How to check your starter solenoid

DRBarnhart · 03-21-2009, 05:48 PM

Here's how you can test the starter solenoid without a multimeter, just your battery (read this all the way through BEFORE doing it!!!)...

(This is easiest done with the starter off the bike but if you can get to the connections it'll work just fine with it still installed.)

Solenoid Pull In Test

1. Disconnect the wires at "P", "G", and "TG" (you have to do this!).

2. Get a couple of pieces of decent gauge wire (like the wire that normally connects to "P") for test leads.

3. Hookup one of the test leads to a starter ground ("G" for example?) and to connector ("TG") shown in the pic. The other end of this test lead will go to the battery ground (-). All three points will be connected together at the same time.

4. Next, hookup your other test lead to the battery positive (+). DON'T LET IT TOUCH THE BIKE AFTER YOU HOOK IT UP!!!!

5. Now MOMENTARILY touch the (+) test lead to terminal "P"... not for more than 3 to 5 seconds, it'll take less time than that to see if it works!

5. The solenoid should pull in immediately and with some authority!

Now assuming your solenoid passed this test, here's the...

Solenoid Hold In Test

1. Do all the same hookups you did for the previous test but while the solenoid is in, disconnect "TG"...

2. The solenoid should STAY in!

Assuming this is all good, disconnect the leads and the plunger should snap right back out.

Solenoid Return Test

This time hook up the solenoid like this...

After the solenoid snaps in disconnect the wire that you've got going to "P"...

... and the solenoid should return to its original position!

If all the steps of this test worked your solenoid is OK and the problem is somewhere else.

This will at least rule out a "suspect" starter solenoid and hopefully help someone get back on the road!!

I proof read this a couple of times but you never know...

Dennis

rufroggy · 03-21-2009, 07:02 PM

Great stuff Dennis! Where was this last night..lol

BTW, I put everything back together and for some strange ass reason, it's fired up everytime.. The only thing I changed was to remove the connectors for the ignition and direct wire them and put dielectric grease on ALL connections... Im sure I will have an issue soon but for now it's started everytime since putting it together..

Raywood · 03-21-2009, 09:32 PM

Dennis, great work. I am sticking the thread.

One question. In "example 3" you say to run one lead to "G" and "TG". Are you pigtailing the end of the lead to enable two contacts?

DRBarnhart · 03-21-2009, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raywood

Dennis, great work. I am sticking the thread.

Thanks, I just hope this helps someone...

Quote:

One question. In "example 3" you say to run one lead to "G" and "TG". Are you pigtailing the end of the lead to enable two contacts?

Yep, you need to connect all three points, the battery negative, the "G" spot and the "TG" connector. I'll edit the post to reflect this.

Thanks for the proof read!

Dennis

RRRUFF · 03-22-2009, 03:31 AM

Good post DRBarnhart!

lee · 03-22-2009, 09:45 AM

good post Dennis. A basic question from me if thats ok? What is the procedure for removing the starter (not covered in manual I don't think and I've never done it)? Is it remove outer primary, remove starter jackshaft, then remove bolts holding starter in place and then just pull it out?

Thanks

DRBarnhart · 03-22-2009, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lee

A basic question from me if thats ok? What is the procedure for removing the starter (not covered in manual I don't think and I've never done it)? Is it remove outer primary, remove starter jackshaft, then remove bolts holding starter in place and then just pull it out?

Since I only have had Harleys and now an '07 K-9 all I can do is quote the manual...

I haven't had the K-9's starter out yet but for the Harleys I've had all I had to do was unbolt the starter and pull it out. Sounds the same here.

Maybe someone else will jump in here with the nitty gritty details if this isn't the case!

Dennis

lee · 03-22-2009, 04:35 PM

Thanks Dennis - I think that actually is in my manual - my bad.

DRBarnhart · 03-22-2009, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lee

Thanks Dennis - I think that actually is in my manual - my bad.

No problem! There may be someone that reads this forum that doesn't have a manual available to them...

Dennis

BigRub · 03-24-2009, 04:49 PM

Good info!

BorgerBigDog · 03-24-2009, 09:16 PM

Yep good info. every bit of information helps Thanks for spending the time on the subject...

03-21-2009, 05:48 PM	#1 (permalink)
DRBarnhart Insert title here... Name: Dennis Member #: 2104 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: The Northcoast Posts: 1,401 My Bike(s): '07 K-9, '90 Fat Boy, & '72 BMW R60/5 My Gallery Rep Power: 5	How to check your starter solenoid Here's how you can test the starter solenoid without a multimeter, just your battery (read this all the way through BEFORE doing it!!!)... (This is easiest done with the starter off the bike but if you can get to the connections it'll work just fine with it still installed.) Solenoid Pull In Test 1. Disconnect the wires at "P", "G", and "TG" (you have to do this!). 2. Get a couple of pieces of decent gauge wire (like the wire that normally connects to "P") for test leads. 3. Hookup one of the test leads to a starter ground ("G" for example?) and to connector ("TG") shown in the pic. The other end of this test lead will go to the battery ground (-). All three points will be connected together at the same time. 4. Next, hookup your other test lead to the battery positive (+). DON'T LET IT TOUCH THE BIKE AFTER YOU HOOK IT UP!!!! 5. Now MOMENTARILY touch the (+) test lead to terminal "P"... not for more than 3 to 5 seconds, it'll take less time than that to see if it works! 5. The solenoid should pull in immediately and with some authority! Now assuming your solenoid passed this test, here's the... Solenoid Hold In Test 1. Do all the same hookups you did for the previous test but while the solenoid is in, disconnect "TG"... 2. The solenoid should STAY in! Assuming this is all good, disconnect the leads and the plunger should snap right back out. Solenoid Return Test This time hook up the solenoid like this... After the solenoid snaps in disconnect the wire that you've got going to "P"... ... and the solenoid should return to its original position! If all the steps of this test worked your solenoid is OK and the problem is somewhere else. This will at least rule out a "suspect" starter solenoid and hopefully help someone get back on the road!! I proof read this a couple of times but you never know... Dennis Last edited by DRBarnhart; 03-29-2009 at 08:01 PM. Reason: Added a more authoritative solenoid return test.

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03-21-2009, 07:02 PM	#2 (permalink)
rufroggy Member Member #: 182 Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Rowlett, Texas Posts: 309 My Bike(s): 2004 Big Dog Chopper My Gallery Rep Power: 6	Great stuff Dennis! Where was this last night..lol BTW, I put everything back together and for some strange ass reason, it's fired up everytime.. The only thing I changed was to remove the connectors for the ignition and direct wire them and put dielectric grease on ALL connections... Im sure I will have an issue soon but for now it's started everytime since putting it together..

03-24-2009, 04:49 PM	#10 (permalink)
BigRub Junior Member Member #: 2307 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Apple Valley, CA Posts: 12 My Bike(s): 06 K9 / 06 GSXR 600 My Gallery Rep Power: 0	Good info!