I was going to meet some friends for a ride yesterday. I hit the start button and it only made loud clicking sounds. It is an 06 WG with the original battery, it was on a battery tender and the indicator light was green. I've looked all over for my volt/ohm meter and haven't found it yet. Does this sound like it maybe a battery, starter, stator or other issue? ...Update, I (actually my girlfriend) just found the meter and the battery reads fine. Any idea's? I last rode it about 1 1/2 weeks ago and it started fine and no strange noises while riding or starting. The clicking sound now is real loud and sounds ugly.

 

Check your connections first. A loose connection at the battery will mess you up for sure.

 

First thing I would check is the battery cables. A lot of the time it's the negative cable being loose.

 

Sounds like loose battery cable(s). Check them.

 

+1 on checking everything. Then go get new Battery. If it was on the tender, and went dead you got battery problems. JHMO

 

Well the battery tested out fine, also tried another battery from another bike using jumper cables, same thing. The sound is like a loud ching, ching, ching rather then a click,click, click I'm use to hearing with weak batteries or starter problems, and seems to becoming from under the primary cover. I called the dealer and they came and picked it up for free, I'm sure the repair costs will make up for the tow though. I'll post back after they look at it.

 

A loud clicking would be the solonoid. A "ching ching" sounds weak starter engagement. Both could be due to a weak battery. You won't know from a volt meter unless you're checking it while its under a load. What does it read while you're actually trying to start it? If you're getting good voltage under a load most likely your starter is drawing excessive amperage.

 

I just got my starter replaced under warranty. I thought is was the battery also but it was slowly dying over a two week period and with my luck it died when the service tech was trying to start it (that is the only way they will replace it) with out giving you the run around. I hope things work out for you. I had 20k on mine.