5th Gen Starting Issues

Discussion in 'Mechanics Garage' started by stoops, Jun 21, 2017.

  1. stoops

    stoops New Member

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    Went to leave for work this morning. Hit the start button, I can hear the relay click, but no engine turn over. Turn off the key. Wait a few seconds and repeat, same result.

    After work. I pull out the FSM to start checking some things off and finding out where everything is.

    Info:
    1998 with 73k miles.
    Battery measured at 13.4 volts and is new about 1.5 months.
    Fuse was pulled, looked good but contacts were a little discolored. Spare looked better, installed spare instead, tried to start. Same result.
    Pulled diode, to measure ohms, seemed to be good, FSM isn't clear to me on how to exactly test. Replaced, same result.
    Heard relay clicking in during tests so does that mean relay is good?
    Didn't have any wire to run down to the starter motor from the battery, will be trying that test tomorrow after work.
    R/R was replaced with a Rick's via Wiremybike in 2012, probably has 35-40k miles on it
    VFRness was added earlier that year as well.
    Has 2 bars of fuel.

    Any other things to check?
     
  2. Terry Smith

    Terry Smith Member

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    I'd try jump starting off your car battery. If the jump leads get hot, pull your bike battery out of the circuit and try again. Sounds most like a dead/dying battery to me, enough current to fire the relay but not enough to turn the starter. Did your fuel pump prime?
     
  3. stoops

    stoops New Member

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    Yeah, was going to connect the battery charger later and try that as well. Could hear the fuel pump prime.
     
  4. vegaquark

    vegaquark New Member

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    Nah, just replace the relay. It clicks but contacts tend to corrode and wont work in that situation... Just a slight corrosion (inside the relay) is enough to increase the resistance and prevent the starter motor to work.
     
  5. vegaquark

    vegaquark New Member

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    [​IMG]
    There you have it
     
  6. stoops

    stoops New Member

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    Did some diagnosing over the weekend, tested the relay via the FSM and it checked out, but I put the multimeter on the starter cable to see what voltage was getting to the starter motor when the start button was depressed and the system activated. It showed continuity but would read 0.00 volts. Figured that isn't correct. So placed the order for the new relay on Saturday, will get it on Tuesday afternoon. Can't install until Wednesday night though. The wait continues.
     
  7. vegaquark

    vegaquark New Member

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    Hmmm, if it readed 0 on the terminal to the positive terminal of the battery there is something wrong... Where did you clampled the negative lead of the multimeter?
     
  8. stoops

    stoops New Member

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    Negative battery terminal.
     
  9. vegaquark

    vegaquark New Member

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    Then there is no connection to the possitive side of the circuit... 0 volt means that there is no amps going through that two points... Lets see what happens with the new relay :)
     
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  10. stoops

    stoops New Member

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    Update: We are back in business. Multiple start-ups, even sounds like it starts a little easier. New relay was installed. $36 later from the local dealership. This gremlin is hopefully squashed.

    81 and sunny tomorrow, I think she'll be ridden to work for a proper shakedown, currently storming right now.

    Thanks for the help.
     
  11. vegaquark

    vegaquark New Member

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    Great! I'm glad it worked! Keep us updated with more good news!
     
  12. stoops

    stoops New Member

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    Started up like a dream this morning, even seemed to start easier than it has in a long time.
     
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