My 2002 Honda shadow sometimes won't start...clicks like the battery is dead...but then starts fine. WHY?

Answer 1

Obviously, this is an electrical connection problem...

The starter uses considerable power to turn over an engine and it wouldn't make sense to route that power and it's associated large diameter wire all the way to the ignition switch. Therefore, this large wire is routed to a relay first and then to the starter. The relay uses small, low current, control wiring to control the high power connection to the starter. The control circuit has the ignition switch in it.

Let's look at the contacts themselves... The ignition switch contacts energize the starter relay. The starter relay contacts connect the battery power to the starter.

So, what's clicking? The ignition switch contacts are held with your fingers using a key... the starter relay is held using power applied to its coil. If that power is not connected fully, the starter relay could energize and then drop out, energize and then drop out, over and over again until you say WTF? and you let go of the ignition switch and try it again. This time, if the problem doesn't repeat itself, the ignition switch provides full power to the starter relay and it switches in the starter power and keeps it there until you let go of the ignition switch.

So, what's the problem? Sounds like a failing contact in the ignition switch to me but then starter relays aren't infallible either! The starter relay isn't a very expensive part and should be much easier to replace than the ignition switch... I would start there! (no pun intended).

Good luck!

Answer 2

Starter solenoid is bad. To check, Follow the + battery cable to the solenoid. The other thick wire goes to the starter motor. Connect those 2 terminals with a large screw driver. If no more clicking, replace the solenoid.
Make sure the cables are tight on the battery, solenoid and negative cable to the frame/engine.

Answer 3

A dirty ignition switch ( behind the starter push button) will do that. Get it cleaned before it burns the little contacts.

Clean your battery terminals and where the cables attach to the solenoid., too.

Answer 4

On that previous of a motor vehicle I quite suspect that the charging equipment the battery terminals, starter , alternator , fuse container ability junctions, engine block floor and grounds are corroded or rusty.i ought to disconnect them one with suggestions from one and sparkling them with a cord brush , sandpaper , a report or perhaps sparkling the o-ring cord connectors , be optimistic that the chassis and so on floor surfaces are properly wiped clean too and also both sparkling or replace the mounting bolts and screws and so on. you may choose to commence with the major thick wires that run from the battery to the starter , alternator , fuse container and engine block floor bec their probable corroded you'll be conscious a eco-friendly or gray powder it is a sparkling signal of corrosion and bigger then likely those major wires are internally rotted or corroded.Their no longer too expensive and in case you could common change wires from many diverse vehicle factors shops from 10 to twenty greenbacks or so somewhat , merely be optimistic to sparkling the surfaces and connectors that those wires connect too once you replace them. wish that helps and best of success.with suggestions from the way my intestine says that doing what i have pronounced will restore this situation yet remember that even a fuse or fuse socket builds up a dirt that motives undesirable connections so that you may choose to sparkling them and any relays and so on.It no longer damage to finish a worry-free music up of plugs , air clear out , gas clear out and so on.

Answer 5

see the water level on the battery. if it had ever ran out without you ever notice it, replace the battery. it could damage other electronic devices on your motorbike.

or, check the motor starter. wiring is another problem. if there's one naked cable that touches the body, it won't start. same thing happens to my car.

lucky me, the car broke down on a Krispy Kreme parking lot.. lol

Answer 6

Very common problem. One of the most common problems with a bike. Your battery is getting ready to go.

Answer 7

Worn solenoid or relay? Bad connection in ignition switch?

Answer 8

could be a bad starter switch or your starter itself is going bad also there is a starter selonoid that rests on top of the starter they can also go bad,hope that helps

Answer 9

It sounds like your battery cable is loose.

Answer 10

MAYBE THE STARTER