Ninja 500 won't start - clicking noise only

[davidparks21]

Hi all,
I've been through some helpful threads on this forum, but have not found a resolution to this problem just yet.

I have a 1999 Ninja 500 EX that won't start. When I try I just get a click from the starter relay (fuse box).

I should note that the bike was fully tuned up 1 year ago and has sat idle ever since. When I tried to start it it attempted to turn over and after 2 sad attempts gave way to no more than this clicking from the starter relay.

Common problems:

1) The battery is dead - So I removed the bikes battery and connected both terminals to my car battery (vehicle not running of course). All lights come on and the same problem exists.

2) The starter relay is dead (that's the fuse box). So I swapped that out for one in my friends Ninja 500. No change in behavior.


That's as far as I've gotten. I'm no expert at mechanics, but I can manage as far as I described.

Are there any further troubleshooting steps that a typical (non mechanic) can attempt? Or should I just give in and push the darn thing to the mechanic?

Thanks!!
Dave

[jbsmd]

Could be the armature in the starter is stuck, or the brushes are not making good contact. Unless you're saying it did turn over but now it just clicks. How much votage are you getting to the starter?

[davidparks21]

Well, we connected power directly to the starter motor and it turns over fine, so it seems like the starter is ok, and I know the fuse box is ok, so we think it's the component between the fuse box and the starter that simply closes the high amp circuit from the battery to the starter.

Anyone know what component this is? We didn't have time to pull the fearing off and take a look at it.

Thanks!!
Dave

[StarGate]

Starter solenoid is the high amp switch that carries the load from battery to the starter that you're talking about.

[QKENUF4U]

your not hearing the STARTER RELAY your hearing the JUNCTION BOX RELAY. just went thru this on a customers bike. follow your positive battery cable down to the STARTER RELAY under the left side tail cover...... jump across the posts with a screwdriver and im betting it will crank over just fine. if it does then the STARTER RELAY is bad. (just like on my customers bike)

[racinfast002]

its your starting solinoid dude...trust me I just went through this with my ex500. And yes, a bad solinoid will cause your junction box relay to click. Do what QKENUF4U said, try jumping across the starter solinoid with a screwdriver and see if it doesn't fire up. Then report back.

[fitbmxseries1]

check for a bad kickstand switch, my bike would click and not start as if the battery was dead, the wires on my switch were just loose, took it apart cleaned it out and never had the problem agian. it may not be the same issue but if it is then its a quick fix

[jtroberts]

cross the starter selinoid with key in the on possition it will start. i had the same problem with my machine. i just wired up a push button ignition switch to the sellinoid and hid it in the plastic under the seat by the grab bar. works great! and it only cost my about $9.00 and a half hour of time. got mine through napa.

[StarGate]

Originally Posted by jtroberts

cross the starter selinoid with key in the on possition it will start. i had the same problem with my machine. i just wired up a push button ignition switch to the sellinoid and hid it in the plastic under the seat by the grab bar. works great! and it only cost my about $9.00 and a half hour of time. got mine through napa.

Thats a good solution if your goal is to bypass all the safety interlocks. The first time you think it's in neutral and actually start it in gear with the clutch out you might regret that mod.

[davidparks21]

I identified the starter solenoid and confirmed that the bike turns over if I close the circuit on the solenoid, so that will have to be replaced, no biggie.

But that leads me to problem #2, after doing that I was still not able to get the bike started. It will turn over, but never more than the starter turning over.

I will add that the bike has been parked for a bit over 1 year and I would note that I did the no-no by leaving the fuel line in the on position during this entire time.

My guess (take if for what it's worth, I'm no mechanic), is that the fuel is gelled up, or otherwise not making it to the engine.

Anybody want to venture a guess as to whether I'm right or not? If you agree, what can be done about this little problem?

Thanks!!
Dave

[StarGate]

I'd venture to guess you are probably 100% right. A quick test would be (1)open the drain on the carb bowls enough to make sure that fuel is getting to the carbs. (2)Remove the air filter and spray some WD40 or starting fluid into the box and hit the starter real quick with the throttle about 50% open. If it starts that way you have carb issues. BTW if you use starting fluid don't use much and don't keep repeating this because it's not good for the engine.

[davidparks21]

Hmm, most of that went over my head. I've never dug into the inners of the bike before, so I don't know where any of these parts are.

Are those tasks easy, or should I give in at this point and take it to the shop?

Thanks for the help!!

Dave

[jtroberts]

Originally Posted by StarGate

Thats a good solution if your goal is to bypass all the safety interlocks. The first time you think it's in neutral and actually start it in gear with the clutch out you might regret that mod.

thats what that little green light is for on the gauge cluster.

[StarGate]

Me thinks you've never encountered a false neutral indicator where the light is on while it's still in gear.

[StarGate]

Originally Posted by davidparks21

Hmm, most of that went over my head. I've never dug into the inners of the bike before, so I don't know where any of these parts are.

Are those tasks easy, or should I give in at this point and take it to the shop?

Thanks for the help!!

Dave

The task are easy however I'm not sure how complicated it would be to get access to your carbs or air filter with all the plastic and such on your particular bike.

[Justin-]

im not so sure the bike is supposed to turn over just by using a screwdriver or key.. you might have to get your new relay then try it.. but yeah problems after taht just drain the gas and clean the carbs maybe..

[racinfast002]

Originally Posted by Justin-

im not so sure the bike is supposed to turn over just by using a screwdriver or key.. you might have to get your new relay then try it.. but yeah problems after taht just drain the gas and clean the carbs maybe..

you put a screw driver across the solenoid, it will do it every time. Trust me, I drove around with a screwdriver under the seat for a while just for starting my bike

[Justin-]

Originally Posted by racinfast002

you put a screw driver across the solenoid, it will do it every time. Trust me, I drove around with a screwdriver under the seat for a while just for starting my bike

Lol ok, I knew the bike would turn over, just wasn't sure if that would start it or not.... I paid 90bucks for my solenoid a few months ago and wow are those things expensive and over priced

[davidparks21]

Ok, I have no luck it seems.

I ordered a new solinoid off ebay, it came today and I tried replacing it.

When I install the new solinoid though, the bike gets no power at all.

When I put the old solinoid back on the bike gets power, but does not turn over unless I close the circuit on the solinoid with a screw driver.

I guess this new solinoid is broken, but I'm also not very experienced here so I figure user error is highly probable. Is there something I could be missing? Replacing the solinoid seemed like such a simple task.

Thanks!
Dave

[LoudFastUgly]

Give us a pic of the old and new solenoids please.