If my bike wont start but does start when I use the wrench on the solenoid trick; does that mean I need to replace the solenoid? I'm having trouble working this out as I'm new to mechanics and trying to learn. If this is the case some people say its not the solenoid and its the starter relay. I cant seem to work out the difference because if you search for motorcycle solenoid parts and starter relays they look exactly the same. Any advice?
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By wrench on the solenoid do you mean tapping the solenoid or shorting the terminals?– dluCommented Jul 24, 2016 at 0:13
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1Shorting them by placing a wrench across both terminals. Sparks and engine starts.– yoonsiCommented Jul 24, 2016 at 0:43
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So it sounds like you're not "beating" the solenoid :-)– dluCommented Jul 24, 2016 at 8:08
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If you need more specific help let us know the make and model of the bike.– dluCommented Jul 24, 2016 at 15:42
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2 Answers
The "solenoid trick" pretty much guarantees that the solenoid is good. When you short it with the wrench you're simulating a start signal on the small terminal. When you do that the solenoid does its job, so the solenoid is probably good.
So now the question is why aren't you getting the start signal when you turn the key or hit the starter switch. Start by measuring the voltage at the terminal to see if you get anything when you ask the bike to start. Nothing at all means that you're got a problem upstream of the solenoid, perhaps a failed switch or relay (if they use one). A low voltage suggests a bad connection, could be a failing switch or relay or a poor ground. You can check for the poor ground by reading between the solenoid terminal and the battery ground post.
There is no soleniod in a motorcycle, in general. That function is done by the sprag clutch, and they rarely malfunction, and when they do it's pretty darn obvious- either the starter motor spins and nothing happens, or the motor starts and sounds like it's going to explode (and does if you run it for more than a few seconds with a seized sprag clutch).
The starter relay (which is the thing everyone is calling a solenoid) is the thing that takes the low energy signal from the button and basically connects a wrench between its posts to get the big current to flow to the starter motor. If the wrench trick works and the relay clicks when you press the button, then the relay is bad. Replace it. If the relay doesn't click, then figure out a way to tell if the relay is being energized (a voltmeter will work) and if it's getting energy, then replace it. If it's not getting energy, then the problem is further upstream in the wiring. Maybe the brake light switch.
