Bike won't turn off... I had to disconnect the battery

[Radar]

Howdy folks,

2005 S4R- All of a sudden--no previous indication...

Bike runs fine, but I can't turn it off with the key. It, I think, is running on the starter, but the engine is still firing. It will slow down and run badly, but it continues to run.

I put it in first gear, turned the key off, held the brakes, and let out the clutch... It continued to run.

all thoughts appreciated.

Thanks,

Eric M.

[Ddan]

My first guess would be the starter switch, then the relay

[Howie]

If the kill switch shuts the bike off, most likely it is the switch.  If the kill switch has no effect it is the solenoid.

[Radar]

Thanks- The kill switch has no effect, so I guess it's the solenoid.

Is that a Ducati specific part, or might I be able to run down to NAPA?

Thanks

Eric M.

[live2ride]

i had a similar issue.  replacing the solenoid was a cinch.  rode to the dealer, disconnected the battery when i got there (as this was the only way to stop the bike), replaced the solenoid in the parking lot in about 5 minutes. 

you can use a generic one supposedly.  i believe most bike shops sell a generic one that fits on most bikes.  the stock one has a rubber cover that attaches to the bracket.  if the generic one fits in the rubber boot, it should be fine.  most bike solenoids work with similar specs as its just a switch

[Howie]

Thanks- The kill switch has no effect, so I guess it's the solenoid.

Is that a Ducati specific part, or might I be able to run down to NAPA?

Thanks

Eric M.

Not NAPA, but cheaper than OEM:
http://www.ca-cycleworks.com/products/electrical/ca-cycleworks-yamaha-starter-relay-battery-and-charging

[A.duc.H.duc.]

You could always try tapping the solenoid with a screwdriver handle. Sometimes they'll unstick and be fine for many more years.

[Radar]

Interesting idea about tapping on the solonoid with a screwdriver handle...

I wonder if it can be disassembled, cleaned and contact surfaces renewed.

Thoughts?

Thanks,

Eric M.

[Howie]

Tapping it is worth a try for a short time cure.  It will fail again.  As far as opening it and cleaning the contacts, I guess you could do it, but the unit was not designed to be disassembled.  The cover is crimped on.

[Langanobob]

Tapping it is worth a try for a short time cure.  It will fail again.  As far as opening it and cleaning the contacts, I guess you could do it, but the unit was not designed to be disassembled.  The cover is crimped on.

Eric, I agree with Howie and failed attempts at Fixing Things That Are Too Far Gone to be Fixed is one of my specialties.  Likely the relay contacts were fused together or badly damaged due to heavy current when the starter stayed engaged when the bike was in gear with the brake on.  You can grind away the crimp on the cover and maybe get the contacts into working order and tape or somehow put the cover back in place.  But IMHO if it works it will only work for a very short time and you will be back where you started from or worse.

[Radar]

Wise advice, my friend. Thanks-

I'll call Chris at CA cycleworks-

[DarkStaR]

I wonder if it can be disassembled, cleaned and contact surfaces renewed.

Thoughts?

IIRC, It's pretty difficult with out damaging it...I tried, and I'm pretty good at taking shit apart, and putting it back together.  I gave up.

[Radar]

Those of you who called solenoid were right.

I'll be looking for a replacement only if I can't get the original apart and repaired to my satisfaction.

i thank you all for your input/experience...

Thanks,

Eric M.

BTW, Radar is my Dog. I'll tolerate no disrespect toward the finest K9 who ever lived. He's getting pretty old, but he's still one of my dearest friends.

[Langanobob]

Eric,

It seems to me that starter relay issues seem to coincide with a low battery or charging system problems.  Since you're already delving into electrical stuff it might be a good idea to have the battery and charging system checked out.

Also...to be precisely anal, the correct term is relay, not solenoid.  A solenoid is an electro-mechanical device that, in response to electrical current in a coil,  pushes on a rod or some other mechanical mechanism to actuate a gear or close/open a valve, whatever the case may be.  Sort of like an old Chevy starter solenoid that mechanically engages the starter gear.

In our case, the current in the coil only causes electrical contacts to close, so it's not a solenoid but a relay.   I think we discussed this definition in an earlier starter thread, that's where I learned it.   Being that it's about the only thing I know about electricity I'm very proud of this piece of knowledge.   

[Radar]

Langanonbob, I believe your are correct... technically... Just as you describe, the "piggyback" relay/solenoid on a Chevy is often simply referred to as the starter solenoid. ...even though it contains a relay... 

Fords, as I recall from the old days, referred to the relay as the starter solenoid. If you're old enough to remember, they were simple relays mounted to the firewall or inner fender.

No matter... I'm happy to learn, and I'm happy to get back to riding.

All the best to you my friend,

Eric M.    (Radar is the BEST dog)