Triumphrat

EmmaTbird

Hey all,

I am a new Tbird owner, as I picked up my new Tbird this past weekend. Friday night I took it for a quick spin after work (it ran awesome) and then attempted to take it for another on Saturday morning...however no success. Very disappointed as friends were around for Rolling Thunder. Sunday morning tried again no success...Sunday night, successfully started and rode about 50 miles no issues. But went out to the bike again this morning, no success. I have been reading through other posts to attempt to get some answers but haven't found a precise response to my particular issue. I apologize if such issue has been discussed.

Duing my unsuccessful attempts to start my Tbird, the battery is transmitting power to the solenoid (I hear a click), however the engine doesn't turn over. My buddy checked the electronics and its flowing to the solenoid and through the starter.

During my successful starts the solenoid clicks but the starter is growning and will start on the second try with a bit of throttle.

To me it sounds like a bad starter but it's a bit strange it's hit or miss. Any thoughts? Additionally, will this be a ongoing issue?

Thanks for all your comments!

texspeed

Emma,

Check your battery voltage first thing before you attempt to start it again.......Hopefully you have around 12.5 or better. If you have access to a volt/ohm meter you can check your battery voltage at the battery terminals and then when you attempt to start it...you can also check for voltage drop at the solenoid starter teminal. Measuring the voltage initialy, then when attempting to start it might reveal a weak battery unable to take a load. I assume that you have checked all the connections (tight and clean) related to the starter circuit? You mention starter groaning....sounds like your starter brushes are toast and the commutator needs to be re-finished....how many miles on the bike :???:

I just noticed it was a 2003!! oops! A bad starter would be highly unlikely as jimmyj states below....checking battery, connections and the solenoid would be the best bet. :-D

Lorin

[ This message was edited by: texspeed on 2006-05-30 05:06 ]

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Tre900

I don't know my way around a voltage meter myself but if you get anything that has been sitting a while and hasn't been run. A new battery typically is in order so you will know for sure it is good to go. Keep in mind if you pick one up that you may need to charge it a little yourself to get "full" charge after you pour the juice into it.

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jimmyj900

Just because the starter solenoid clicks doesn't mean it's switching full battery power to the starter.

Inside the solenoid there's a coil of wire and an iron 'core' rod with a spring on the bottom and a washer on the top. When you press the starter button the magnetic field generated in the coil pulls the core down into the center of the coil.

What should happen then is that the 'washer' makes contact between the two large terminals on the top of the solenoid.

There are several mechanical failures possible that might prevent full travel of the core but most likely the contact areas on the 'washer' have burned to the point that they're not making a good, low resistance contact.

You can short across the large terminals on the solenoid with a screwdriver to test the contacts, but be VERY sure the bike is in neutral and the clutch is pulled in or it will roll forward -- usually right off the kickstand and into an expensive pile. If the starter cranks properly with the big terminals shorted together then it's most probably time to replace the solenoid.

You can also use a voltmeter to test the solenoid. With the start button NOT pushed, you should read the battery voltage across the big terminals. When you press the starter button that voltage should ideally drop to zero. If the starter is cranking and you're reading 1 volt or more across the solenoid terminals, I'd replace the solenoid.

It's also possible that the starter button or solenoid primary terminals are dirty or corroded and not supplying enough power to the solenoid coil to fully engage it, so if shorting the big terminals works then it's time to check the rest of the starting circuit.

Another possibility (and my personal favorite) is that the battery terminals and/or cable ends are corroded, so disconnect them, wire brush them until shiny, and put them back together with a healthy layer of grease to keep them from corroding again.

I'd be surprised if the starter motor is already worn out on a 2003 bike, but the starter could be full of oil or have a sticking or broken brush. That's probably the last thing to look at after the battery terminals and solenoid test.

Jim

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EmmaTbird

Thanks for your response this is a great start. Previously, we checked the battery under load, and it is transmitting 12volts, and the the batterry terminals and connectors have been brushed clean. I will check the solenoid this evening. Additionally, I swaped out the battery from another bike (full juice) and the same problem occurred. The bike only has 2000 miles on it, but it has been sitting for about 1.5 years.

denny

After reading your symptoms and the responses, I think the solenoid is a likely suspect. I recently replaced the solenoid on my '98 and it starts much quicker now. When the solenoid finally gave up all it would do is click.

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Cheers,Denny

EmmaTbird

I just wanted to close the loop on this one. I took my Thunderbird back the dealer and it was determined that a new starter motor was needed. Luckily it was covered under the 30 day warrenty. Hopefully it will be back on the road this weekend! I was surprised to hear that my bike with only 2,000 miles needed a new starter motor.