98 GL1500A Does not start until starter button is released

[carl_rc]

I have a 98 GL1500A I have been riding it for a little over a year. It has a little over 25000 miles on it. My issue is when I start it, it cranks over fine but it does not start until I release the starter button to stop cranking. It seem like I had a problem with a car many moons ago that acted similar with an ignition coil problem. My other thought was that maybe the battery was getting weak and not supplying enough power to the ignition when cranking?? Has anyone else experienced this...or is it normal for a 1500? Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks.

[vtxcandyred]

I had the same problem with my 93SE and it turned out to be the battery.

[dingdong]

That is a common complaint with the 1500. The solution is a new battery.

[carl_rc]

Thanks for the help. I found a date on my battery and It is six years old so that might very well be the issue. Thanks again.

[93Wing]

Yep, I had the same problem and put in a new AGM battery and that took care of it.

[AZgl1800]

Monitor the starter voltage while cranking the engine. Or the battery voltage.
If the voltage drops below 10.5 the battery is toast.
A good AGM type battery will hold more than 11.5 volts while cranking the engine.

[Sargeyork]

When buying a battery also invest in a Battery Tender, I have been using Deltrans' battery tenders since 2001 and my average battery life has been about 6 years but I also never fail to hook it up when I am not riding and check the water once a year and refill with distilled water and clean and tighten your terminals once a year also.

[heidebill]

Bought our 97 1500 last april, had the same problem, concluded it should be the battery, so I just learned to start the bike with the poor battery and milked another year out of the battery. It will get a new one this spring after I dig my bike out of the snow.

[whozwinging]

I picked up a 98 Wing in Nov and rode it about three times before it became too cold. I also noticed that if I released the starter button it started. I had put a brand new battery in as it came without one. I mentioned that quirk to the Honda dealer when I got it inspected and he said alot of 1500's do that. There is some change to the switch that fixes it. Anyone hear of that?

[wbetheajr]

if anybody knows of the quick fix to this please post. I have killed my battery 3 times trying to crank my 92 1500. Now I can tell you this, after reading these posts, I recharged my battery and did the hit and release a couple times and it fired up and run like a champ.

[jeby_1@yahoo.com]

Mine does that even when I have it hooked up to a charger. It doesn't seem like that would be the battery?

[bellboy40]

Some have had success with this issue by cleaning the C54 connector on the right side of the engine. You will need to pull the right side inner cover off to get to it. It is a white 4 pin connector located near the ECU. All the wires in it go to the coils and, if there is some corrosion or resistance in that connector, it could cause a voltage drop to the coils. I was going to add a picture to show the location but for some reason I can't get it to work today. I'll try later.
Edit: Ok, the attachments are working now. Here it is.

Gl1500 C54 connector.

[ct1500]

Mine does that even when I have it hooked up to a charger. It doesn't seem like that would be the battery?

It sure can if your battery belongs in the trash or your charging system needs attention.
If your spark plugs are fouled (black) from a rich running condition or short duration multiple startups (idling) in cold weather that can also intensify the release start symptom.

[Solo So Long]

This happens when there isn't enough power to run the starter and the ignition at the same time. You get the flywheel spinning, then when you release the starter solenoid, there is enough power to the ignition to fire the spark plugs.

This usually means a weak battery. Otherwise, it's a problem in the electrical system, such as dirty contacts or bad ground.