1980 1000 starting problem
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Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 606
Likes: 45
From: Kentucky
1980 1000 starting problem
I have a 1980 XLH 1000. It has been starting and running with no problem. Then suddenly, when I hit the start button, all I hear is a 'click' in the area of the computer module. All the other electronics work, lights, horn, etc. Computer module gone bad? Other problems? Any ideas before I start trying to replace items? Any ideas would be appreciated, thanks.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 406
Likes: 122
From: Iowa
If it's a quiet little click, it's most likely the starter relay.
When the battery gets weak on my '82 XLH, the starter solenoid makes a very loud rapid-fire clacking noise when I press the starter button.
When you get a multimeter, connect it to the small post on the solenoid and see if it receives +12 volts when you press the start button.
I'm betting it won't, because the starter relay isn't working correctly to send the current to that small solenoid post.
Here's what the starter relay should look like:
When the battery gets weak on my '82 XLH, the starter solenoid makes a very loud rapid-fire clacking noise when I press the starter button.
When you get a multimeter, connect it to the small post on the solenoid and see if it receives +12 volts when you press the start button.
I'm betting it won't, because the starter relay isn't working correctly to send the current to that small solenoid post.
Here's what the starter relay should look like:
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,239
Likes: 1,171
From: St. Catharines, Ontario
A DMM is a good purchase for any home/auto/motorcycle owner . With it you will be able to diagnose lots of problems even with limited electrical knowledge, learn a little about them and pay attention to instructions and ask questions if you are unsure. Many folk on this forum are knowledgeable and want to help.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9,507
Likes: 7,815
From: Long Island, New York
Yes get a multi meter.
No, your bike does not have a computer module.
Check the relay but 9 out of 10 times, the battery is dead. It happens.
Good luck.
No, your bike does not have a computer module.
Check the relay but 9 out of 10 times, the battery is dead. It happens.
Good luck.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
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From: England
To test a relay you need a 12 volt source and an ohmmeter (part of a multimeter).
Hold the meter leads together to get a baseline for what the meter reads.
Energise the relay and then measure the resistance of the closed contacts. You should get the same reading from the test above. A few ohms resistance stops quite a bit of current flowing and so the circuit fails.
Hold the meter leads together to get a baseline for what the meter reads.
Energise the relay and then measure the resistance of the closed contacts. You should get the same reading from the test above. A few ohms resistance stops quite a bit of current flowing and so the circuit fails.
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