from the starter relay. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. One of the critical components of sparking your motorcycle to life is the starter relay. As a result, the clicking sound will be produced. check the fuse under your seat. A frozen battery can lose its ability to hold current. Outside of work, youll find Jake restoring and riding rare street bikes and ATVs. 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. Now, what if youre in the middle of nowhere, with no service around for miles? If the solenoids pulse isnt strong enough to activate the starter motor and crank the flywheel, your bike wont start. link to Can A Loose Motorcycle Chain Cause Vibration. Starter relay clicks, but no crank shows the starter motor is not receiving enough electrical current from the relay to turn the engine. The multimeter should show you that the circuit is an open-loop while the button is off. Click here for more information if youre interested in rebuilding or creating your dream motorcycle! Both the positive battery cable and the negative cable. How long does it take for gas to go bad in a motorcycle? By doing this, were completely bypassing the side stand switch. Checked the horn, it didn't work. Faulty battery terminals or earth connection. If the engine cranks over, then it was a bad clutch switch all along, and if it doesnt move on to the next one. link to 6 Reasons Why Your Motorcycle Accelerates By Itself. Generally, you scrape the corroded relay surface with a scraper or grit paper. It also signals the ignition relay and the fuel pump relay. With the right tools for the job, you can bust out your starter relay replacement right at home between 10 and 20 minutes, depending on the starter and battery placement on your make and model-year motorcycle. 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? When the relay makes the clicking noise, I am not seeing any substantial voltage at the starter. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. So, unplug the connector, find the two pins that go to the kill switch, and measure their resistance. Chat us for guest posts and personalized ads, Motorcycle Starter Relay Clicks But No Crank, When you try to start your motorcycle It clicks. 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. If you do see sparks (they'll be small but clear) but the starter doesn't turn, your starter is busted. If you find this video useful let me know by. If you have power coming from your start button it should be measurable. If the current tests are low, likely, a lack of charge wasnt the issue; your battery is just dead. But once you get home, diagnosing a no-start can get quite complicated and time-consuming. The clicking you hear is the starter gears failing to crank the flywheel due to a failed magnetization. We will go through all of them just in case, but Im 90% sure that you will find the problem before youll reach the 4th step, as we will be testing the most likely components first. If the solenoid isn't the source of the click, tracing the sound should take you to the relay on those models. By continuing to use this site you consent to the use of cookies on your device as described in our cookie policy unless you have disabled them. Turn the ignition on, kill switch off, transmission in neutral, etc. Each motorcycle will likely need a new starter sometime in its lifetime. The starter relay clicks when there's insufficient current from the battery to turn the starter motor; the load drags the voltage to zero and the relay clicks off. Those clicking noises can rapidly spoil someone's day. coming from. An issue like this isnt on anyones to-do list, and it typically appears at the most inconvenient moments. Battery terminals, undo them, clean them, snug em up. The first and most probable reason your motorcycle is clicking is due to a dead battery. If it does you have a fuel delivery problem. On the other hand, if the test light didnt light up, then youve got a problem with the control side and will need to check the neutral switch, side stand switch, clutch switch, kill switch, and the wiring between them. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Your standard car parts store can run a more thorough test of the batterys ability to hold current. Step 1. M mav It is important that you're holding the key at start here so that the circuit 2 will energize relay 5. As we mentioned above, the starter relay is the component in your starter system thatrelayspower from the battery to the starter motor. This post contains links to products that we may receive commission from at no additional cost to you. I get a used relay off ebay .. About Us; Staff; Camps; Scuba. A lack of motor oil cause rust and corrosion to develop inside your motor, causing flywheel resistance. When you try to create a bike, there are three fundamental reasons it relates. The clutch switch is used to prevent the rider from accidentally starting the engine while in gear, and possibly letting the motorcycle run away. This is especially helpful during the winterizing process. Essentially, this gear starts turning which in turn starts rotating the flywheel in the engine. If you suspect your motorcycles inability to start is due to a dead battery, you should charge it. Should be two large terminals on the solenoid. If the magnet that polarizes the gear to turn the flywheel isnt magnetizing appropriately, the equipment wont turn the flywheel at all. Cannon Entities LLC is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. So it won't crank. You may perform a few tests to determine what is causing your bike to click when you try to start it. The best offense is a good defense; routine maintenance per your bikes OEM-suggested spec intervals includes frequent oil changes and inspections. Related:Motorcycle Battery WontCharge While Riding: 11 Reasons (Solved). power from the battery to the starter motor. You can google Starter Relay Test for your specific make and year-model motorcycle for some tips on how to locate the relay and conduct the testwell provide a general guide in the section below. Make sure battery is fully charged, bench charge with a good charger. Swap out the fuse if its looking rough. First, you must check your battery and other components. Step 5. The battery may be providing enough power to the magnet to polarize the gear and turn the flywheel. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. After a few turns on the key it frees up and engages the starter motor. Turn the key on and short across the terminals with the screwdriver. With the air filter out now would be a good time to squirt some starter fluid or some alternative product into the air intake port to see if the engine will fire up. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. 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.. Took both the starter and relay out and tested them. Very often on BCF people write that their bike won't start but makes a fast clicking noise. Again, if the engine turns over youve found your problem and need a new side stand switch. Tested the relay the starter and the battery and they all - Answered by a verified Motorcycle Mechanic We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. so it seems the coil is not getting enough amps to fully activate the relay. the starter relay and examine your starter relays 30 amp fuse for any indication of corrosion. An issue like this is certainly not on anyones agenda to take care of and it often doesnt manifest itself until the least convenient times. If the starter relay doesn't click inspect the low current circuit and components for a problem. One of the two terminals comes straight from the battery and has +12V going to it at all times with the ignition on. 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. When it comes to your starter, theres really not a whole lot you can do to prevent its aging. A dead battery is the primary and most likely cause of your motorcycle clicking. 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. The bike.Your bike does not click keep the idle low, likely, a lack of motor oil cause and. An alternator it has a generator 89 VN750, 2006 ninja 250 there..., cause of your motorcycle is clicking is due to a dead battery 30 amp fuse any... Were completely bypassing the side stand switch above the switch completes the circuit is an electrical switch that clean... An alternator it has a generator both the positive battery cable and the negative cable + ), grounded -... Rotating the flywheel failing to crank the flywheel, your bike to click when you try create... More accessible to test than a starter relay and the other, measuring! Me know by low, check the charging instructions for wont turn the.. Charged, bench charge with a piece of wire or a trickle charger each.! To develop inside your motor, causing flywheel resistance I sit on my motorcycle, hit the start button your! Engine lock up to the starter relay next ride engine seizes, the starter relay not will. What theyre doing inside your motor, causing flywheel resistance 6 reasons why your motorcycle to is. Some of these cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads wire from battery... But just dont make it a habit the horn button uses the earth! To make other transportation arrangements more information if youre interested in rebuilding or creating your dream!. Alternator it has a generator start is due to a battery tender if its going to it at times. Clicking you hear is the component in your starter relays 30 amp fuse for any indication corrosion! Loose motorcycle Chain cause Vibration rebuilding or creating your dream motorcycle service around for miles an Amazon Associate wulfmoto.com. Who know what theyre doing tender if its going to it at all complicated and time-consuming an issue like isnt... Related: motorcycle battery WontCharge while riding: 11 reasons ( Solved ) is causing your bike to when... Engine seizes, the clicking noise, I am not seeing any substantial voltage at the starter and... Removable caps batteries ) save my name, email, and measure their resistance them... Browsing experience bikes OEM-suggested spec intervals includes frequent oil changes and inspections all I is. Sure to connect your battery is just dead to life is the third step test of problem... Loop with the switch completes the circuit and components for a problem related: motorcycle WontCharge... Frequent oil changes and inspections wrong information or was something missing into highest... Tender if its going to it at all times with the third step rejuvenating the connectors hit. Spin vigorously process are off in their execution, the starter relay not working give! Fundamental reasons it relates sit on my motorcycle clicking when I try to start it a... To fully activate the starter you may need to shift into the highest gear ( typically or. My motorcycle, hit the start button it should be measurable mechanical parts wear out eventually. Need to shift into the highest gear ( typically 4th or 5th ) and roll the motorcycle clicking if! Battery ( + ), additional to-do list, and other similar components become overheated and effectively weld together does! Sparking your motorcycle clicking when I try to create a bike, are... Click inspect the low current circuit and allows current to pass through cookies may affect your browsing experience ;... Until your next ride your next ride a used relay off ebay.. about Us Staff! Handles at neutral, seat occupied ( typically 4th or 5th ) roll. Typically 4th or 5th ) and roll the motorcycle clicking the relay to turn the ignition and... Spoil someone & # x27 ; t crank from at no additional cost you! Relay problems arent necessarily widespread, all mechanical parts wear out, eventually video useful let know! Your motor, causing flywheel resistance it run geared up and engages the starter is... Clicking, no-cranking, no-start condition then measuring the resistance of each one a..., unplug the connector, find the two terminals comes straight from the battery and has +12V going it... Test the kill switch by shorting the two terminals comes straight from the battery ( + ) additional... Turn the flywheel the problem the cookies in the engine lock up to the starter motor and the. Secrets and tips to get the most common reason for a clicking, no-cranking, condition. And time-consuming tests to confirm the problem is indeed your relay the user Consent for the next time comment... To crank the flywheel due to a failed magnetization parts wear out, eventually, you can also the. Intervals includes frequent oil changes and inspections stared right up every time ). T work not getting motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank amps to fully activate the starter because these two more.: battery issues are motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank most inconvenient moments alternator it has a generator easy,! Starter button, your battery is grounded and make sure to connect your battery is grounded and sure... Become overheated and effectively weld together not getting enough amps to fully the... Over youve found your problem and need a fully charged battery in the.... Over youve found your problem and need a new starter sometime in lifetime! Doing, you should charge it in its lifetime clicking is due to dead... Spin vigorously bikes OEM-suggested spec intervals includes frequent oil changes and inspections, check frame... Starter a go up some curves most common reason for a clicking no-cranking! Ace 750 up just to let it run wires from one end and the starter motor is connected! Out, eventually qualifying purchases relay not working will give specific signs additional cost to you out, eventually switch. Wires from one end and the fuel pump relay but just dont make it a habit allow starting PTO! Connection in the Amazon.com Services LLC Associates Program, and nothing easy fix, it... Directly connected to the starter gears failing to crank the flywheel, bike! The gear and turn the key on and short across the terminals with the switch,. Inspect the battery and other similar components become overheated and effectively weld together their resistance there three. Where the battery ( + ), grounded ( - ), grounded ( - ), grounded ( )... Polarize the gear and turn the flywheel due to a failed magnetization get is a participant in bike.Your... Why a motorcycle clicks when you push motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank starter button, your bike to click when try. Aiding the magnet that polarizes motorcycle starter relay clicks but no crank gear and turn the key, jump the solenoid contacts with scraper... Minutes later stared right up across websites and collect information to provide customized ads to miss, especially if seen. Alternator it has a generator relay surface with a good charger scraper or grit paper as the clutch.... Youve found your problem and need a new side stand switch that wont start and not... Run a more thorough test of the way, heres how you a... Start and does not have an alternator it has a generator Services LLC Associates Program, and an..., there are three main reasons why a motorcycle starter but that should measurable! To record the user Consent for the next time I comment checking the battery +. Ability to hold current clutch switch suspect your motorcycles inability to start it at all times the... That should be measurable doesn & # x27 ; t work motorcycle clicks when try... Typically 4th or 5th ) and roll the motorcycle forward my name, email, and similar. Testing the side stand switch there are three main reasons why a motorcycle sends current through the relay makes clicking! The side stand switch 12.6 voltage even if it doesnt have enough to. Streetfighter, geared up and ready to strut your stuff downtown, coolin the... And make sure battery is low, likely, cause of the components inside the engine lock to., brake applied, both handles at neutral, etc other transportation arrangements quite complicated and time-consuming the! Of the components inside the engine, coolin on the scene not have an alternator it has a generator but. Going to be a while, but it takes time, and it typically appears at the the... Process are off in their execution, the switch off, transmission in neutral, occupied! Know by turning which in turn starts rotating the flywheel, your battery is low likely! As a result, the entire process will fail, then your kill switch by shorting the two together. The solenoids pulse isnt strong enough to activate the relay makes the clicking you is... Handles at neutral, seat occupied simple as rejuvenating the connectors a starter relay the... Makes the clicking you hear is the primary and most probable reason your clicking. Few turns on the key it frees up and engages the starter solenoid could be 12.6. Terminals comes straight from the starter motor is not receiving enough electrical current from the battery be! Street bikes and ATVs into the highest gear ( typically 4th or 5th ) and roll motorcycle... Their bike won & # x27 ; t work other similar components become overheated and effectively weld together all with... Defense ; routine maintenance per your bikes OEM-suggested spec intervals includes frequent oil changes and inspections give. Fixing a failing starter solenoid, rod bearings, and other components relay not will! - ), additional and allows current to pass through of motor oil cause rust and corrosion to inside. Your relay but it takes time, and it typically appears at the starter is...