Will not start, it clicks

Energy One
C

crownline195

New Member
2006 Ridgeback, when I hit the start button it doesn't turn over, it just clicks. The clicks don't seem to be coming from the starter. I took the starter off and cleaned the cylinoid but no change. The clicks can be felt on the pipes but not the starter. Any suggestions?
 
Big B

Big B

Active Member
I believe the first thing to check is the battery connections and voltage. It takes a lot of juice. Do you keep it on a battery tender?
 
Moespeeds

Moespeeds

Well-Known Member
Push the start button and hold it. If it clicks just once it's the compression release. If it clicks over and over again, it's the starter solenoid. If it clicks just once but it's coming from the rear of the primary, it's the jackshaft crashing into the ring gear but not meshing. This is very rare on wet primaries but happens sometimes on open setups. Put the bike in gear and rock it until the motor turns over a little, then try again. Chances are though your battery is just dead or beat. Put it on a trickle charger overnight and try again. I'll catch a lot of flak for this, but if you want instant results just jump it off a car. I've done this many times to many different bikes with no ill effects, but you've got an EHC in there who's reliability hangs on the alignment of the planets and Hillary Clinton's menstrual cycle so anything like that is always a gamble.
 
C

crownline195

New Member
I agree with the compression release, just put it on a charger and it said it had 12.8 volts, tried the start charge and it still just clicks. now it reads 13.5 volts
 
Coolbreezin

Coolbreezin

Active Member
Clicks, but wont start.

I have an 05 Ridgeback. I had the exact same problem. I replaced the battery with a factory one from BDM Tampa in early 09, and I have not had a problem since. If jumping it off a car battery and/or push starts get it going, then I would replace the battery. Good luck.
 
Moespeeds

Moespeeds

Well-Known Member
So the starter is not clicking, and it's not even trying to turn or engage. Pull the little green wire down at the starter, and when you push and hold start, test to make sure it is getting 12v. If it is, then get a fat 6ga or larger piece of wire, and jump the two fat wires going into your starter. Pull the rubber boots back and just touch the wire to both for a second or two. If the starter turns, something is wrong with your solenoid.
 
Buildem

Buildem

Member
Even if your light and taillights and blinkers work your battery has probably took a dump..Mine did on a battery tender couple of weeks back..My starter would bump but thats all it would do..CLICK...nothin...but it was battery...But mine always clicks when I first go to start it at the button..I have to make sure and push run first then Hold start..
 
LARS

LARS

sippin & cruzin
crownline195 said:
can anyone post a phone number I can call to help trouble shoot?
Click to expand...
First off,your in the right place,everyone is saying battery cause that's usually the case,and the quickest fix,check tightness of terminal connections,If that don't work,get it load tested,make sure it's fully charged,use locktite,,I'm not a mechanic but I've been through it-1st time batt.nfg,2nd-terminals a little loose along w/ground wire from batt.to bike loose,,good luck let us know and it dosen't hurt to ask questions,but if you do a search first you can usually find an answer…Later,Larry:cheers:
 
MARV

MARV

Well-Known Member
i agree with lars and moe that there are a lot of things to check before you spend cash.

is the vr plug tight to the stator?

is the fuse from the vr to the battery tripped?

battery connections tight?

ground at the starter tight?

hit run and push the starter plunger in manually start the bike?

if none works and you have 13.5 volts then get your starter rebuilt at a local alternator shop for 100
 
DRBarnhart

DRBarnhart

Insert title here...
Moespeeds said:
Pull the little green wire down at the starter, and when you push and hold start, test to make sure it is getting 12v. If it is, then get a fat 6ga or larger piece of wire, and jump the two fat wires going into your starter. Pull the rubber boots back and just touch the wire to both for a second or two. If the starter turns, something is wrong with your solenoid.
Click to expand...
:iagree:

And if needed here's a thread on how to check your starter solenoid...

http://www.bigdogbiker.com/forums/how/11356-how-check-your-starter-solenoid.html

And a question... What lights are lit on your EHC? :confused:

Dennis
 
lee

lee

Well-Known Member
just because you got good voltage at the battery doesn't necessarily mean its good. It needs the amps as well, which is where a load test comes in. Expensive equipment required for that so will need to take it to a shop.
 
kfoss8

kfoss8

Active Member
Calendar Participant
Reading thru all the posts on electrical problems and battery problems, so far i have had mine 2 years it has never been on a charger yet it always starts (Knock on wood) And i wash my bike with the seat off and spray water all over the ehc never had a problem i must just be lucky i guess...
 
V

V

Guru
kfoss8 said:
Reading thru all the posts on electrical problems and battery problems, so far i have had mine 2 years it has never been on a charger yet it always starts (Knock on wood) And i wash my bike with the seat off and spray water all over the ehc never had a problem i must just be lucky i guess...
Click to expand...
:eek: Very lucky indeed. How about picking lotto numbers for us? :eek:
 
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