Interesting starting behavior

[jblanken64]

I've noticed some behavior where I press the starter button and get nothing but a click. I can do this a couple of times and then the starter gets going and the bike cranks just fine. Initially I thought this was the battery as it was pretty old. So I replaced it and have noticed the same behavior several times. It does not happen every time I crank the bike, only intermittently. If this were a car, I'd suspect the starter. Thoughts?

 

[RossKean]

Check the starter solenoid first.  More likely than the starter.  

 

[Canadian FJR]

Or the ignition switch ??

Canadian FJR

 

[philter]

I think I have a spare solenoid if you find that is the problem. Sure sounds like a solenoid. 

 

[jblanken64]

So is there a diagnosis procedure for the solenoid? Or just diag by replacement?

 

[RossKean]

So is there a diagnosis procedure for the solenoid? Or just diag by replacement?

Easy enough to jumper around it...

Or try tapping it with a screwdriver when it isn't making contact.

 

[wfooshee]

I agree with the relay. Technically, it's a starter relay, not a solenoid. A relay is a magnetically operated switch, while a solenoid does some physical function (like locking a car door.) FJRs don't have starter solenoids.

Relay contacts burn over time, creating resistance, making the circuit incomplete when it clicks. Easy and fairly cheap fix, just get a new one.

 

[Road_Runner]

I agree with the relay being the most probable cause if juice stops flowing when holding down the start button after the initial click.  If you get a click, then the panel lights are dim and you hear electrical noise after the click, the starter may be the cause.

 

[Panman]

Easy to check with a volt meter, should have the same voltage going to the starter cable on the relay as coming in. I had one go bad once on my FJR, if you have to by a new one make sure  the hot fuse for the ABS is in the same position. Don't ask how I know, JSNS.

 

[jblanken64]

Just an update on this. I've been sidelined after some hand surgery in December so I haven't been extremely eager to work on anything. But I did get a relay from a 2007 (thanks philter) to try. Unfortunately the relays are different part numbers. They look exactly the same except for the plug connector. So a new relay is on order

 

[jblanken64]

The new relay worked like a charm. $25 well spent.