| Author |
Message |
    
2000x1
| | Posted on Sunday, December 02, 2007 - 08:01 pm: | 
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Hi, my 2000 X1 started to have starting problem two weeks ago. It always took holding on to the starter button 5 or more seconds for it to start and worse in cold night. Then, last week, after leaving it out of the garage for two nights and took it back in the garage for two days, it just wouldn't start. I can hear the starter trying with "ta ta ta..." sound but nothing happened after that.
Any help will be appreciated.
Thanks. |
Bombardier
| | Posted on Sunday, December 02, 2007 - 08:21 pm: |
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Battery/earth connection bad
Brushes/contacts in starter
Faulty starter switch.
Just a few thoughts. |
2000x1
| | Posted on Monday, December 03, 2007 - 03:10 am: |
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Hi Bombardier, thank you very much for the suggestions. Will give them a try. |
Blake
| | Posted on Monday, December 03, 2007 - 12:36 pm: |
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I agree. Most likely you have a depleted battery or a battery that has reached the end of its useful life. Check battery voltage. If below 12V, then charge the battery (follow charging instructions, use 2A or lower rate of charge I believe), then recheck its voltage; if the battery reads below 12V, then the battery has failed. If at or above 12V, then let it sit overnight and recheck voltage the next day. If at or above 12V, it is likely okay, if not, it is past its useful lifespan. |
2000x1
| | Posted on Friday, December 14, 2007 - 02:12 am: |
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Hi Blake, battery was above 12V a few days ago when I first checked. However, I did not measure when I try to start. After a week, the battery is below 12V at 11.5V. So, it is leaking somewhere. I will try to start again with a jumper cable. If that works, yes, I need a new battery. When the weather gets cold, I have been riding less. I use a tickle charger. But if the battery is at its end of live, it probably won't help. Thanks. |
Bombardier
| | Posted on Friday, December 14, 2007 - 03:57 am: |
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Get yourself a hydrometer.
The last thing that a battery loses is its voltage.
Good electrolyte(acid) should be 1.260 specific gravity.
Any lower and your need to either reform the battery or change the electrolyte or both.
If their is a murky and floaty look to the electrolyte then most probably you have a bad cell. Time to replace the battery.
If it looks clear then you can reform the battery by fully charging and then discharging it 3 times.
Charging is easy. To discharge it I usually get one of those cheap trouble lights from an auto shop and connect it.
After you have done this check the electrolyte for SG(specific Gravity).
Keep an eye on the electrolyte level during this. Make sure it is kept above the plates. If you need to top it up use only demineralised water.
Sound like a lot of work but as most of this involves time you can be doing something else whilst waiting.
You may well want to check the charging rate of your alternator just to make sure this will not be a reoccuring thing. |
Bluzm2
| | Posted on Friday, December 14, 2007 - 03:19 pm: |
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Hmmm, tough to check the SG on a gel mat battery. |
Bombardier
| | Posted on Saturday, December 15, 2007 - 05:21 am: |
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I agree it would be. |
2000x1
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 18, 2007 - 03:47 am: |
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Hi Bombardier, thanks for the advice. I haven't checked SG yet. I do have a hydrometer. I tried connecting a charger with engine start which should provide enough voltage and current. Press the starter button. Same noise: the starter was trying but no engine turning over. It sounded like the spark plugs are firing (loud ta, ta, ta hammering sound). I heard that before but it will eventually start. I guess it's time to check battery/earth connection, wiring, short, loose connectors etc. This happened after I left it outside a few nights. So, moisture may have made the problem worse. |
Sloppy
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 18, 2007 - 03:37 pm: |
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Unless that charger has a ture "engine start" feature, it can't generate enough amps to turn the engine over. But even if it does have that start feature, I've seen conditions where a dead battery still doesn't allow the engine to run (unless you've got the huge wheel cart charger version!).
You're describing classical dead battery syndrome. Even if it does have enough voltage at the terminals (your supposed to test voltage AFTER putting a load on the battery), the battery may not be able to delivery the current required by the starter motor.
Get a new battery for it as well as a Battery Tender (similar to a trickle charger). Charge the NEW battery before putting in the bike. Most batteries from the store DO NOT have a full charge on them. While you do that you can clean any corrosion.
I don't know how old your battery is, but if it last 5 years that's impressive. The OEM battery is a wise choice if you're not sure which one to purchase. How old is your battery?
(Message edited by sloppy on December 18, 2007) |
Bombardier
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 18, 2007 - 07:35 pm: |
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Sounds like a bad earth.
I would check you negative on the battery terminal and the earth to from connection.
If you can wiggle any of the terminals they are too loose.
Clean them off with a fine grade sandpaper/wire brush, coat with vaseline and retighten. |
2000x1
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 22, 2008 - 09:18 pm: |
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Happy New Year! A new year and a new battery fixed the problem. Yes, the old battery finally died. Thanks everyone for your help. |
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2000 X1 would not start