Ducati Monster Forum

Moto Board => Tech => Topic started by: Happykiwi on May 06, 2017, 07:06:55 PM

Title: Help can't get my Monster to start
Post by: Happykiwi on May 06, 2017, 07:06:55 PM
Tried to start my 659 monster yesterday and when I turned the key the dash worked like normal for about 2-3 seconds then I heard a slight pfft sound and it went blank.

I have removed the tank and checked all fuses. All seem fine. Battery is new and left on trickle charge so no issue there. Immobiliser flashing and headlight working fine.  I tried changing the relays around and the dash seemed to work so I went and got 2 new relays (same pin and volts etc) and tried again and dash worked ok for a few seconds and then it started flickering on and off. Maybe an electrical fault somewhere?

Any help would be awesome.
Title: Re: Help can't get my Monster to start
Post by: ducpainter on May 07, 2017, 05:32:22 AM
You say your battery is new, and I'm sure it is, but is it also a good new battery?

Title: Re: Help can't get my Monster to start
Post by: Happykiwi on May 07, 2017, 01:02:35 PM
I got the battery from Ducati in Auckland.  I figured power is going to the dash and the headlight on with the immobiliser flashing. It's about 4 months old. My last ride was about 3 weeks ago and it's been on trickle charge since. Normally when it's battery is dead no power will go to light or dash??  I did check all connections which seemed to be fine. I thought strange how dash is now flashing on and off after playing with the relays. I'll see if I can check the level if I can get hold of a volt meter.  Thanks.
Title: Re: Help can't get my Monster to start
Post by: koko64 on May 07, 2017, 02:20:43 PM
Look for pinched wires shorting to the frame or rubbing on the frame. Around the headstem is a known area. Check the component and wiring relating to the relay that could be popping.
Did you ride in heavy rain last ride? Dash clusters and switchblocks can get soaked and short. Compressed air drying, hair dryers and WD40 and then dielectric grease to protect connections get applied.
A weak battery may have lost cranking torque even if its full. Watch for a big voltage drop at start up with the meter.
Hopefully Howie will pop by with advice.
Title: Re: Help can't get my Monster to start
Post by: Howie on May 07, 2017, 10:48:32 PM
First do what ducpainter said, confirm the battery is good.  Fully charge the battery and have it load tested.  Battery good?  Now take koko64's advice.  Trying to trouble shoot an electrical problem with a dead battery is like pissing up a rope.
Title: Re: Help can't get my Monster to start
Post by: Happykiwi on May 08, 2017, 01:44:02 PM
Ok I have removed battery and will take in for a check today and keep you posted. Thanks ever so much!!
Title: Re: Help can't get my Monster to start
Post by: Happykiwi on May 09, 2017, 01:59:26 AM
Thanks team seems it's a problem with the battery.

Tried to charge battery and meter wouldn't even move after 6 hrs. I'm not sure why this is happening it's the 2014 bike and the second battery I have been through even thou they are left on trickle charge - in saying that the trickle charger never moved to "maintenance" so maybe its bad luck with 2 batteries?  I asked The service department to check it on the last service and it was ticked off as fine - not long after I needed to replace the battery.

I took the battery out of my Triumph and believe it or not it stared first try.

Would something be draining the battery while left of trickle charge enough to stuff it after 6 months??
Title: Re: Help can't get my Monster to start
Post by: ducpainter on May 09, 2017, 03:18:47 AM
You need to get a voltmeter to verify the bike is charging. There will be some draw on the battery because of the electronics, but a trickle charger should handle that easily.

I'd suspect the charger, unless you're buying cheapie batteries. Even if you were they'd likely last longer than a year or so.
Title: Re: Help can't get my Monster to start
Post by: Howie on May 09, 2017, 03:26:34 AM
Unless the charger is overcharging.  A charger not going into float mode will hurt a battery. 
Title: Re: Help can't get my Monster to start
Post by: Happykiwi on May 10, 2017, 01:22:56 AM
I got the Ducati charger when I replaced the last battery as I suspected maybe it was the charger.  I took the battery back to Ducati today and they said it is under guarantee for 2 years so they sending it away to be tested if it is faulty they will replace.

Is it a good idea to leave the bike on trickle charge even when I have a new battery?  The last battery never went into the maintenance mode on trickle charge either.
Title: Re: Help can't get my Monster to start
Post by: ducpainter on May 10, 2017, 03:14:15 AM
How long does the bike sit between rides?
Title: Re: Help can't get my Monster to start
Post by: Howie on May 10, 2017, 03:42:38 AM
On the charger all the time, if it is a smart battery charger should not harm the battery.  Should is the important word.  If the charger fails to detect a fully charged battery and go into "float" damage may happen.  Chargers that do not go into "float" mode should not be left on a battery.  Batteries do loose charge while sitting.  At 75oF a battery (not in vehicle) will loose as little charge as 1% in a day.  95o will double that.  In a vehicle you usually have some sort of drains.  Clock, ECU, alarm etc.  A nice part of a carbie monster is that it really has no drains if all is good.  FI Monsters will have drains.

Answer about leaving a bike on a trickle charger all the time?  There is no real answer.  My advice is if you are using the bike often, no need.  Otherwise, if you plan on keeping your bike on a tender for an long period of time get yourself a voltmeter.  Either check voltage and charge when needed. For a conventional lead acid battery fully charged is at least 12.6 volts, AGM 12.8 or higher.  You want to charge the battery when it goes below about 12.5 volts, 3/4 charge.  Under charged batteries will sulphate (plate death).  The other option is just leave the charger and voltmeter on and occasionally check the charging voltage.  It should be less than 13.2 for a conventional or a little higher for an AGM.

Now that you know more than you need to want to keep it simple?  Overnight charge every month for a carbie or stored out of the bike.  Every two weeks for an injected bike.  Much easier.



Title: Re: Help can't get my Monster to start
Post by: shards51 on May 11, 2017, 09:38:50 AM
Or just buy a Shorai (or equiv) and forget about charging.  I know some will disagree, but my experience has been great. I was away for 3 months last year, just hopped on and off it went.  Saves a nice chunk of up-top weight as well.
Title: Re: Help can't get my Monster to start
Post by: Happykiwi on May 13, 2017, 04:30:25 PM
Replacement battery all in and running well but now I have no speedo. Is there an easy way to fix this? one step forward and another one back.
Title: Re: Help can't get my Monster to start
Post by: Happykiwi on May 13, 2017, 04:38:41 PM
Speedo is just sitting at zero.
Title: Re: Help can't get my Monster to start
Post by: stopintime on May 13, 2017, 04:45:24 PM
Does it sweep when you turn the key? Tacho the same?
Title: Re: Help can't get my Monster to start
Post by: Speeddog on May 18, 2017, 09:03:25 PM
Does the odometer work?
Title: Re: Help can't get my Monster to start
Post by: Happykiwi on September 03, 2017, 02:11:17 PM
Shows km but doesn't change.