Evening all Fresh from the success of sorting the tacho on my bike (https://www.ducatiforum.co.uk/threads/996-tacho-not-working.103144/) , my 996 has decided to spring another electrical problem. I'm 90% certain this is unrelated as it's happened out of the blue. In short, the starter motor is constantly engaged. I tried to start it, and it just kept going. I've pulled the ECU: Still tried to start when I reconnect the battery I've detached the little cable from the starter relay: still tries to start when I reconnect the battery I'm probably going to start by getting a new starter relay, although if anyone can tell me how to test it then it would be much appreciated. I've seen lots of story's of the starter relay dieing so the bike won't start, but none of it being jammed so that it just keeps trying to start. Outside of that, any suggestions on best steps to fault find? I see there is an ignition relay as well, and I am likely to take the starter button apart for good measure. Anything else I should be looking at? Cheers
sounds like classic starter solenoid sticking. it doesn't necessarily have to be an old solenoid either, severe over tightening of the terminals and particularly the half nuts, can result in this. if you have a meter, you could check for continuity between the two posts, with everything turned off and even the little plug out, and it's possible you will get continuity, and of course you shouldn't!
As @Chris says the most likely culprit is the starter relay. The contacts in the relay could be engaged in the ‘On’ position. Over time, certain battery conditions can cause the terminals to weld together in the latched on position. Sounds like time for a new starter relay. While you are in there, beef up the HT cables (or double them up).
Cheers again chaps I have continuity across the solenoid with it off the bike so I'm pretty certain that's the issue. Have ordered a replacement. Absolutely standard fair for Ducati ownership isn't it?!?......get one problem sorted and another crops up just for fun!
