Electrical gremlins

[thrasher]

Have an 06 Vector with 48,000 kms. Out for a ride one day, cruising nicely at 100 kph, without warning, engine just shuts down and I loose my gauges. After checking the fuses, they all appeared to be good. Anyhow, changed out the ignition fuse, maybe bad who knows, new fuse in, and the engine fires right up. Got to our destination and then back home without incident, about 100 kms.

So, now I'm leaving home via sled on a 3,000 km trip. Got about 80 kms from home, going about 80 kph and the engine shuts down again without warning. So, put in a new ignition fuse, engine fires up and off I go. This time, I get about 5 kms and the engine shuts down again. Put in a new fuse, this time a I get about 5 feet before the sled shuts down. Put in a new fuse, this time, the engine will not turn. All I get is a buzzing sound from the engine when I turn the key to engage the starter motor. So mu buddy tows me to a spot where I can load my sled and bring it home to check things out.

So now I'm thinking a worn wire somewhere is shorting things out. Can't find any worn wires. Removed the battery, the charge in it seemed a little low, maybe the cause if the stator wasn't charging it. so charged it up. Did a load test on the battery, all is good, not the battery. Put everything back together, hoping the sled would fire up, so I can see if the stator is putting out enough charging volts to the battery. The sled still will not turn over, just getting a buzzing sound from the battery area.

The main fuses in the solenoid look good. So, how can I isolate my problem to either the solenoid, starter relay, starter motor, or the stator? Since I have a full charge in the battery, the motor should turn over when I try to start it. Any help or input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[thrasher]

The buzzing sound is coming from solenoid when turning the key to start. Does that mean the starter motor is locked or the solenoid is done?

 

[Stubbs]

Jump the solenoid and see if the starter turns over. I’m betting you’ve got a bad solenoid, not a starter issue.

 

[thrasher]

Replaced the solenoid as was the least expensive and easiest job to do. Just clicked then buzzed. Not sure of how to jump the solenoid. Looking like a fried starter thus far.

 

[maim]

to jump the solenoid, you can use anything metal to bridge the 2 large terminals on the solenoid. if you only get big sparks, yes starter is toast.

 

[74Nitro]

It does sound like you need a starter. However, this shouldn't be related to your other problem.

 

[thrasher]

It does sound like you need a starter. However, this shouldn't be related to your other problem.

Yes, that's what I'm afraid of. I have two separate issues. Anyhow, I have an eye on a good used sled for now, and will tackle the problems with my Vector after the snow is gone.

 

[thrasher]

Jumping the solenoid caused a spark show. Starter is done. Will replace that first, then try to locate the ignition issue. Fun times.

 

[1nc 2000]

Look for a rub thru in harness in the front where the harness goes over the frame.
I believe its under the battery box.
Had this issues on my 04 rx1.