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[monkey hanger]

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.

[PeteF]

First thing, is the solenoid clicking?

[monkey hanger]

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.

[tedmunds]

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.

[Paul M H]

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.

[Adrian]

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.

[monkey hanger]

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.

[PO51UHD]

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

[Davie Hall]

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.

[PeteF]

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