83 goldwing Starter button not working

[Cleek58]

I have an 83 Goldwing Interstate and when i push the starter button it cuts out the headlight like it should but it doesn't engage the starter. Jumped the solenoid and it will spin the starter just not sure where to go and how to see if the starter button is getting volts to the solenoid. Any ideas on how would i trace the safety switches and the continuity of the button would be appreciated. Electrical stuff is not in my comfort zone

[WingAdmin]

I have an 83 Goldwing Interstate and when i push the starter button it cuts out the headlight like it should but it doesn't engage the starter. Jumped the solenoid and it will spin the starter just not sure where to go and how to see if the starter button is getting volts to the solenoid. Any ideas on how would i trace the safety switches and the continuity of the button would be appreciated. Electrical stuff is not in my comfort zone

Check the primary coil at the solenoid. Is it receiving 12 volts when you press the starter? Is the solenoid clicking when you hit the starter button?

It could be the solenoid or it could be the starter button itself. The starter button is actually two switches in one - one that disconnects the headlight, and one that energizes the starter solenoid.

[JoBoy68]

I replaced the whole unit with the starter button from goldwingparts.com for about $50

[Sig45227]

Is this the replacement you bought? Did it cure the issues?

[JoBoy68]

yes, that is the unit I bought, it is the same as the original, I did not buy it because was having problems. I was rebuilding the bike and the original worked fine it just looked old and beat up so I got the new one

[LAB3]

Before you go running off and getting parts that probably won't fix the problem follow WingAdmins advice! All you need is a basic test light, you can make one but someone with little confidence in electrics should get one from your local parts store. They often look like a small screwdriver with a piece of wire coming out the end with an alligator clamp attached and if it's priced at more than 7-8 bucks I'd be surprised. It's got a light inside that glows showing that there's electricity flowing between the tip of the screwdriver and whatever the alligator clamp is attached to. There's plenty of YouTube videos on how they work and I'll bet you might even come across a demonstration on an actual GoldWing, who knows.

[Cleek58]

Thanks guys for all the advice. I believe the solenoid was just frozen up. I removed it and cleaned the contacts and taped it with a screwdriver. Aldo cleaned the started button contacts. Installed the solenoid back and everything seems to be working.