Starting Problem with 03 RX-1

[Cummins6.7pwr]

On my wife's RX-1, sometimes it won't turn over with the key, it will just click. I have cleaned and made sure all of the battery and starter connections were tight. I am able to get it started by jumping across the solenoid. After it is started and warms up, it will always start with the key. I have changed batteries around with my '04 RX-1 and still hers won't start and mine will, so I am pretty sure it is not a battery issue. I need help, any ideas?

 

[Sled Dog]

Solenoid may be weak or it has some moisture in it causing it to stick. Most of the time just a clicks it means not enough power/ weak battery. Try jump starting it if it fires up you have a weak battery. Now it may not be the batteries fault it could be the charging system is compromised or you have a short. Your going to have to use a process of elimination to zero in on this one.

 

[Cummins6.7pwr]

I tried to jump it with my other RX-1 and that didn't work, so I tried to jump it with my pickup and that didn't work either. I am thinking it is also the solenoid but still not quite sure. If it was a battery problem it shouldn't turn over as fast as it does when jumping the solenoid, should it? Thanks for your help, I really appreciate it.

 

[Sled Dog]

I think it is your solenoid as well now that you eliminated the battery. Bring it in a gargage and dry everything out really good if it does it only when cold it must be freezing if it was mechanical it should do it all the time.

 

[03RX1-ER-LE]

Not sure if the same solenoid as V-max or Venture, had to replace solenoids on my Daughter and Son-inlaws sleds due to moisture entering them and corroded internally. It would start by jumping across the solenoid and had a good signal from the Ignition switch, replaced relay and all was good.

 

[wienerwater]

I would bet 99.9% it's the relay. If the battery checks out, or a jump won't make it do nothing more than a click, it's the relay. It's a common problem and will be about $80 Canadian to buy from a dealer. It's the same relay used on most Yamaha motorcycles, boat motors etc and is located by the battery.. Post your findings if you can.

 

[Indy]

You most likely have a bad ground on the relay or solenoid. I had this last year. make a jump wire from the negative side of the relay to ground or frame and give her a try, or you can make a jumper with a starter button. I never could find the bad ground, but the jump to the frame solved it fast & it still does. I tried 2 other relays, a brand new from dealer and the one off of my 98 vmax xtc, neither worked because of the bad ground. Just try this before you go and spend $ because this is also a simple test. If the jump wire works, then you have a bad ground wire.

 

[GUKROKIT]

Same thing happened to mine this season.It was the solenoid.About 69$ and all was well.

 

[Len Todd]

I think it is the solenoid. But, .. you can always load test the battery by taking it down to an auto parts store. They will typically test them for free.