99% of the time, it is the main starter relay that buzzes (the one with the integral 30amp fuse) and 99% of the time, it is because of the battery. If you can check to see if it is this relay, post back and we can take it from there.
Starting Issues - clicking-buzzing sound
I've got a 1500 Classic with no mods other than V&H pipes. I notices a few weeks ago I get a buzzing sound when i hit the starter. It always ends up starting though. Sometimes I have to stay on the start switch for a few seconds for it to go, but the starter always eventually starts spinning. I started tracking down the sound and found it was coming from a relay under the seat in the junction box. I did some digging and found out there's a starter relay inside here. (This is the fuse box next to the battery.) I purchased a brand new junction box, installed it, and no good. The sound still comes from there, but it's still happening and seems to be getting worse. I should also mention that I pulled the battery and took it to batteries plus where he put it on a load tester and said the battery is fine. I have 27K on it. Only about 6K are from me, but it seems like it was very well maintained.
My next two thoughts are it's either the OTHER starter relay (why are there two?) or the starter itself. Anyone know if one of these is a weak spot? Which is cheaper? What's a good place to get parts? Anyone have a common problem? Thanks for your help.
My next two thoughts are it's either the OTHER starter relay (why are there two?) or the starter itself. Anyone know if one of these is a weak spot? Which is cheaper? What's a good place to get parts? Anyone have a common problem? Thanks for your help.
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The buzzing was coming from the relay under the seat in the junction box. This is not the one lower down with the fuse. I replaced the entire j box and I'm still getting the buzzing from the same place. At first I was thinking battery which is why I had it tested, but it seems fine. Once the starter starts to spin is springs to life and sounds normal. There no dimming of the lights, and it's not behaving as if there's a battery issue. Is that other starter relay a common issue with our bikes? If so I think I'll probably pop that out next. I'm thinking it'll be cheaper than a starter. Does this sound like a reasonable course of action?
One check you can make is to test for 12v on the yellow/red that is connected to the main starter relay(solenoid, as I like to call it) when you push the starter button.
Post back with your results.
Post back with your results.
I had the same issue with the buzzing from the junction box on my 2006 vulcan 800 I ended up finding that the contacts in the start button were corroded. You dont get the full voltage to the relay wich causes the buzzing.
A little sand paper and about 15 minutes will fix it. Just need to clean the contacts
A little sand paper and about 15 minutes will fix it. Just need to clean the contacts
Did you discover the source of the problem. I'm having the same with my 800. Have replaced the solenoid with the 30 Amp fuse and the battery is brand new but still the buzzing and eventual turn over.The buzzing was coming from the relay under the seat in the junction box. This is not the one lower down with the fuse. I replaced the entire j box and I'm still getting the buzzing from the same place. At first I was thinking battery which is why I had it tested, but it seems fine. Once the starter starts to spin is springs to life and sounds normal. There no dimming of the lights, and it's not behaving as if there's a battery issue. Is that other starter relay a common issue with our bikes? If so I think I'll probably pop that out next. I'm thinking it'll be cheaper than a starter. Does this sound like a reasonable course of action?
Neither Vulcan1500 or Alex J have been seen on the forum for years, and neither since posting in this thread.Did you discover the source of the problem. I'm having the same with my 800. Have replaced the solenoid with the 30 Amp fuse and the battery is brand new but still the buzzing and eventual turn over.
I suggest you start a thread of your own in the appropriate section, the VN800 section (this is the VN1500 section). You will likely get better answers from folks more experienced with an 800.
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