Clarification on starting problem

I'm an ignorant mechanic, especially when it comes to electrical issues. I've ridden this bike for two years now, and yesterday I rode it, stopped, went outside to start it and it only clicked. I spent time looking through the forums for the same problem, and printed out the electrical FAQ. I took out the battery, filled it, charged it, the battery place said it was still good. Put it back in, still only clicking.

Now, do I1) check all the switches/relays and clean them; (2) what? check voltage in various places? I have a pretty good mutimeter. Even reading the various answers, I'm still not sure how to check things next. Part of my problem is ignorance of terminology, but I have chacal's guide to where the relays are. Are switches and relays the same? A new starter solenoid relay is only $10 on ebay, but am I right in understanding that if it clicks, the solenoid is still good?

Thanks for your patience.

 

I'd first try the solenoid With the tranny in neutral turn the key to the on position and use a screw driver (with an insulated handle) and touch the two leads on the solenoid if it cranks over it's probably the solenoid.

 

My bet is the battery is NOT good. Hook up the jumper cables to you car and try it again.

Dave

 

Thanks. I'll try the battery, and then the solenoid.

 

Do I need to do anything differently, or have particular motorcycle cables when I try to jump it?

 

Not really. Negative to the engine block, positive to the battery, hit the button. I've had to jumpstart the bikes twice, and each time I used standard automotive jumper cables.

 

That's right.... No different. Just don't stand on the car's accelerator pedal, though!!

 

So it wouldn't start with the jumper cables connected, so I was going to take it to the top of this little hill and bump start it. I put it in neutral, walked it up, and when I got to the top of the hill, I pressed the starter and it started. Why would it do that then? Kinked wire? Bad connection? I'd like to trace it out if I can before I take it anywhere else. You guys are great.

 

Old tired original solenoid.

Buy a better quality part than the $10 eBay one. While you CAN use virtually any starter relay, like one from a lawn tractor, I'd recommend a good quality replacement so it doesn't just fail again.

 

It was afraid you were going to push it over a cliff.....

 

I'd go with "just to fark with him". Won't start on flat ground, but let him push it up a hill...

FYI, Len's part number for that is HCP449 for OEM, and HCP1680 for aftermarket.

 

Lol agreed, Solenoid
If you gotta keep charging your battery I'd replace that too.
Wal Mart Batteries last for like 2-3 years
Interstates last for like 3-4.

 

if you hear a click, the solenoid might be good. You ever jump the terminals to see if it starts? Could also be bad spot in the starter.

 

bad starter button? dirty inside? i had the same issue cleaned up my start button works fine now.It must make a good contact.

 

I replaced the old (prob. 3+ years) battery, replaced the solenoid, cleaned the connection at the starter button, cleaned all the relays that are under the seat/in the battery area. And it still just clicks. Starter?

 

like i said...if it clicks, the solenoid is most likely good and it is a starter problem. Mine did the exact same thing a couple of months ago. Brushes were shot. Take the starter apart and see if the rotor drops in or if you need to spread the brushes.

 

Yeah, just hoping it was something else first

Thanks

 

I (finally) found this, and it is helpful: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=7 ... arter.html

 

Also, is this what I need: http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/291225414703?lpid=82

 

here is the starter rebuild link

http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=45727.html

Good luck..take your time.....do it right the first time....