Kill switch/ Starter button
- 80-GL100-INT
- Posts: 162
- Joined: Sun Mar 17, 2013 8:53 pm
- Location: Bedford, In.
- Motorcycle: 1980 GL1100I Interstate (current)
Previously Owned:
1981 CB 750 Custom
1976 CB 750 Super Sport (punched to 900)
1986 Kawasaki 440 LTD
1974 Suzuki 550
1986 Kawasaki Ninja 600 (First Street Bike-way back in '88) - Contact:
Kill switch/ Starter button
Hello all,
I have been lurking around the board here for awhile. I have read through a lot of the how-to articles(kudo's to WingAdim & others). I have found them very useful as this is my first GW.
I have an '80 GL 1100I Interstate. I need some help with my kill switch. The last time I had trouble with one I was able to fix it but that was years ago and I don't remember what exactly I did.
When I turn the key on and press the start button it turns over in all three positions. I've separated the switch and pulled the top apart and cleaned it. There was just a little yuck in it but over all not too bad. Is this maybe a problem in the button? Do I just need to replace the switch?(don't want to if I don't have to of course). Any insight will be greatly appreciated.
I have been lurking around the board here for awhile. I have read through a lot of the how-to articles(kudo's to WingAdim & others). I have found them very useful as this is my first GW.
I have an '80 GL 1100I Interstate. I need some help with my kill switch. The last time I had trouble with one I was able to fix it but that was years ago and I don't remember what exactly I did.
When I turn the key on and press the start button it turns over in all three positions. I've separated the switch and pulled the top apart and cleaned it. There was just a little yuck in it but over all not too bad. Is this maybe a problem in the button? Do I just need to replace the switch?(don't want to if I don't have to of course). Any insight will be greatly appreciated.
If "WE THE PEOPLE" don't defend our rights...Who will?
"Government's first duty is protect the people, not run their lives."...Ronald Reagan
http://www.powdercoat.tk/
"Government's first duty is protect the people, not run their lives."...Ronald Reagan
http://www.powdercoat.tk/
- patbrandon1
- Posts: 678
- Joined: Mon Mar 26, 2012 1:39 am
- Location: Bay City, Michigan
- Motorcycle: 1987 GL1200 Interstate
1982 GL1100I (Crashed)
1981 Honda CM400C (Sold) - Contact:
Re: Kill switch/ Starter button
Does it run in all three positions? I know that may sound like a dumb question, but I'm just trying to understand. It is only supposed to run in the center position, and it will turn over in the other two, but not run.
- virgilmobile
- Posts: 9102
- Joined: Sun Sep 19, 2010 5:39 pm
- Location: Denham Springs,La.
- Motorcycle: 1988 GL1500 I
Previously owned
78 GL1000
81 GL1100
82 GL1100 I
83 GL1100 I
83 GL1100 standard
84 GL 1200 I
Re: Kill switch/ Starter button
This is true.Up till the late 90's the kill switch only killed power to the ignition system.
- 80-GL100-INT
- Posts: 162
- Joined: Sun Mar 17, 2013 8:53 pm
- Location: Bedford, In.
- Motorcycle: 1980 GL1100I Interstate (current)
Previously Owned:
1981 CB 750 Custom
1976 CB 750 Super Sport (punched to 900)
1986 Kawasaki 440 LTD
1974 Suzuki 550
1986 Kawasaki Ninja 600 (First Street Bike-way back in '88) - Contact:
Re: Kill switch/ Starter button
You are absolutely right. I was talking with a friend of mine last night, who ever so politely reminded me that it was not the stop switch I had trouble with on my 750, it was the push button that was going bad and when I went to replace it we found the pull cable fraying and had to replace the cables at the same time. Funny how we tend to block out the fond memories of having to push your bike uphill so you can get it started.
Now I guess I can try the reason I thought it might be the switch in the first place. About 2 weeks ago I went out to start it, the engine turned about a half a revolution and stopped like it couldn't get over the compression. I pulled the plugs and it turned over fine, put the plugs back in and it has been starting fine since, until last night, it did the same thing. He told me to check the neg cable to ground, but I politely reminded him about how neurotic I am about cleaning connections on all new to me vehicles. Usually the first thing I do on anything I buy (unless it's obvious) is get a new battery, pos, and neg. cables, and clean all the related connections. The only thing that had a little excess corrosion was the relay but it cleaned up. When I push the button, the relay clicks, it's just like it can't get over compression.
Any thoughts?
Now I guess I can try the reason I thought it might be the switch in the first place. About 2 weeks ago I went out to start it, the engine turned about a half a revolution and stopped like it couldn't get over the compression. I pulled the plugs and it turned over fine, put the plugs back in and it has been starting fine since, until last night, it did the same thing. He told me to check the neg cable to ground, but I politely reminded him about how neurotic I am about cleaning connections on all new to me vehicles. Usually the first thing I do on anything I buy (unless it's obvious) is get a new battery, pos, and neg. cables, and clean all the related connections. The only thing that had a little excess corrosion was the relay but it cleaned up. When I push the button, the relay clicks, it's just like it can't get over compression.
Any thoughts?
If "WE THE PEOPLE" don't defend our rights...Who will?
"Government's first duty is protect the people, not run their lives."...Ronald Reagan
http://www.powdercoat.tk/
"Government's first duty is protect the people, not run their lives."...Ronald Reagan
http://www.powdercoat.tk/
- trashtruck
- Posts: 237
- Joined: Fri Aug 31, 2012 7:55 pm
- Location: albany, New York
- Motorcycle: 1982 gl1100 interstate
Re: Kill switch/ Starter button
if the bike is new to you and you've replaced battery and cables, have you inspected the starter? brushes might be worn or it may just be dirty inside.
WHAT IS THE SPEED OF DARK?
- virgilmobile
- Posts: 9102
- Joined: Sun Sep 19, 2010 5:39 pm
- Location: Denham Springs,La.
- Motorcycle: 1988 GL1500 I
Previously owned
78 GL1000
81 GL1100
82 GL1100 I
83 GL1100 I
83 GL1100 standard
84 GL 1200 I
Re: Kill switch/ Starter button
Or the solenoid itself but you'd have to probe the starter lug for volts when it won't crank to verify if it is getting volts.
- 80-GL100-INT
- Posts: 162
- Joined: Sun Mar 17, 2013 8:53 pm
- Location: Bedford, In.
- Motorcycle: 1980 GL1100I Interstate (current)
Previously Owned:
1981 CB 750 Custom
1976 CB 750 Super Sport (punched to 900)
1986 Kawasaki 440 LTD
1974 Suzuki 550
1986 Kawasaki Ninja 600 (First Street Bike-way back in '88) - Contact:
Re: Kill switch/ Starter button
It's got 12.94v on bat. and relay sitting, 7.84v at starter pushing the button. A 5v drop to the starter??
If "WE THE PEOPLE" don't defend our rights...Who will?
"Government's first duty is protect the people, not run their lives."...Ronald Reagan
http://www.powdercoat.tk/
"Government's first duty is protect the people, not run their lives."...Ronald Reagan
http://www.powdercoat.tk/
- virgilmobile
- Posts: 9102
- Joined: Sun Sep 19, 2010 5:39 pm
- Location: Denham Springs,La.
- Motorcycle: 1988 GL1500 I
Previously owned
78 GL1000
81 GL1100
82 GL1100 I
83 GL1100 I
83 GL1100 standard
84 GL 1200 I
Re: Kill switch/ Starter button
Be brave now.Use a screwdriver and short the 2 lugs on the starter post briefly.It will spark bit .If the battery and starter are OK it will crank the engine.
A 5 volt drop indicated bad contacts in the solenoid.
A 5 volt drop indicated bad contacts in the solenoid.
- 80-GL100-INT
- Posts: 162
- Joined: Sun Mar 17, 2013 8:53 pm
- Location: Bedford, In.
- Motorcycle: 1980 GL1100I Interstate (current)
Previously Owned:
1981 CB 750 Custom
1976 CB 750 Super Sport (punched to 900)
1986 Kawasaki 440 LTD
1974 Suzuki 550
1986 Kawasaki Ninja 600 (First Street Bike-way back in '88) - Contact:
Re: Kill switch/ Starter button
Thanks for the quick reply's and the help. I thought it might have been the switch or the relay, hoping it wasn't the starter (however that will be rebuilt or changed in the near future, renewing is never a bad thing )
All you guys are great. This is by far the greatest, most informative forum I have ever registered on. I only hope I can be as helpful.
Gold Winger for life
All you guys are great. This is by far the greatest, most informative forum I have ever registered on. I only hope I can be as helpful.
Gold Winger for life
If "WE THE PEOPLE" don't defend our rights...Who will?
"Government's first duty is protect the people, not run their lives."...Ronald Reagan
http://www.powdercoat.tk/
"Government's first duty is protect the people, not run their lives."...Ronald Reagan
http://www.powdercoat.tk/
-
- Posts: 18
- Joined: Tue Mar 09, 2021 10:29 am
- Location: United States
- Motorcycle: 1977 goldwing gl1000
Re: Kill switch/ Starter button
So my starter button actually took a **** aswell as the kill switch right now I just have the 2 kill switch wires held together the bike will run using a screwdriver on the solenoid which I also think is bad an currently waiting for new one to come in but my concern is I got a Amazon starter button kill switch for motorcycles an the wiring is different colors just curious do the 3 starter button wires have to be separate or can I put like 2 together to make 1 an just have 2 wires instead of 3
- DenverWinger
- Posts: 2441
- Joined: Thu Jun 23, 2011 2:20 pm
- Location: Denver, CO
- Motorcycle: (s)
'80 GL1100 STD Vetter (2005-)
'93 GL1500 Aspencade (2017-)
'83 Trav-Lite Camper (2010-)
Past rides
'72 CL350 (1980-1988) sold
'78 Suzuki GS550 (1985-2005) sold
'77 GL1000 (2002-2006) sold
Re: Kill switch/ Starter button
Do you have five wires total? 3 for starter and 2 more for kill switch?
If it's three wires on the start button, one is the "common" for incoming power, another will have continuity to the "common" with the button released and will be open with the button pressed, this is for headlight power, and the third wire will be open with the button released and have continuity to the "common" with the button pressed. This wire is for the starter relay.
So when you press the button headlights disconnect and start relay is energized.
But if there's only three total wires for both switches, one will be common for incoming power, one will go to starter relay and will be open unless you press the start button, the other will be power for the ignition coils and will be open if the kill switch is off. If it's this way, you will have to connect the line going to headlights to the common side of that switch, and you'll lose the function of headlights being switched off while cranking.
This should help you figure out the connections regardless of the Amazon wire colors.
If it's three wires on the start button, one is the "common" for incoming power, another will have continuity to the "common" with the button released and will be open with the button pressed, this is for headlight power, and the third wire will be open with the button released and have continuity to the "common" with the button pressed. This wire is for the starter relay.
So when you press the button headlights disconnect and start relay is energized.
But if there's only three total wires for both switches, one will be common for incoming power, one will go to starter relay and will be open unless you press the start button, the other will be power for the ignition coils and will be open if the kill switch is off. If it's this way, you will have to connect the line going to headlights to the common side of that switch, and you'll lose the function of headlights being switched off while cranking.
This should help you figure out the connections regardless of the Amazon wire colors.
A local inventor has figured a way to turn a sausage grinder backward to manufacture pigs.
♫ 99 Little Bugs in the Code, ♪
♪ 99 Bugs in the Code. ♫
♫ Take one down, Patch it around, ♪
♫ 127 Little Bugs in the Code. ♫ ♪
~Mark
♫ 99 Little Bugs in the Code, ♪
♪ 99 Bugs in the Code. ♫
♫ Take one down, Patch it around, ♪
♫ 127 Little Bugs in the Code. ♫ ♪
~Mark
-
- Posts: 18
- Joined: Tue Mar 09, 2021 10:29 am
- Location: United States
- Motorcycle: 1977 goldwing gl1000
Re: Kill switch/ Starter button
Your right it’s got 3 total wires for the starter button an 2 total wires for the kill switch but my question is do you know which colors are the wires like there’s a yellow with red line a brown like two black wires an a black with white line which the a all black one an the black with white line are the kill switch an the other black wire has a red line
- patbrandon1
- Posts: 678
- Joined: Mon Mar 26, 2012 1:39 am
- Location: Bay City, Michigan
- Motorcycle: 1987 GL1200 Interstate
1982 GL1100I (Crashed)
1981 Honda CM400C (Sold) - Contact:
Re: Kill switch/ Starter button
I've never had an 1000. But I have had 1100 and 1200 and always found it useful to have a wiring diagram for them. I'm sure if you look and ask around on this site, someone will have a wiring diagram for you that would answer this and many more electrical questions. Maybe post a topic in the forum asking for a wiring diagram for your Goldwing.BurnsYoFace34 wrote: ↑Fri Sep 17, 2021 2:14 pm Your right it’s got 3 total wires for the starter button an 2 total wires for the kill switch but my question is do you know which colors are the wires like there’s a yellow with red line a brown like two black wires an a black with white line which the a all black one an the black with white line are the kill switch an the other black wire has a red line
I might take a look around to see if I can find one for a 1977 1000. But when you search for one for yourself, you will get more familiar with the site, and meet some really cool people.
Keep us posted.
-
- Posts: 18
- Joined: Tue Mar 09, 2021 10:29 am
- Location: United States
- Motorcycle: 1977 goldwing gl1000
Re: Kill switch/ Starter button
I have a book that has the wire diagrams in the back but I’m a mechanic not a electrician lol but I’ve figured out which wires are what the yellow an red stripe an the black an red stripe go the the starter solenoid an the all black wire is the headlight wire I’m wandering an asking if we even need to hook up the headlight wire can I just get a switch an hook the two wires that go to the solenoid together an just forget about the headlight wire all together
- patbrandon1
- Posts: 678
- Joined: Mon Mar 26, 2012 1:39 am
- Location: Bay City, Michigan
- Motorcycle: 1987 GL1200 Interstate
1982 GL1100I (Crashed)
1981 Honda CM400C (Sold) - Contact:
Re: Kill switch/ Starter button
I understand, I'm a machine mechanic too, and have have to learn as I go with wiring. I hope someone with better knowledge will chime in here for ya.BurnsYoFace34 wrote: ↑Sun Sep 19, 2021 11:06 am I have a book that has the wire diagrams in the back but I’m a mechanic not a electrician lol but I’ve figured out which wires are what the yellow an red stripe an the black an red stripe go the the starter solenoid an the all black wire is the headlight wire I’m wandering an asking if we even need to hook up the headlight wire can I just get a switch an hook the two wires that go to the solenoid together an just forget about the headlight wire all together
But I do know that in Michigan, motorcycles must have their headlights on at all times. I'm not sure if they can be on a separate switch. If you are ever in an accident or pulled over and the authorities notice that your headlights are on a switch, you could get a ticket, and your insurance company might refuse to pay off. Insurance companies have many more lawyers than we do, and will be very careful looking at any claims. (Don't ask me how I know, it's a LONG story.)
I would try to wire it correctly. And seeing that this is a post thread that started in 2013, you might want to start a new thread in the 1000 forum and ask about this. By posting it new, I think more people will see it. If you want to post a new topic go here
viewforum.php?f=3
and scroll down a bit until you see a yellow highlighted spot for"New Topic" and ask your question.
I hope you get some answers.
-
- Posts: 18
- Joined: Tue Mar 09, 2021 10:29 am
- Location: United States
- Motorcycle: 1977 goldwing gl1000
Re: Kill switch/ Starter button
That’s honestly good to know cuz i was going to wire my headlights up to a toggle switch
- OldguyGlen
- Posts: 388
- Joined: Sat Nov 24, 2018 10:55 am
- Location: Mound,MN
- Motorcycle: ,
1980 GL1100 STD/Vetters
1966 Honda 90
Re: Kill switch/ Starter button
Looking at the diagrams for GL1100, they agree with prior posts that the kill switch only affects the ignition, not the starter relay. The start switch normally allows headlight ON, but drops the headlight, to lessen the battery load, while cranking. State law here only requires headlight ON while driving. They don't care how it gets turned on... whether automatic, or by some switch.
But another comment on voltage drop while cranking. The 5v drop mentioned in the original thread poster's voltmeter test might not be across the relay contacts (it would burn up in an instant). It is more likely that the battery dropped 5 v while trying to feed the starter motor amperage. If you do a similar test, measure voltage at the starter while cranking, and measure battery post voltage also while cranking. Probably both readings are too low for a good crank speed.
But another comment on voltage drop while cranking. The 5v drop mentioned in the original thread poster's voltmeter test might not be across the relay contacts (it would burn up in an instant). It is more likely that the battery dropped 5 v while trying to feed the starter motor amperage. If you do a similar test, measure voltage at the starter while cranking, and measure battery post voltage also while cranking. Probably both readings are too low for a good crank speed.
-
- Posts: 18
- Joined: Tue Mar 09, 2021 10:29 am
- Location: United States
- Motorcycle: 1977 goldwing gl1000
Re: Kill switch/ Starter button
Ok so I was just going through the wires in the main wire harness an found that right hand controls were disconnected. So after connecting them back up I wired the two kill switch wires together cuz i currently don’t have the right hand controls anymore. Then I grabbed a wire an touched the two starter wires together it finally cranked over by it self obviously but then it wouldn’t stop cranking over even after turning ignition key of disconnected wires the bike still cranked over till I unplugged the negative battery cable it was the easiest to get to. An if I touch the negative battery cable back to the battery post it starts cranking need a little bit of help here.
- winguyjo
- Posts: 639
- Joined: Sat Aug 11, 2018 9:26 pm
- Location: b.c. Canada
- Motorcycle: wing 8 : 1982 gl1100 standard.
Re: Kill switch/ Starter button
disconnect the starter solenoid entirely and check for continuity across the two main terminals. you should have an open circuit. sounds like the solenoid has failed (terminals fused together) in the "start" position.
-
- Posts: 18
- Joined: Tue Mar 09, 2021 10:29 am
- Location: United States
- Motorcycle: 1977 goldwing gl1000
Re: Kill switch/ Starter button
Well if that happened then that sucks lol cause I just put a new starter solenoid in it but then it’s a cheap peice of poopoo lol I’ll put the old one back in an see if that works I just won’t tell the wife I wasted money lol thanks for the help y’all