why cant i jump my solenoid? sorry if its been ask

[halcombrick]

My 82 gl1100 only clicks when I hit the starter. I read the forum and have tried to use a screwdriver to jump the solenoid but nothing not even a spark any advos it rolls off fine,

[virgilmobile]

Next time,put a test light directly on the stud on the starter,then try to crank it.
If the light lights up and the starter does nothing,pull it for rebuild.

[halcombrick]

Now forgive me I'm new to wings the starter stud is the cable going to the starter with the rubber boot over the bolt correct?

[WingAdmin]

Now forgive me I'm new to wings the starter stud is the cable going to the starter with the rubber boot over the bolt correct?

That's right.

[Johnyy Smoke]

That's right. Ask what you want-we were all newbies once! Regards, Johnny

[Aussie81Interstate]

Follow the positive lead from the battery - directly to the solenoid - should have a rubber cap or cover over it - there are two posts one attaching from the battery and the other going direct to the starter motor - you short the solenoid by placing a large screw driver across the top of these two posts on the solenoid when the ignition is in the "on" position. No requirement to press the starter button when doing this. It will send battery power direct to the starter motor - bypassing the solenoid (by not pushing the starter button). Be prepared for a few sparks from the solenoid terminals when doing this - but nothing to fear.

Report back your results - if the starter spins normally and the motor starts - you have a bad/loose connection somewhere - either positive or negative, check for loose and corroded connections, and of course a healthy battery is a must.

[halcombrick]

Well guys I'm scratching my head I used a screw driver to jump the solenoid and nothing happened no sparks or anything when I hit the start button it clicks really loud but that's it. I thought I would at least get a spark I'm getting discouraged I don't have anymore ideas it don't make any sense to not even spark .

[Aussie81Interstate]

do this carefully.

Run a heavy duty battery quality cable style jumper lead directly from the battery positive to the starter motor stub.. you should get some action there by the starter motor spinning.

If you have access to a multimeter?
1. measure the battery voltage with ignition turned off = ? volts Battery should measure 12.5volts or better
2. measure the battery voltage with the ignition turned on = ? volts Battery should measure 12.5 volts or not much less than reading 1.
3. measure the battery voltage when pressing the starter button (with the ignition turned on) = ? volts. Battery voltage should not drop below 11 volts.

do the same three tests with the positive lead of the multimeter on the positive side of the solenoid (direct from battery positive cable side)
see this link it may help
http://www.yuasabatteries.com/faqs.php?action=1&id=30

there are also lots of links on google to show how to test your solenoid or starting problems.
here is a good one to look at - just adapt it to your test.

http://www.wikihow.com/Test-a-Starter-Solenoid

[littlebeaver]

Be sure to check the ground at the frame too....Oh Oh I'm Mr. Ground at the frame guy ....