Wiring on 1999 Monster is kicking the bucket EDIT: solenoid plug irritating

[Howie]

First thing to check is the small wire connector on the back of the solenoid is tight.  While there, the red/blue wire in that connector should have voltage when you hit the starter button and the black should have continuity to ground.

[ducpainter]

Everything seems to be fine and working, but when i hit the starter button i get NOTHING. 

not even a click.   

Unplug the small white connector from the solenoid...plug it back in.

Try again.

[Duck-Stew]

First thing to check is the small wire connector on the back of the solenoid is tight.  While there, the red/blue wire in that connector should have voltage when you hit the starter button and the black should have continuity to ground.

Unplug the small white connector from the solenoid...plug it back in.

Try again.

to add to the above:  The female terminals inside the white plug are thin metal and can spread open a bit over time.  If re-seating that connector doesn't help, look into using a small pair of pliers and close up the diameter of that terminal inside the white plug a bit.

[Bergweiserus]

First thing to check is the small wire connector on the back of the solenoid is tight.  While there, the red/blue wire in that connector should have voltage when you hit the starter button and the black should have continuity to ground.

Thanks Howie, I'll try that when i get home from work!

[Bergweiserus]

Unplug the small white connector from the solenoid...plug it back in.
Try again.

I get home at 6PM today, will try that and report back.  Thank You DucP.

[Bergweiserus]

to add to the above:  The female terminals inside the white plug are thin metal and can spread open a bit over time.  If re-seating that connector doesn't help, look into using a small pair of pliers and close up the diameter of that terminal inside the white plug a bit.

Thanks Duck-Stew that is something i never thought of.  I'll post the results either tonight or tomorrow.  I appreciate everyone's help with this.  I can do pretty much anything mechanical - it's the electrical stuff which confuses the hell out of me.

[Duck-Stew]

Thanks Duck-Stew that is something i never thought of.  I'll post the results either tonight or tomorrow.  I appreciate everyone's help with this.  I can do pretty much anything mechanical - it's the electrical stuff which confuses the hell out of me.

Also, years ago I started putting a quality zip-tie around the middle of the starter solenoid to retain that stupid white plastic connector as there is NO tab on the thing to keep in held in place. 

Ridiculous that Ducati didn't provide that on the early Monsters.

[Bergweiserus]

O M F G.....

IT WORKED!  turns out the little plastic plug needed to be re-inserted  

what a pain in the arse trying to get it back in there.   I replaced that solenoid a couple years ago and do not remember it being that much trouble getting it re-inserted...if you've got large hands, it ranks among the most frustrating things ever.  Bike fired right up when i re-inserted.

Although it will have to wait a few months when i get the time, i AM going to proceed with getting a new harness and re-wire the entire bike.  it needs it badly as bits are starting to go here and there....cracked wires, broken wires, etc...

A BIG THANKS to you guys for helping me.  

now off to ride!!