Starter repeatedly clicks, doesn’t turn over engine
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 14
Likes: 4
From: Erlanger, KY
Starter repeatedly clicks, doesn’t turn over engine
2014 FLHTCU New battery, fully charged. I replaced the starter clutch and rebuilt the solenoid. All connections clean and tight. All I get is repeated clicking from starter. Fuel pump primes, everything seems normal except for the starter clicking and not turning over the engine. I don’t think this bike has a starter relay, so I’m lost on what to do next.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,586
Likes: 6,435
From: Honah Lee
If the click is the solenoid on the starter, it obviously getting voltage from start switch.
I don't have a diagnostic manual for a BCM Harley and not sure if it has a relay in fuse box or the BCM controls the solenoid relay but that should not mater if you have identified the solenoid relay is the click.
You say you rebuild the solenoid and I am assuming you did it right and it has 12.7 DC volts on the big positive wire to it.
If all that is true, obviously, the starter motor is the issue. Maybe brushes or a burnt commutator.
PS.. welcome to the Forum.
I don't have a diagnostic manual for a BCM Harley and not sure if it has a relay in fuse box or the BCM controls the solenoid relay but that should not mater if you have identified the solenoid relay is the click.
You say you rebuild the solenoid and I am assuming you did it right and it has 12.7 DC volts on the big positive wire to it.
If all that is true, obviously, the starter motor is the issue. Maybe brushes or a burnt commutator.
PS.. welcome to the Forum.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; May 19, 2024 at 08:21 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 18,434
Likes: 3,714
From: backwoods
Great question to ask. What was it doing.
One thing I like doing is jump pack, and see if starts, or even battery charger on 6 amps for few minutes and see if it does more. I know you have new battery, and it is unlikely. But I am guessing you bought the battery because of this issue and never seen it work. Probably not battery.
BCM is whole new world to me. I hope I don't have to work on mine for awhile.
One thing I like doing is jump pack, and see if starts, or even battery charger on 6 amps for few minutes and see if it does more. I know you have new battery, and it is unlikely. But I am guessing you bought the battery because of this issue and never seen it work. Probably not battery.
BCM is whole new world to me. I hope I don't have to work on mine for awhile.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 670
Likes: 22
From: Umatilla, Fl
First thing I would do is verify what the battery voltage is at the battery. Then while trying to crank the bike, what is the voltage drop to at the battery. Then while trying to crank check the voltage at the solenoid. Doing this should help pinpoint the issue. Obviously if you are not getting voltage drop at the battery nor the solenoid your starter isn’t engaged. Double check the connection point between solenoid and starter. You should have full battery voltage of at least 12.7 volts to begin with.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,285
Likes: 965
From: Eastern NC
2014 FLHTCU New battery, fully charged. I replaced the starter clutch and rebuilt the solenoid. All connections clean and tight. All I get is repeated clicking from starter. Fuel pump primes, everything seems normal except for the starter clicking and not turning over the engine. I don’t think this bike has a starter relay, so I’m lost on what to do next.
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 14
Likes: 4
From: Erlanger, KY
It was doing one single click. I thought battery was ok, solenoid rebuild kit was only $28. After I rebuilt it it started clicking repeatedly. Had battery tested, it failed twice, I bought a new one. Thought maybe the starter clutch could be bad so I replaced that just now. Still the same issue. Had the starter tested (with old starter clutch), it pushed out and spun properly. Thought maybe the clutch was failing under load so I replaced it. I’m trying to avoid replacing the starter since they’re outrageous. Cleaned all connections and tightened them, battery ground is tight. I guess I’ll remove the primary cover and see if the starter clutch is meshing with ring gear properly.
Last edited by Jesseppers; May 19, 2024 at 10:21 AM.
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Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 14
Likes: 4
From: Erlanger, KY
If the click is the solenoid on the starter, it obviously getting voltage from start switch.
I don't have a diagnostic manual for a BCM Harley and not sure if it has a relay in fuse box or the BCM controls the solenoid relay but that should not mater if you have identified the solenoid relay is the click.
You say you rebuild the solenoid and I am assuming you did it right and it has 12.7 DC volts on the big positive wire to it.
If all that is true, obviously, the starter motor is the issue. Maybe brushes or a burnt commutator.
PS.. welcome to the Forum.
I don't have a diagnostic manual for a BCM Harley and not sure if it has a relay in fuse box or the BCM controls the solenoid relay but that should not mater if you have identified the solenoid relay is the click.
You say you rebuild the solenoid and I am assuming you did it right and it has 12.7 DC volts on the big positive wire to it.
If all that is true, obviously, the starter motor is the issue. Maybe brushes or a burnt commutator.
PS.. welcome to the Forum.
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Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 14
Likes: 4
From: Erlanger, KY
I guess I can pull the starter to clean the ground, I checked it for tightness, it was good.
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 14
Likes: 4
From: Erlanger, KY
Great question to ask. What was it doing.
One thing I like doing is jump pack, and see if starts, or even battery charger on 6 amps for few minutes and see if it does more. I know you have new battery, and it is unlikely. But I am guessing you bought the battery because of this issue and never seen it work. Probably not battery.
BCM is whole new world to me. I hope I don't have to work on mine for awhile.
One thing I like doing is jump pack, and see if starts, or even battery charger on 6 amps for few minutes and see if it does more. I know you have new battery, and it is unlikely. But I am guessing you bought the battery because of this issue and never seen it work. Probably not battery.
BCM is whole new world to me. I hope I don't have to work on mine for awhile.
Last edited by Jesseppers; May 19, 2024 at 10:19 AM.