Hi folks, I have an issue with my 2012 796. It will not spin up when I press the starter button. I tried a new battery - fail I tried a new starter motor(the original was cooked!) - fail I've even tried a new solenoid - fail It does click at the solenoid but refuses to spin the starter. I have shorted across the solenoid and it starts Anyone out there have any ideas as I'm a bit stumped? Thanks in advance Stevie
You've done an important test by shorting out the solenoid, so it has to be the starter switch it self or the connectors or wiring between solenoid and starter switch now, failing this, the solenoid isn't working properly yet again. EDIT I didn't pick up that solenoid is clicking so it does sound more like solenoid (internals)again. If you overtighten the lower (thinner) nut on each of the two poles before you attach the two leads before clamping down with second nut, you can cause the actuating piston within the solenoid to seize.
Thanks for the help guys, I'm in Oman and have had to let a garage have a look as I don't have the tools available. Chris, the solenoid is brand new Ducati OEM as is the starter. My brother is out here holidaying and brought them out for me. The thing is it had exactly the same click prior to the new solenoid although it wouldn't spin up when bridged. There are 4 wires going to the solenoid, does someone know what they are all for? Comfysofa, thanks for the offer but I have just fitted a new one
maybe the wires going to the solenoid are the wrong way round - is it the standard plug or has it been modified? Unless I missed something it has to be the solenoid now - if it is 'clicking' when you push the starter button then you would say that power is reaching the solenoid and if you bridge the two poles on the solenoid then the starter churns. It has to be the solenoid or incorrect wiring to it.
Hi Chris, the wiring is completely standard. I'll check the switch and the wiring to the solenoid and get back to you.
I'm getting a strong click at the solenoid which leads me to believe the solenoid, wiring fault or ECU
Chris knows his stuff. If he's certain it's the solenoid at fault, you should believe him. If bridging the solenoid contacts starts the engine and pressing the starter makes the solenoid click, then the fault can't really be anywhere else. Chris's suggestion that the nuts may be overtightened should be taken very seriously. OR
The solenoid is just a heavy duty switch,if it is clicking then it is switching but the contacts are broken which won't alow current to the starter, you have proved this by bridging the contacts to turn the starter. Steve
When I get the bike back I'll try the solenoid again. Worryingly though is the starter was fooked, I replaced it with a new OEM along with a new OEM solenoid. Maybe the heat out here has an effect, 43 right now???
As Birdie says, the solenoid is a heavy duty switch that is built to withstand the heavy current draw from the starter motor. When you press the starter button, the current goes to the solenoid where it flows through a coil with a plunger inside it. The magnetic field produced by the current through the coil moves the plunger, which makes the electrical contact to operate the the starter motor. If the solenoid is clicking, that suggests the plunger is moving but the current is not reaching the terminals you have bridged because we know that bridging those terminals starts the motor. it may be that Chris's suggestion that the nuts may be overtightened is still correct and the plunger is moving but can't move enough to make the contact. The problem certainly seems to be in the solenoid somehow. You have the old solenoid and battery. Maybe you could experiment and see if the battery operates your old solenoid and you get current at the terminals?
