Start Button ONLY works sometimes?

[anarchy18]

The same symptom for me was resolved by replaceing the starter relay, a.k.a. solenoid.
I used an automotive (Ford 7.3L diesel) glow plug relay, but any starter/high current relay that fits physically will work.
Checking and cleaning the button first can't hurt however.

If you have a modicum of electrical savvy you can quickly test for a signal from the start button at the relay with a standard 12V test light to determine if the relay is or is not being "told" to complete the circuit to the starter...one of the two small wires should have 12 volts on it with the key on and the other should have ground when you press the start button. (connect the test light alligator clip to the positive battery terminal to test for ground)
Hope this helps.

I'll try it all out Thanks!!! Starting at the switch. I dont have a garage ad its below 0 degrees Celcius out over here so I'm just waiting on a moment of strength and then I will be outside diagnosing her!

[anarchy18]

Update about my start button

Lights Dim and I can Hear the Starter Solenoid activating when pushing the Start Button and still nothing happens...Only Sometimes Will My Engine try And Crank

[crazy steve]

This could be several things.... I would check (in order):

Is the battery good? The cables are clean? Intermittant operation is usually a sure sign of dirty connections, but can also be a battery that's in the process of failing. It might pay to have it charged/checked, but meanwhile you could try jumping the bike off another battery. Does it start now?

Jump across the two cable connections at the solenoid. If the starter then turns, you probably have a bad solenoid. These can be disassembled and 'rebuilt', search the forum for a how-to.

Still didn't turn, or turns slowly? Then check the connection at the starter and also the ground strap from the frame to the engine. If those are good, then you may have a bad starter.

[crazy steve]

I'll also add that if it's really cold there, low temps will reduce the amount of power the battery can deliver. Particularly if your battery is failing or is getting marginal; you might try bringing the battery inside and warming it up.

[cywelchjr]

Lights Dim and I can Hear the Starter Solenoid activating when pushing the Start Button and still nothing happens...Only Sometimes Will My Engine try And Crank

Ok, that changes the picture considerably. It is likely to be either the solenoid or the starter, but do the check given by crazy steve with the screw driver across the large posts first to verify. Then if it's bad, use the tech tip and rebuild your solenoid.

[anarchy18]

This hobbys getting EXpENSIVE or thanks to ya'LL JUST TIME CONSUMING and thats WAYYYYYY BETTER THAN EXPENSIVE I will diagonse in that order that you guys told me to! ! ! I wouldnt have known how to do all this without this SITE

[anarchy18]

Ok i did the jumping across on the solenoid with a screwdriver. Works everytime so its prolly my solenoid!!! ILL REBUILD IT THANKS!!!!!

[anarchy18]

Oopsss!!!

HOLD UP!!!!! I'm not sure if what i jumped was the starter solenoid. Mines not flat like in the rebuild tutorial here. What i jumped was a round little silver cylinder thing with a bunch of wires hooked on to the front of it on the left side of the fusebox. WHAT IS THAT THING AND WHAT DID I JUST DO? lol

[natemoen]

Later models have a round solenoid.

[anarchy18]

Later models have a round solenoid.

Well thats what I got man can that 1 be fixed also?

[GLoweVA]

$6Mil Man: "You can rebuild it, you have the technology"

Here's the tech tip thread that has detailed directions.

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=26818&highlight=solenoid+rebuild

This is for the square one, but the round ones are the same thing, just a different shape.

[crazy steve]

This is for the square one, but the round ones are the same thing, just a different shape.

The difference is with the square solenoid, you can 'flip' the contacts over and expose a unused face. You can't do that with the round unit, so you have to smooth whatever you find. If it's too burnt, then you need to repair the surface. Some have used solder to 'fill' the pits, but that can burn out over time. I'd try silver solder (with it's higher melting point), maybe even brazing... or just get another solenoid. Pretty much any automotive-type starter solenoid will work as long as it's not an integral part of the starter.

[anarchy18]

Thanks guys!

I'll either rebuild it or get another one eventually but got a cuple more things to check cause I think it may be a bad battery. Just cause after recharging it and putting it on a meter the voltage started dropping steadily. I didnt wait to find out how far it would drop cause I thought it was normal since I just disconnected the charger but I've heard otherwise since. How do you guys check yours?

Funny thing is my battery doesnt say GEL on it but when I pop the top dont see any fluids or anything in there. What does a GEL battery look like compared to your acid type?

[natemoen]

I'll either rebuild it or get another one eventually but got a cuple more things to check cause I think it may be a bad battery. Just cause after recharging it and putting it on a meter the voltage started dropping steadily. I didnt wait to find out how far it would drop cause I thought it was normal since I just disconnected the charger but I've heard otherwise since. How do you guys check yours?

Funny thing is my battery doesnt say GEL on it but when I pop the top dont see any fluids or anything in there. What does a GEL battery look like compared to your acid type?

If you don't see anything then your battery is low on fluid. It needs to be refilled with DISTILLED WATER ONLY. Gel batteries are sealed and cannot be opened.

[anarchy18]

If you don't see anything then your battery is low on fluid. It needs to be refilled with DISTILLED WATER ONLY. Gel batteries are sealed and cannot be opened.

I FORCED IT OPEN!!!! If its the water kind how comes theres no lines where to fill it to? ITS BLACK PLASTIC ALSO.