Biggest bike killer faulty solenoid switch! (How to replace)

Motorcycle repair videos

[@steve23464]

I would say the solenoid switch or starter relay is essentially just a switch. It's either going to start your bike or not if bad. If your able to 'jiggle wires' or position the switch a certain way with carpet to get the bike started then you have wiring issues. Peel back a section of wiring at a time after the switch and check for bad wires. The main reason these go back is due to moisture getting in the switch and corroding everything. The cheaper the switch costs the less it's sealed from the environment so yeah you get what you pay for.

[@scottroatch6321]

I just received my new relay today from Pacific Coast Cruisers. It's a ricks brand. I haven't installed it yet but it was only 33.00 instead of the 95.00 at partzilla. I have been using P C C for probably 8 years and have had great experiences EVERY TIME. Tech support is very easy to get a hold of, too.

[@just4fans303]

Nice! Thanks for the info on part

[@sarahstryhanyn]

Very informative 👏....thank you

[@nja3224]

I am praying this is my problem. I have a 2002 1500 classic, bought it about a month ago, 3rd time out I took off, got about 400 feet before I realized I had a flat and took it home. Shut it down, went to get a quick glass of water, came back out and that was it. Dead. Took me a while to find the main fuse, that checked out, as did every other fuse on the bike. Been doing a lot of research, checking different components, to no avail. Now I’m going to look at this next. Would appreciate some positive thinking out there. Thank you for this, regardless of the outcome.

[@bobbyjoe9669]

I have the same issue on 01 Vulcan.. did you find out what the problem was

[@jimmyjam9782]

Good info. I wish i had watched your video before taking off headlight and checking ignition switch. My solenoid is the prob.thanks.

[@dakotacherry2786]

i did the same thing man i got a 09 triumph street triple and apparently the ecu has an issue with the headlight automatically turning on when starting the bike and it kills the entire bike

[@bocajuniors55]

This video is a lot of help. My 2001 Honda RC51 has the same issue with the flickering dash lights and headlights. Starter solenoid switch is completely fried and melted. Hopefully nothing else was damaged.

[@just4fans303]

Hope you get it figured out let me know how it went.

[@c2protect]

I'm glad you got r figured out. I bet the puppy likes it too. Haha

[@j.carlosperez9479]

Thank you for the video. My issue was the top relay switch part, the bright red part that goes over solenoid. I did my first rewiring job ever with some electrical tape over it and it came out fine. The issue was that I yanked out one of the cables from the red cap connecting side and now have to make an effort to re-insert exposed cable and pinch the receptor thing so it holds. Will try again tomorrow but any ideas are appreciated

[@just4fans303]

Electrical tape will probably not hold for long do to Vulcans notoriety for vibration! I would find appropriate connectors at Napa auto parts and buy an electrical crimping tool and properly crimp them on your leads and then reinsert into the top relay part.

[@edwinmendija8087]

I just recently diagnose my bike with a faulty solenoid. To bypass and go directly from the battery to the motor us a small starter jumper switch. Am thinking of installing a Ford style 12v starter solenoid as they are more dependable.

[@just4fans303]

Interesting. Let us know if it worked and give us some details of how you did it as well as a part number. 👍

[@PutMeInDaGameCoach]

😂😅😢

[@WowItzAkina]

Hey heads up, use a solenoid from a 66 to 80s ford bronco, they’re cheap and better than the Chinese ones

[@just4fans303]

Ok, thanks for the info. 👍

[@JohnSmith-cf4gn]

I've had 3 kawasaki Vulcan 1500s. I have experienced that solenoid problem several times. Those cheap ones don't seem to last long.

[@laceysnow4048]

I'm replacing the one in my 1985 Honda V65 Magna today

[@daandaan4756]

Only 3 wires .ignition ,pump and kill switch. Plug space number 4 is for cdi but cdi is wired diffrently on these bikes so the one stays unused

[@markgrovenor389]

The solenoid is just a switch to feed power to the battery. It seems your wiring may have issues although in replacing the solenoid you may have inadvertently moved the wiring enough so that the circuit is intact.

[@AdamSavage_AdamRyan747]

Had similar issues with my Honda RC46 !

[@petekraemer6613]

I have a 2007 C-50 Suzuki that will start fine when jumped from my car, but doesn`t crank off of a good battery (neither the old one or a new one I returned for the money) I`m thinking that the solenoid switch has some corrosion inside which the extra amps penetrate. No Idea if I`m right, but it`s the easiest and cheapest fix....I once fixed a car that wouldn`t start cold because of a cracked coil (heat expands the wire-to-wire gap). I just put an old coil in-problem solved. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[@just4fans303]

Yes, Pete that would be my first check. Solenoids can be found on Ebay for $20-25 bucks. Try that first also check power leads from btry to starter if that doesn't work. 👍

[@tvg-thevapinggamer5444]

thanks for the video bud. I hafe a kawa zx10 1989 model and my solenoid keeps popping the fuse when i connect the battery. Can it also be the solenoid?

[@just4fans303]

The fuse shouldn't be popping like that. You might have a short or loose connection somewhere, causing it to pop the fuse.

[@danielmurphyjr9918]

So you went from a square to a round?

[@EnderDiamondsX]

Man if only I knew. I got my vulcan about a month ago and the dude who sold it to me said the neutral light was busted, and now the bike won't start. I thought it was a dead battery and I just dumped the old one off at autozone and have to get a new one

[@just4fans303]

Sorry you got scammed! Hope you get that solenoid replaced easy enough. 👍

[@ryandoesit5407]

I'm a new rider and I have a older honda shadow 1100 and she does that to me once in a while.. like if I let the clutch go to quick qnd give to much gas at a light it'll stall qnd then I half to push it off the road and play with the solenoid to get power back to dash and in order to start her up. I'm gonna order up a new one

[@just4fans303]

I would order two and have one as a back up especially with these supply chain issues. Make sure to also inspect all wiring that goes into and out of solenoid for loose connections or bad wires.

[@roba6549]

Can you please tell me where you ordered from? my 04 VT1100C2 same prob

[@ryandoesit5407]

@@roba6549 try amazon

[@just4fans303]

I believe I ordered from Ebay you might have better luck there.

[@joetramirez5]

We have the same bike and I’m having the same issue I forgot to mark the connections can you tell me where the B and M connect to. Does B goes to the Battery positive cable and the M goes to the starter cable. Thanks for your help.

[@just4fans303]

I'm at work I'll look at my bike later today and let you know I think it shows it on my video though.

[@just4fans303]

So it looks like I have ( B ) connected to left side of btry left side of bike. And I have M connected to Right side of btry right side of bike. Hope that helps.

[@andrewortiz687]

M is for starter motor And B is for + battery terminal

[@poseidon5003]

I've gone through 2 on the Vstar 1100 already. It's annoying.

[@jeremielewis1575]

It’s a motorcycle your never dead if the starter, starter relay or starter solenoid goes out. First change into your man pants, second attach testicals, 3rd put bike in first gear, step 4 hold the clutch in and start pushing the bike, now step 5 can be confusing your going to hop on the bike while it’s rolling then your going to release the clutch. Bike should start if you pushed the bike fast enough.

[@Timberns]

Not gonna work with a 1500

[@martincamacho6322]

Not if the solenoid fuse is fried

[@LisaKleinGunnewiek]

My V Star 1100 is too heavy for me to do that.

[@rickyberns7901]

Apparently honda shadows as well

[@daandaan4756]

On the 1500 it is ignition pump and earth

[@raptorgamer8878]

Would this cause a no spark condition?? While cranking

[@jasonzehnder6510]

I'm curious about this myself?. Im assuming so since he said the motor would pop and not rev up correctly if it did start?

[@lorenzopiano7419]

By comparing the connection locations of the old and the new plug !!!(???)

[@prestonhogan9476]

I just bought a non running 99 gsx600f katana and i has this solenoid

[@just4fans303]

All bikes are pretty much the same you need spark, fuel, and air. Check sparkplugs, wire, fuel, aircleaner, then move on to solenoid and starter btry. If it's still giving you trouble take to a qualified mechanic and pay to have it diagnosed could save you time, frustration, and money in the long run.

[@aliencirkus192]

What’s the part number for that selonoid I can’t find one anywhere for my v star

[@just4fans303]

Don't remember, but I typed in 1995 kawasaki Vulcan 1500 on "Ebay" and that's where I found it.

[@destarruction]

dang you took your dog I love my dog I got to try it

[@just4fans303]

Just make sure you have a secure pack with safety carabiner to lock into his collar or harness in case he freaks out. Good idea to just start off slow cruising through residential areas at first.

[@jacobtaylor6831]

Just happened to me on my way home from work jiggled it and got it working again gonna need replaced

[@just4fans303]

Cheap fix, you can find on Ebay for around $20. Mine is still going strong after 1 1/2 years

[@fctrejo1054]

89gldwng1500 had to remove bags/trunk Went to start bike do batt charge up n just went click have power dash n lights work click coming from relay at box have power to solenoid tried to cross w screwdriver nothing happens. Help

[@just4fans303]

Try replacing your relay their fairly cheap. Check if you get power 12 volts to your starter if you are then could be a bad starter or something went bad in your kill switch.

[@user-bo7wn6vj3y]

I am talking about an out bord switch

[@brendad6058]

just bought a new one from Rick's. just FYI, made in Taiwan, not USA!

[@just4fans303]

Ya, I bought mine off EBAY probably from Taiwan but it has lasted over a year. I bought two of them so I have a back up when the other wears out there only $10 a piece so not a bad deal.

[@brendad6058]

@@just4fans303 like I said, I got a Rick's solenoid for my 85 LTD. Was really disappointed that it did not come with a wired pigtail, just crimp on connectors and the plastic housing for it. For the amount of money that one cost, they could have at least sent the proper wiring.

[@just4fans303]

@@brendad6058 ya, hope you can secure it properly use an actual crimping plier tool to properly crimp for tight clean connection! Otherwise it could come loose or have poor connection and cause it to run poorly and cut out.👍

[@brendad6058]

@@just4fans303 using crimping tool and then going to solder connections just to make sure I have patent connections.

[@just4fans303]

@@brendad6058 That's the best way to do it! More work but no problems later.👍

[@robertheuer7670]

if this solenoid goes out will the start button not have power? and or no spark?

[@just4fans303]

Yes, it can cause that. Probably the issue order solenoid off Ebay and replace it they only cost like $15

[@just4fans303]

If that doesn't work, check your wiring from battery to starter as well as starter. Then mabey your ignition switch .

[@robertheuer7670]

so it was some wires that went to a battery tender some one wited in or for trailer lights...either way therr was a dead short...whats weird is no fueses blew...just the starter circuit relay was warm....i pulled them wires apart and boom...everything started working lol...was a good deal and picked this quad up for 100 bucks!!!

[@just4fans303]

@@robertheuer7670 glad you were able to diagnose and fix it! 👍

[@robertheuer7670]

thank you and thanks for the video! it helpped as well

[@adammooney3058]

I replaced starter moter like mechanic said still dead I think this could be my issuie

[@just4fans303]

Check btry as well could be a little weak, the solenoid switch can be found on Ebay for $10-15 cheap investment to see if that's the problem. 👍

[@shayg1260]

What did your issue turn out to be?

[@Cass2112]

I'm on my 3rd switch yam mt07 keeps burning them out

[@just4fans303]

Should not be doing that, might have a shorted wire somewhere 🤔 I only replaced mine once and it's been good for over 2 yrs now.

[@Cass2112]

@just4fans303 I'll be putting it in for a service next month I'll get them to check it out costing me every time to replace

[@michaelwilliams4974]

Keep a spare one in the bike

[@just4fans303]

Or definitely get AAA premier motorcycle membership for around $120 a year which is totally worth it! 200 mile tow range which is awesome!

[@superbears7562]

I replaced mines and still no start any thoughts

[@ThePaulsupporter]

Is it turning over?

[@just4fans303]

Need to check if your getting proper voltage to your starter if you are the starter could be bad. Also check the spark plugs cheap to replace.

[@only_1dhornet]

Charlie Battery 4-1 ft. Riley KS 🫡