DRBarnhart
Insert title here...
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
(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
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