3 fold problem - HELP

[Grendel]

The clicking is the starter relay, replace it, that is likely what the problem is. Check all your fuses, that could be why your lights are not coming on.

I hope that is all it is, since that seems to be a cheap part! Anyway to know if that is it without taking it into the shop?

 

[Grendel]

Getting the gauges to sweep and hearing the 'click' eliminates a lot of possibles. The fact your lights are not working does confuse it .. i'd take it to the Dealer and get them to run a diagnostic /fault search. Then again I don't muck around with electrics .. nuts and bolt stuff i'm ok with. Good luck and let us know when you find the fault.

I sure will. I have little to no mechanical talent to help out on these forums, but I can at least report anything that happens to me in the hope that it will help others. That's the great thing about good communities.

 

[Grendel]

its weak power getting to the starter,if you add a relay to the start circuit it will elimate this problem by giving the starter direct power from the battery.theres a couple posts refering to when your starter goes click,honker posted a great therad regarding this problem

Thanks for the information. I will try to look up the threads.

 

[HansO]

I am with Ugarte on this it sound very much like the starter relay which I believe is also possibly responsible for the lights not working as it cuts the power to the headlights when you hit the starter, my guess is you have a jammed or shorting Starter relay this would also possibly be causing a loss of Battery power. Have you tried recharging your battery, if you don't already have one buy one of the newer type electronic 8 stage charger as they will recondition and also monitor and pulse charge your battery to make sure it is going to be OK
Also check all fuses with an Ohm meter, reason being that a fuse can look to be ok but have a minute crack or flawed contact in it resulting a power drain and insufficient voltage the ohm meter should show 0 resistance on you fuses
Just a couple of thought I got while reading this, hope it might help

 

[Ugarte]

I hope that is all it is, since that seems to be a cheap part! Anyway to know if that is it without taking it into the shop?

Yes, get a new relay for 11 bucks and put it in. Even if it is not the problem....this time...it will fail eventually and it is extremely convenient to have one on you when it does.

The one I bought was NAPA auto part #AR 170. I have replaced mine twice.

 

[Grendel]

Yes, get a new relay for 11 bucks and put it in. Even if it is not the problem....this time...it will fail eventually and it is extremely convenient to have one on you when it does.

The one I bought was NAPA auto part #AR 170. I have replaced mine twice.

Ok, quick question: When I search at NAPA for that part number I get a list of 8 relays which are everything from Fuel Pump to Throttle Relay, but none say Starter Relay. Are they all the same/does it matter? Sorry to ask, but I know nothing here and am learning as I go.

NAPA AUTO PARTS

 

[Ugarte]

Ok, quick question: When I search at NAPA for that part number I get a list of 8 relays which are everything from Fuel Pump to Throttle Relay, but none say Starter Relay. Are they all the same/does it matter? Sorry to ask, but I know nothing here and am learning as I go.

NAPA AUTO PARTS

Its the same relay used in different applications. If you are still concerned, pull the relay off the bike and take it with you to the parts store then take a look at the new one and compare, they should be exactly alike.

 

[Grendel]

Its the same relay used in different applications. If you are still concerned, pull the relay off the bike and take it with you to the parts store then take a look at the new one and compare, they should be exactly alike.

Thanks Ugarte, that is actually what I just did. I just got back from NAPA and I installed the new relay, but no luck. Actually, with the new relay I don't even get the "click" sound when I hit the starter, which surprised me. I took it off and put it back on several times to be sure, but no click and no start.

Well, at least it was an easy and inexpensive thing to rule out.

The guy at NAPA guessed the starter if it had been sluggish of late, and it kinda has. Thing is, I just got this bike 2 months ago, so I can't say what "normal" is, but I always thought it sounded a little sluggish initially. (Prepare yourself for a "blonde description") Kind of "chug...chug...VROOM". I don't know.

 

[Rocket Scientist]

Next I would check where the wires connect to the starter. I've heard of those connections getting bad sometimes. As for not going into first gear, it won't go in even if you rock the bike ?

 

[RocketandRollit]

Ignition switch?