1. Some members were not receiving emails sent from XJbikes.com. For example: "Forgot your password?" function to reset your password would not send email to some members. I believe this has been resolved now. Please use "Contact Us" form (see page footer link) if you still have email issues. SnoSheriff

    Hello Guest. You have limited privileges and you can't "SEARCH" the forums. Please "Log In" or "Sign Up" for additional functionality. Click HERE to proceed.

clicking when trying to start engine

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by boldstar, Jun 11, 2013.

  1. boldstar

    boldstar Member

    Messages:
    111
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Location:
    ABERDEEN.SCOTLAND
    hi guys,bike as of lately been running great went out to start it this morning ignition on press to start. click click click. sound seems to be coming from starter area checked fuses checked all connections including battery connections all seem good.even tried to jump start off car [engine off] still just clicking.any help would be great thanks in advance guys.
     
    boldstar, Jun 11, 2013
    #1
  2. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

    Messages:
    19,647
    Likes Received:
    6,756
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    The City of Seven Hills
    The clicking is the starter solenoid, and that's a good sound to be hearing. What's not so good is the lack of the starter motor turning. It may be time for it to be pulled so you can clean the commutator and replace the brushes.
     
    k-moe, Jun 11, 2013
    #2
  3. boldstar

    boldstar Member

    Messages:
    111
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Location:
    ABERDEEN.SCOTLAND
    k-moe thanks for the prompt reply swapped battery tried my mates 1 started up 1st push of the button.now time for a new battery i think as this one is three years old.thanks again P.S. was thinking of checking out the brushes anyway good call k-moe
     
    boldstar, Jun 11, 2013
    #3
  4. tonzo

    tonzo New Member

    Messages:
    16
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    1
    Location:
    Rochester, NY
    I'm having a similar issue but I just got a rebuilt starter so I don't think that's the issue. Will a weak battery cause the starter to not turn over and for the taillight to temporarily go out when trying to start? My starter solenoid is clicking as well
     
    tonzo, Jun 11, 2013
    #4
  5. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

    Messages:
    19,647
    Likes Received:
    6,756
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    The City of Seven Hills
    A weak battery can indeed allow the solenoid to work (the clicking) but not be able to turn the starter motor. Put it on a charger and see if it will take a full charge. If the battery is more than 3 years old I would just get a new one.
     
    k-moe, Jun 11, 2013
    #5
  6. RickCoMatic

    RickCoMatic Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    13,843
    Likes Received:
    66
    Trophy Points:
    48
    Location:
    Massachusetts, Billerica
    Sometimes, ... the Solenoid clicks and the Starter fails to spin because the Electrical-end of the Starter is overly contaminated with Carbon Dust from the Brushes.

    Check the Brushes.
    Douche the Electrical Housing, Brushes and Commutator with a strong spray of Isopropyl Alcohol.

    Buy a Plastic Bottle at the Rx Store.
    Stick the Seal with a finishing nail.
    Squirt it right-out of the bottle.
    Keep squirting until what drips-out is as clean as what you spray-in!
     
    RickCoMatic, Jun 11, 2013
    #6

Share This Page