Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > 998 / 996 / 916 / 748 > 748bp electrical fault - won't start

[GetawayRider]

hello,

bike won't start. seems to be an electrical fault, anyone got any ideas?

as soon as i put the ignition on the rev counder needle dances about all over the place and there is a loud clicking noise from both the two solenoids under the seat.

if i hit the start button the starter goes but seems there is no spark.

oddly if i turn the lights on, the needle stops dancing, but it still won't stop.

thanks guys

Jay

[antonye]

Sounds like a bad earth connection to me - the rev counter works off pulses and any noise (ie, short circuits) causes it to jump about.

Check the main connectors by pulling them aparts, inspecting and cleaning, then reseating. Have you taken the battery off recently, to fit an optimate (charging) cable or something? Make sure the connections are tight.

[dave996]

As Antonye said.
Used to happen to my Aprilia alot, the battery leads would always work loose.
Happened to my car last week !!!!!!!

[GetawayRider]

hi guys, thanks. took battery off, cleaned terminals and put her back in. everything back to normal. seems it was indeed a bad earth.

thanks

J