Replacement solenoid for an M800

[ducsix]

So the solenoid in my 2003 M800 appears to be dead.  I'm hoping I can just pick up a factory replacement without trading in my left nut, but what if I can't find one quickly?  Will any 12V solenoid work?

[Hedgehog]

You're probably going to want to replace it with the Ducati part.  It needs to first of all fit properly, which is hard to do with something from Autozone.  And, it needs to be rated with enough current so that it doesn't melt the first time you hit the button.  Granted, if you find something that's physically identical, it's probably the right part, but the chances of finding it aren't that great, unless someone can give you a proven sub part number.

Added:
Did you say whether it clicks when you hit the button?  I'm just asking in case you've managed to pull a wire loose, somehow.

[Hedgehog]

I'm looking at an old one I pulled from my 94 SS, and I see that the pins are a bit rusty.  Has your bike seen a bit of rain?  You might try pulling the small connector with 2 wires out of the side of the solenoid and see if they are badly rusted.  If they are, maybe try some penetrating oil or WD40 to try to get the rust out.  BE SURE you pull the negative lead of the battery FIRST, because one of the big wires to the solenoid is hot all the time!  If that hits the frame, it won't be pretty.  If it's rusted, it will need some TLC to get both the solenoid and the connector cleaned up.  Then put some silicone grease (NOT RTV sealant) on the connector.  Radio Shack may still sell it as a silicone dielectric in a small tube.

[ducsix]

I'm looking at an old one I pulled from my 94 SS, and I see that the pins are a bit rusty.  Has your bike seen a bit of rain?  You might try pulling the small connector with 2 wires out of the side of the solenoid and see if they are badly rusted.  If they are, maybe try some penetrating oil or WD40 to try to get the rust out.

My bike has been riddden through some good storms this summer, and I was thinking the same thing, so I tried reseating that plug (among others) but with no success.

BE SURE you pull the negative lead of the battery FIRST, because one of the big wires to the solenoid is hot all the time!  If that hits the frame, it won't be pretty. 

You're right about that...I neglected to pull the neg lead and got a nice spark shower as a reward when pulling the solenoid.  D'oh!

[ducsix]

Did you say whether it clicks when you hit the button?  I'm just asking in case you've managed to pull a wire loose, somehow.

Yes, it does click, nice and loud.

[Hedgehog]

Yes, it does click, nice and loud.

Yeah, it's pretty much toast, then.  You could make double sure by checking the voltage at the solenoid on the wire that goes down to the starter.  You could do a continuity check with the battery disconnected, instead, so you don't have to worry about getting another shower.

[64duc]

Walk yours into your local friendly Yahama dealer.  He'll sell you a better one cheaper.

[ducsix]

Walk yours into your local friendly Yahama dealer.  He'll sell you a better one cheaper.

I came this --><-- close to doing exactly this when I found the local dealer wanted $90 for the friggin solenoid, but decided not to muck around since I didn't have time to worry about resoldering the control wires to get the connectors to mate up properly (maybe you can get a non-ducati part with the right connectors pre-fabbed but I couldn't get any info on this).

So, $90 and a battery recharge later (I shorted the poor thing out when disconnecting the solenoid) my bike is back on the road.  Thanks for the help!

[Hedgehog]

So, $90 and a battery recharge later (I shorted the poor thing out when disconnecting the solenoid) my bike is back on the road.

Another satisfied customer!   

[ducsix]

Another satisfied customer!