Hitchcocks Forum

Hi. Electric start on my 2005 Electra X has decided it does not want to play any longer. Press the starter button and nothing happens apart from seeing the AMPS needle drop. Thank goodness its got a kick start. All other electrics work ok, could problem be with the starter motor??any suggestions as to what the problem could be most welcome.

First thing, is the solenoid clicking?

Hi Pete thanks for the reply.
Just checked and no not a click to be heard from the solenoid so am guessing that is the problem.

Check the connections on the solenoid, and starter. Check for corrosion, clean them up and re-tighten. Mine had corroded when I first got my bike and it made a big difference after re-doing the connections. I also got rid of the old glass fuses and replaced with spade type fuses again a big improvement was noticed.

With the Amp metre going well over it sounds like it may just be the battery has not got the guts too turn the starter motor. Try it with a good battery or charge it up fully first then try again. Do the side lights dim when pushing the starter button.

Checking/cleaning connections is good advice, but from experience I'm with Paul on this - a tired battery will definitely not want play with the E/S, even though the bike might still start and run when kick-started. How old is the battery on your bike?



Or look at it another way, your battery is trying to save your sprag clutch...



A.

The battery is a new Gel one from our host and is fully charged. Perhaps mislead you on the amp meter as needle only goes over into negative a small way when pressing starter button. Looking in our hosts catalogue I cannot find any solenoids under electrical etc. Do they refer to them by another name. All connections look in good clean condition and secure.

My ElecraX did the same thing, and from what's been said I would replace the solenoid for starters (sorry, couldn't resist that one!) - mine had given up the ghost. Have a look on Fleabay - I bought a Japanese one which looked identical to the OEM one and it was dirt cheap - solved the problem too!

Good luck

Stephen

AN easy way to check your solenoid is to short an old screw driver across the large terminals and see if the starter operates. My Electra X had the same the same problem and I changed it with a cheap Chinese one and it works fine.

Go to the "parts books on line" on the left of this page. Select your machine. Solenoid is in "switches and fitments"