2007 K9 won't start. Need some places to look for the problem

Energy One
My K9 just made a "click" when I hit run-start. I had my nephew take a look and it looked like the solenoid was bad. I had him install a new starter, but I sill only hear a "click" (the decompression release?)
I had him run a 12v wire to the exciter spade on the new starter and the bike started up and ran. Guess the ignition is getting energized, but 12 V is not making it to the solenoid. Any ideas of where I should look next? I don't have any documents on the ECU or ignition module so I don't know what I am looking at. I also wonder if it could be as simple as a bad connection at the switch? Maybe even a weak battery? it did manage to start when hot-wired.
Any suggestions that don't involve firearms are greatly appreciated!
 

Drayno

Member
Had this problem a few times, still working on it actually but mine is dead-dead, no click.

Definitely check the battery first. What type of battery and how many cold cranking amps does it have?

Any type of stock battery may only be good for a year or 2. I run lithium after having starting issues a few times even on constant tender. Big bikes need big batteries, anything under 500 CCA don't bother putting in the dog.

Had a WPS did great for 4 years, just switched to Antigravity ATX20-RS Lithium Motorsport Battery which fired the bike up with a vengeance, but then bike shit out, something electronic, probably ignition, still testing.

The only other starting issues I had were when I had stock ECU in the bike. Rode in rain and handlebar controls got wet, bike wouldn't start until they were dry, like really dry. Since put in WP+ and had no water issues, but many other ECH replacement options out since I put mine in. Definitely check out Wild Steed Worx for any parts. Look under seat and snap some pics of what wiring system looks like if you are not sure, pound will help.

Best of luck, I'll put $20 on battery, Ha!

 
I was considering a new battery, but when I jump from the battery to the solenoid the bike will turn over and start. the battery is weak, but it makes me suspect something else is the problem.
 

Nukeranger

Nukeranger
Supporting Member
Clean and check all your connections associated with the starter and solenoid. Especially, check the ground connection. A lot of us have changed out the Ground Wire to a high quality one. You didn't specifically say but did the solenoid get changed when you changed your starter. If not, disassemble your solenoid and clean it.
 

HMAN

I just like my Freedom
If it wont start on its own, but will start when jumped.....new battery. I run a Braille 2015 fwiw. Last one went 5yrs.
 
I will check the ground. the bike will start when the solenoid is hot-wired to the batter, bypassing the starter circuit. It doesn't need to be jumped to an external battery..
 
I have been checking wires, they all seen to be connected and tight. What circuit board? the ECU?
I see where the solenoid green wire connects to the connector on the computer. I will see if I can find an ECU expert here I can ask.
 

roadie1389

Well-Known Member
I have been checking wires, they all seen to be connected and tight. What circuit board? the ECU?
I see where the solenoid green wire connects to the connector on the computer. I will see if I can find an ECU expert here I can ask.
Put a test light or Multi-Meter on the solenoid wire (disconnect from starter). When you hit the start button you should get 12V's if not then 1 of 2 things - no signal from button to ECU or ECU not sending signal to starter. The circuit board being referenced is the board behind the button. The hand controls are just low level signal inputs to the ECU (or what ever controller you have) like the remote controller for the TV. The buttons and boards are know to go bad.

It is harder to test the button connected but you can run a continuity test if your multi-meter has that function. Find the right hand control harness connector and test from ground to the start input (I forget the wire color) when you push the button. Do you have a schematic? Not to be an ass but do you know how to read one?

What part of Florida you in?
 

Reddickracing

Well-Known Member
My buttons/circuit board were weak and not making good contact, one member told me he added some layers of electrical tape behind the buttons for a cheap fix (200.00 for new ones) I did that and mine works a lot better. Mine used to do what yours does, click click click then finally would make contact now it turns over when I press it. Also put a slam button on starter, in case you need it. It bypasses buttons. Some people use as primary starter button idk
 

francoblay1

The Spaniard
My K9 just made a "click" when I hit run-start. I had my nephew take a look and it looked like the solenoid was bad. I had him install a new starter, but I sill only hear a "click" (the decompression release?)
I had him run a 12v wire to the exciter spade on the new starter and the bike started up and ran. Guess the ignition is getting energized, but 12 V is not making it to the solenoid. Any ideas of where I should look next? I don't have any documents on the ECU or ignition module so I don't know what I am looking at. I also wonder if it could be as simple as a bad connection at the switch? Maybe even a weak battery? it did manage to start when hot-wired.
Any suggestions that don't involve firearms are greatly appreciated!
Well............???

:oldconfused:
 
Sorry it has been a while. Did some troubleshooting. The "click" I heard when hitting start was the compression release opening, nothing to do with the starter. I checked continuity between wires to the computer, the wiring was OK. I even opened up the handlebar switch thinking there may be a problem there. all was good, but man are these a pain to put back together! The little throttle cable balls have a habit of dropping inside the handle bars.
Anyway, at this point I had a new starter that worked fine when the solenoid was jumped. I got the volt meter and found the wire to the solenoid was not getting energized by the computer when I pressed start, so the EHC was the problem.
I ordered the Big Dog Motorcycle EHC replacement 05 and Up from Wild Steed Worx. Ebay for $550. They advertise easy plug and play, and it was. I pulled out the old EHC, drilled one hole in the bottom of the mounting plate, mounted the new EHC, and plugged the cables on it. Now the bike is starting very well. The new high torque starter really whips it over. I now have the original starter on ebay for sale. I like the new EHC so far, but I have not put any miles on the bike since the change.
 

pknowles

RETIRED
Supporting Member
Sorry it has been a while. Did some troubleshooting. The "click" I heard when hitting start was the compression release opening, nothing to do with the starter. I checked continuity between wires to the computer, the wiring was OK. I even opened up the handlebar switch thinking there may be a problem there. all was good, but man are these a pain to put back together! The little throttle cable balls have a habit of dropping inside the handle bars.
Anyway, at this point I had a new starter that worked fine when the solenoid was jumped. I got the volt meter and found the wire to the solenoid was not getting energized by the computer when I pressed start, so the EHC was the problem.
I ordered the Big Dog Motorcycle EHC replacement 05 and Up from Wild Steed Worx. Ebay for $550. They advertise easy plug and play, and it was. I pulled out the old EHC, drilled one hole in the bottom of the mounting plate, mounted the new EHC, and plugged the cables on it. Now the bike is starting very well. The new high torque starter really whips it over. I now have the original starter on ebay for sale. I like the new EHC so far, but I have not put any miles on the bike since the change.
Glad to see you back in the wind. Thanks for the update.
 
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