Clicking while trying to start?

[Dragsterhund]

I thought about trying to describe what's happening, but a video would be easier.



I replaced the starter relay with a new unit, and the battery is brand new. The grounds appear to be solidly attached. It'll click like that for a bit, then catch (you hear it in the video), maybe do that a couple times, maybe start, maybe go back to clicking.

Any ideas?

[Dragsterhund]

2003 Monster 800S i.e.

[SpikeC]

 The battery may be new, butt is it fully charged?

[OzzyRob]

First of my apologies if you've tried any or all of the below.

How does it run once it catches, as per normal or a little iffy ?

Have you tried a multimeter across the battery terminals to check if there isn't a significant voltage drop when you hit the starter ?

Is anything getting warm that shouldn't before hitting the starter ? Is it worse if you leave the ignition on for a 30 seconds then try to start, or 60 seconds or 90 seconds ?

I'd also check from the both terms of the relay to earth (I know it's new) and also across the starter itself. To simplify check your voltages at all points in the starter circuit, ie: from the handlebar switch to the starter motor itself. All connections tight AND clean ?

Another thing to check is the coil side of the starter as well.

I only have experience with alot of jap bikes and my 2000 M900 but this would be the path I'd go down.

Don't rule out a mechanical issue presenting as an electrical one....something preventing the starter from running freely. I had a similar problem on a GPz-750 years ago.....it wasn't til I saw arcing under the bike that I found the starter motor postive was shorting to the case.

Even tho the battery is brand new it seems to be similar to a dud battery.

Anyhow good luck man.

[Ddan]

Check the connection at the starter too.  Make sure the stud doesn't turn when you when you put a wrench on it

[Howie]

Start with fully charging the battery and have it load tested.  New does not mean good.  A visual check does not rule out bad connections.  This video should help both of us (saves me a lot of typing).



No, not a bike, but same procedure.

[SpikeC]

 Y'all can't trust folks that talk lak that!
Butt serially, I remember way back when guys on the BMW big list would not use dielectric grease because it would not conduct electricity!

[ducpainter]

Was it doing this with the old battery?

Did you have that one tested or did you just replace it?