HELP! Goldwing won't start

[sgtrock1956]

My 1986 GL1200 won't start. When I put the key to accessory, the radio works and the aftermarket voltmeter responds. When I move the key to ignition, everything goes dead. It is not the ignition fuse (replaced to be certain). It is not the main 30A fuse. I do not want to load this beast on a trailer to take it into service an hour away.

Any ideas what to test? Is this the ignition switch itself? Anyway to check without removing the ignition switch to get behind the unit to test? Is there a fuse I'm overlooking?

Thanks for your help. I bought this bike last year, and now suspect I have bought someone else's problem (which is always the chance when you buy used).

[winguyjo]

quite likely a weak battery, or poor connections to it. could also be a bad starter relay, or ignition switch, but start with the simplest thing first. do you have the kill switch in the"run" postition ? have the battery tested or try jump starting from a car. do not have the car running during a jump start.

[sgtrock1956]

Thanks for the reply Winguyjo. Yes, the kill switch is in the run position, and the battery was replaced last year. However, what could happen if the bike were to be jump started while the car runs? Cuz' I might need to check that next.

[AZgl1800]

Thanks for the reply Winguyjo. Yes, the kill switch is in the run position, and the battery was replaced last year. However, what could happen if the bike were to be jump started while the car runs? Cuz' I might need to check that next.

you do NOT want to do that, the Voltage Regulators on each vehicle will get into a fight and the bike will loose.

[winguyjo]

was your battery on a battery tender over the winter ? if not, did you at least charge it before attempting to start ? your bike is showing symptoms of a weak battery.

[sgtrock1956]

Yes, the battery was on a tender. Here's what's puzzling: when the key is in the accessory position, the accessories work. When the key is moved to the run position, nothing works. This would lead me to believer the switch is bad, or, some fuse I'm not considering.

[winguyjo]

yes, that is starting to sound like an ignition switch then. have you tried some wiggling and jiggling of the key while you hit the start button ?

[sgtrock1956]

Thank you. No I haven't. I will try this tomorrow.

[julimike54]

You've described exactly what mine did last year. After hours chasing my tail, I took the battery out and it failed the load test. New battery and Bob's your uncle (fixed)....

[sgtrock1956]

Thanks, I'll check that too, but this battery was new last summer.

[sgtrock1956]

That would also suggest that if I connect my car battery to it that it should work. I think I tried that and there was no change when I connected my car to it. Unless I blew the Voltage regulator -- would a blown regulator cause to act tithis way?

[julimike54]

Depending on the battery failure, I've had them drag a good battery down (voltage wise) where it can't be jumped. Take battery and get it load tested, it's a definitive answer!

[jimmyschow]

need more info on how you are trying to start it. Does the neutral light come on? Does moving the kickstand make any difference? Are you holding the clutch lever in or not? load testing battery is a good idea. if the battery is ok, check these other things. there are several safety lockouts that can keep your bike from starting.

[sgtrock1956]

Thanks for your help folks. The battery was load tested at an auto parts place and it passed. The bike is in neutral and the kickstand is down. When the key is turned from the accessory position to the ignition position, the aftermarket voltmeter drops to zero and the aftermarket stereo shuts off. These were installed by the previous owner. I disconnected them to rule out any short possibilities and it made no difference. I'm leaning towards the ignition switch at this point, however interesting to note: when in the accessory position and I turn the hazard lights on, I hear a clicking noise and the lights do not come on. This one piece of info suggests to me that this may be shorting out when I turn the key to ignition, however, that may just be a distractor.

[sgtrock1956]

Okay, the results are in!

Turns out, it was the starter selenoid and the wiring harness plug that fits into the selenoid. They were toast! The parts arrived Friday and the the bike is fixed (finally). Shout out to our family friend Jeremy who's expertise helped me track things down (hands on).