OK you motorheads..help w/ starting problem

[ST4Rick]

Here's the scenario...Background first: '03 ST4s, 20k miles, not ridden very much this season, but kept on a battery tender always in the garage. Battery is 2-3 years old. When it hasn't been started in a few weeks, it gets a bit stubborn. That is relatively normal. I know that this bike draws a lot of juice to crank, so sometimes it won't start after cranking a bit, but after letting the charger work for a an hour or 2 it has always kicked over the next try.
Recently (like the last few days) when I turn the key to ON, I see the yellow dash security light go solid for a second, then nothing. No fuel pump buzz, no headlights, no power to starter. If I turn the key off and on a few times, it will eventually start the normal buzzing and clicking sequence and lights go on and will fire up. After I ride, if I shut down for a gas stop, I have to hope it doesn't give me a problem starting up again. Electrical gremlin? battery problem? CPU? Any insight? Thanks Rick

[longdrive]

Originally Posted by ST4Rick

Here's the scenario...Background first: '03 ST4s, 20k miles, not ridden very much this season, but kept on a battery tender always in the garage. Battery is 2-3 years old. When it hasn't been started in a few weeks, it gets a bit stubborn. That is relatively normal. I know that this bike draws a lot of juice to crank, so sometimes it won't start after cranking a bit, but after letting the charger work for a an hour or 2 it has always kicked over the next try.
Recently (like the last few days) when I turn the key to ON, I see the yellow dash security light go solid for a second, then nothing. No fuel pump buzz, no headlights, no power to starter. If I turn the key off and on a few times, it will eventually start the normal buzzing and clicking sequence and lights go on and will fire up. After I ride, if I shut down for a gas stop, I have to hope it doesn't give me a problem starting up again. Electrical gremlin? battery problem? CPU? Any insight? Thanks Rick

assuming your not touching the kill switch the only change is turning the key on and off, then I'd get the battery checked, sounds like its shorted. Normally you would hear the relays under the seat pull in followed by the fuel pump

[Motard-Menace]

I've got a $20 spot says your battery is shot. Your symptoms sound like issues related to the battery not having/holding a full charge. My 2 cents

[ST4Rick]

Originally Posted by Motard-Menace

I've got a $20 spot says your battery is shot. Your symptoms sound like issues related to the battery not having/holding a full charge. My 2 cents

Even though its a 2 y/o battery, its always on a battery tender...I hope its that simple!

[ST4Rick]

battery: 12.8v at rest, 11.6v cranking, 13.5v @3k rpms. No corrosion on battery terminals. Any help?

[duncan748]

I had the same with a 748, turned out to be 40A ignition relay, symptoms were identical

Hope that helps

[va duc]

Just in case.

For the ignition relay (2 - "87" terminals and no "87a" terminal):
GM - 20414941
Tyco - V23234-C1001-X006
Bosch - 0 332 019 155
Hella - 87453
Napa AR274 or sku 707390822143

[ST4Rick]

Why can't I find "ignition relay " in an OEM parts catalogue? Does Ducati refer to it as something else? Exactly where is it located on the bike?

[va duc]

big yellow relay located on the left hand side of the bike up in the faring bracket. I think its # 11?

The part # is 28740141A

[Motard-Menace]

I guess I owe you $20 bucks......let us know if the relay fixes the issue......goodluck