Relay Clicking/No Start

[blacksheep]

I was riding the bike home the other day in good weather and noticed that all the indicators did a reset while I was riding (tach and speed reset, check engine light came on and went off).


The bike continued running until I got home.

When I went to start the bike after shut down I ran into the following issues.

At switch to on position, a buzz happens in the Relay Box, indicator lights glow dimly then go off. No starter and no fuel pump activity. No lights, no horn.

I thought it could be a blown relay, I replaced all relays and still the same issues persist.

Anyone have any suggestions?

 

[d_adams]

Dead battery.

 

[fishxb12]

Yes, same thing happened to me, dead battery. It may check o.k. until you put a load on it.

 

[Jonny5zaliv]

I had to get a push start yesterday from my buddies due to dead battery. Starting symptoms were similar to yours. I'd turn the key and it would clack a lot without turning over, and sometimes it would start on the second try.

 

[blacksheep]

I attempted a rolling start but figured it wasn't working because there was no power. I will attempt to jump it off when i get home today. Will post results.

 

[Iamarchangel]

Clock resets means no power to the ECM.

Advice to load test is best, it should read 200CCA.

Sounds dead but sounds like that came as a total surprise to you. That is, there were no previous symptoms.

So, first, make sure battery will charge and hold the above rating.

If yes, you have to move on to your charging system.

 

[blacksheep]

Odd thing is I got the battery in May from batteries plus.

 

[blacksheep]

UPDATE:

Just jumped the bike off.

It did start up, however, upon disconnecting the jumpers the bike immediately cuts off.

Could this be a rectifier, something else?

 

[d_adams]

I still say battery.

 

[Mark XB12r]

Could be both, but i would get the batt charged up, then load test, when a good batt is established check for 13.5-14 vdc (closer to 14 is optimal) while running.
In "theory" it should run on the generator, but with a severely discharged batt or one with a bad cell it will stall once you remove the cables, as you did.
With a moderately discharged batt you can jump it repeatedly and run it until you get a replacement batt.

 

[blacksheep]

I'm new to motorcycles so i'm not sure what is typical, but even with the engine revved it still cuts off. Where is break even charging occuring on a buell?

 

[Mark XB12r]

unless you had the batt charged and load tested, it is irrelevant at what rmp it cuts off. It is way to hard to troubleshoot through the internet.
It will charge at 14 volts at idle, but some will creep up to 14 as they warm. It all depends.
Do you have a volt meter to test with? If you have an emergency jump box, you may be able to swing it in for the battery, but again Its hard to say over the internet.

 

[blacksheep]

I will replace the battery tomorrow and begin trouble shooting from section 7-25 of the tech manual

 

[Mark XB12r]

You will most likely have to charge the replacement as well, unless you have a shop do it. Sorry I wish you lived closer...

 

[blacksheep]

It was raining yesterday so I didn't get to check the charging system, but did replace the battery.

Cranks and runs fine, but I want to check out the charging system to see if it was a bad battery or something else.

 

[blacksheep]

Seems that the battery was the issue.

Don't buy from batteries plus!

Can anyone recommend a solid battery?

 

[Stevenc150]

The stock Harley battery is a great choice. It's made to turn over these big V-twin beasts.

 

[Thomo]

Make sure all connections are tight and rust free. It sure sounds as if you weren't charging while you ride. Not too sure but once boosted to start as with a car you should run off rectifier and regulator so that is a high suspect along with pinch or chafe wires.

 

[Mark XB12r]

A cheap, but good enough multi meter for an occasional user to diagnose minor problems can be had at your local parts store. from 15 for an analog to 50 for a digital. cheaper than a new battery...