Don't Panic! Let's Identify the Signs of a Damaged Starter Bendix on Your Motorcycle Here

Every motor vehicle is equipped with a starter solenoid that is useful for starting the engine. The significant role of this starter solenoid requires all vehicle owners to always pay attention to its condition. This is aimed at keeping the vehicle in prime condition.

1. There is a Clicking Sound

The first sign that usually occurs when the starter solenoid is damaged is the emergence of a clicking sound. This usually happens when you try to start the engine by repeatedly pressing the starter solenoid. 

The appearance of such a sound indicates that the electrical current from the starter solenoid is interrupted, causing the engine not to start as it should.

This clicking sound is usually heard once or twice. However, if it sounds repeatedly, it can be confirmed that the starter solenoid is indeed damaged. To address this situation, try taking your beloved vehicle to the nearest workshop or authorized service center.

2. Weak Battery

Another cause of a damaged starter solenoid is a weak vehicle battery. This often occurs when the electrolyte content is low or the battery fluid has run out. 

You can also detect it by checking the stability of other electrical components, such as the horn or indicator lights. If the components do not light up, it can be confirmed that the battery is dead.

A weak battery often causes the starter solenoid to make a “click click click” sound. If left unchecked, this will eventually damage your beloved vehicle. Therefore, check the battery condition regularly to avoid damage to the starter solenoid.

Read Also: Complete Steps on How to Repair a Dry Battery

3. Connecting Cable from Solenoid to Battery is Disconnected

You should know that the solenoid or starter switch has the task of connecting the electrical current from the battery to the starter motor. To perform this task, the solenoid is assisted by cables that serve as a connection between the solenoid and the battery to start the vehicle. 

Not only to the battery, there is also a cable that goes to the starter motor. If one of these cables is disconnected, it will cause the engine of your beloved vehicle to not start properly. 

This is because the electrical current from the starter solenoid cannot be transmitted perfectly through the cable to the battery or starter motor. To prevent this from happening to your vehicle, try to perform regular inspections.

4. Connecting a Screwdriver Shaft at Both Terminals

A sign of a damaged starter solenoid can be done by connecting a screwdriver shaft between the two terminals. This can be done when the condition of the components is fine, but the starter solenoid still does not want to start. 

By connecting the screwdriver shaft to both terminal cables on the starter solenoid, you can determine the actual condition.

Not being able to start the vehicle can sometimes make the owner panic and confused. However, when this happens, try to remain calm and check several components that usually play an important role in starting the engine, such as the battery and its cables. If you do not find the problem, you can ask for help from a technician at the nearest workshop.

Read Also: Causes of Total Vehicle Electrical Failure and Their Solutions