Had to push start it......

[John Luttrell]

I ran to the dollar store on the Magna today to get a few things for a BBQ and it would not start when I came back out; it would barely even turn over, so I push started it. When I got to the house, I pulled the seat and checked the voltage out put with a multimeter and found it was charging; 13.9 volts at idle and 14.1 at higher RPM. So I killed the engine and checked the battery's static voltage; it was 12.9 volts. So I then tried to start it again and it cranked right up, like new again and I couldn't get it to mess up again. I did find both battery cables a little loose and tightened them up, but they were not way loose, I could just move them with some effort.

The battery is a factory replacement battery and 4 years old, I got 8 years on my first one so went with factory for a replacement, in the hopes of getting another 8 years again; hopefully it was just the loose cables.

[hootmon]

One of the beauties of the Magna, it's easy to push start!

[TLRam1]

It could be either/or John, hopefully it was the cables but batteries can act funny also. Mine has done the same and that's why I installed a voltmeter, I have not isolated the issue yet but I think my problem was a battery that would short out than fix itself so to speak until the next time.   

At first I thought it was the regulator, replace that and it replicated it again at 2:15 AM one Sunday morning in downtown Dallas. Battery showed good but I replaced it, right now it is wait and see.

[Skydrol]

I've taken mine out in the morning, turned the key and had good headlight, push the start button and nothing happens. A push or two on the button and it fires right up. Haven't quite figured it out either. When it quits starting, I guess I'll have to dig into it.

[drkngas]

I did find both battery cables a little loose and tightened them up, but they were not way loose, I could just move them with some effort.

I would say you probably found your problem.

[John Luttrell]

A few of the guys on the other forum said they had the same issue and it was the contacts in the starter switch needed cleaned.  So i went back out, disassembled the switch, cleaned the contacts, stretched the contact spring a tad for good measure and put it all back together.  It was a little dirty, but don't know if it was dirty enough to cause the problem or not; either way, it's damned clean in there now, so hopefully, between the loose cables and the switch, I have it beat.

[hootmon]

If not, you can always push start it!

[Magnum Magna]

If cable are any loose that is very bad.  Last year was having a cutting out problem. Took to the shop they did not fix the problem but did find a connector that was worn down making a week connection. I have still not taken a long ride to see if my intermittent problem is gone.  I ride it just about everyday.  So far this winter has been very mild.

[Ingramml]

I have a 86 v45 and I had a very similar problem. It turned out to be the relay that was attached to the positive terminal I opened it up and cleaned off some of the corrosion and the problem is been fixed.

[lragan]

If it is not the "loose" battery cables, it is probably the starter relay.  Battery connections can appear to be AOK until the starter current happens, and if they are the least bit loose or corroded, they will not conduct that much current.  Release the heavy load, and voila!-- you have full voltage again.

I am glad no one is counting the number of times I have been snake-bit by corroded/loose battery cables...

The first time I noticed that the headlight went completely dark when I started the bike, I was sure the snake was under the seat again -- until someone pointed out that the starter switch has a second pair of contacts feeding the headlight that open up when you push the switch.  Nice feature.  Leaves nearly all the battery to operate the starter.

[hootmon]

I'll mention again... Dielectric grease on the terminals, then install the cables.. promotes conduction and resists corrosion

[John Luttrell]

I went out and checked it this afternoon and the bike would not start again; checked the voltage and it was low again at 11 volts.  I disconnected the battery and checked for any drain on the system and found none; double checked the charging system and it was good too, guess four years is all I could squeeze out of this battery, so I ordered a new battery for it today.

[hootmon]

4 years is pretty good for Florida...

[John Luttrell]

New battery is in and all is good again.

[tedkraus]

I second the suggestion of Di-electric grease, and clean the terminals good way to keep corrosion away.