Bike is not starting (click)
Did some diagnostic work today. I am getting power to the wire going to the large post on the side of the starter motor from the solenoid when I push the starter button. I believe my starter motor is toast. I don't know how to replace it.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,173
Likes: 12,740
From: South Carolina
Did you have it load tested?
Just because it is new doesn`t mean it is good.
Get the battery load tested, an auto parts store will do it free.
Don`t be so quick to buy a new starter motor. You haven`t done any proper troubleshooting yet.
Once you know the battery is fully charged and functioning properly you can start troubleshooting with a voltmeter.
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Oct 22, 2014 at 08:32 PM.
You have a point but if I apply 12v from a know good battery ( my buddies road king) directly to the side post on the starter, shouldn't it do something? Right now all I have is a clicking relay. I will check the battery tomorrow
Did a test on the battery, it is good no doubt. Had the starter bench tested and it was good, it was not under load. Had a burned spot on the armature but got that repaired.
Put it all together and nothing. I jumped the posts at my solenoid, nothing. I have no idea what's wrong unless the solenoid is messing everything up. It is not kicking out like it should.
Good battery, bench tested the starter it is ok. Solenoid???
Put it all together and nothing. I jumped the posts at my solenoid, nothing. I have no idea what's wrong unless the solenoid is messing everything up. It is not kicking out like it should.
Good battery, bench tested the starter it is ok. Solenoid???
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,173
Likes: 12,740
From: South Carolina
You are going to have to take a systematic approach to this.
Something that has not been mentioned yet, make sure all the battery cables and connections are clean and secure.
Don`t forget to inspect the ground strap that connects to the transmission case.
First thing to do is find out what the cranking voltage is.
Remember that when using a multimeter, touch the probes to the posts, not the wires or the terminals on the wires.
The voltages you are recording are the voltages you see on the meter while cranking.
Touch positive probe to + battery post, negative probe to - post.
Press starter button, record cranking voltage. It should be at least 9.5, write it down.
Now test the starter relay circuits.
Positive probe to + post on battery.
Negative probe to small post on starter solenoid.
Press starter button, the voltage indicated on the meter is the voltage drop of that circuit, it should be less than .5volt.
Positive probe on + battery post, neg probe to terminal 85 on starter relay, press starter button, record voltage. It should be less than .5 volt.
You will need a helper to do these tests, unless you have 3 hands...
Let us know what the results are, more tests to follow...
Something that has not been mentioned yet, make sure all the battery cables and connections are clean and secure.
Don`t forget to inspect the ground strap that connects to the transmission case.
First thing to do is find out what the cranking voltage is.
Remember that when using a multimeter, touch the probes to the posts, not the wires or the terminals on the wires.
The voltages you are recording are the voltages you see on the meter while cranking.
Touch positive probe to + battery post, negative probe to - post.
Press starter button, record cranking voltage. It should be at least 9.5, write it down.
Now test the starter relay circuits.
Positive probe to + post on battery.
Negative probe to small post on starter solenoid.
Press starter button, the voltage indicated on the meter is the voltage drop of that circuit, it should be less than .5volt.
Positive probe on + battery post, neg probe to terminal 85 on starter relay, press starter button, record voltage. It should be less than .5 volt.
You will need a helper to do these tests, unless you have 3 hands...
Let us know what the results are, more tests to follow...
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Oct 25, 2014 at 08:27 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 957
Likes: 2
From: Carlsbad Springs Ontario
Did a test on the battery, it is good no doubt. Had the starter bench tested and it was good, it was not under load. Had a burned spot on the armature but got that repaired.
Put it all together and nothing. I jumped the posts at my solenoid, nothing. I have no idea what's wrong unless the solenoid is messing everything up. It is not kicking out like it should.
Good battery, bench tested the starter it is ok. Solenoid???
Put it all together and nothing. I jumped the posts at my solenoid, nothing. I have no idea what's wrong unless the solenoid is messing everything up. It is not kicking out like it should.
Good battery, bench tested the starter it is ok. Solenoid???
connections.
If you have a manual , do the starter solenoid checks described.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,590
Likes: 444
From: Ohio
I guess you missed his thread where he said the starting problem has been fixed.............
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
JohnK-NJ
General Harley Davidson Chat
25
Jul 5, 2020 10:32 PM