Starter motor keeps running!
- Elmobile
- Posts: 256
- Joined: Sat Aug 22, 2015 8:35 pm
- Location: Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Motorcycle: 1990 GL1500SE
Starter motor keeps running!
I read earlier a post about this before but cannot find it so let me ask again...
Last evening when starting my 1990, I could hear that the starter motor kept on spinning even so the engine was running. I decided to go right back home. I don't think it would have hurt anything for a short ride... I hope!!!
My voltmeter was running about 12V which is low. After a while it went up to 13+ which is more like it should be.
When I got home, everything was working as it should. I cranked and stopped the engine 3 times in a row and it worked as it should. Did the same this morning and it is still good, meaning the starter stops when you release the push button.
I strongly suspect that one of the relay A or B got stuck, would not reopen the circuit. Is there a way to know which one of the 2 it would be?
Just to be sure, A is next to the battery and B is the one under closer to the starter? Is that correct?
Cheers
Last evening when starting my 1990, I could hear that the starter motor kept on spinning even so the engine was running. I decided to go right back home. I don't think it would have hurt anything for a short ride... I hope!!!
My voltmeter was running about 12V which is low. After a while it went up to 13+ which is more like it should be.
When I got home, everything was working as it should. I cranked and stopped the engine 3 times in a row and it worked as it should. Did the same this morning and it is still good, meaning the starter stops when you release the push button.
I strongly suspect that one of the relay A or B got stuck, would not reopen the circuit. Is there a way to know which one of the 2 it would be?
Just to be sure, A is next to the battery and B is the one under closer to the starter? Is that correct?
Cheers
- DenverWinger
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Re: Starter motor keeps running!
Relay A is controlled by start button, Relay B is controlled by relay A when not in reverse.
Has to be the A relay sticking, because when it's closed it energizes the B relay.
If B gets stuck and not A, A still opens when you release Start button and starter motor stops. Both have to be closed for starter motor to get power.
The A relay is right next to the battery.
Has to be the A relay sticking, because when it's closed it energizes the B relay.
If B gets stuck and not A, A still opens when you release Start button and starter motor stops. Both have to be closed for starter motor to get power.
The A relay is right next to the battery.
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- Elmobile
- Posts: 256
- Joined: Sat Aug 22, 2015 8:35 pm
- Location: Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Motorcycle: 1990 GL1500SE
Re: Starter motor keeps running!
Thanks a lot for the prompt reply...
I get one on order before it completely fails on me.
Cheers.

I get one on order before it completely fails on me.
Cheers.
- Elmobile
- Posts: 256
- Joined: Sat Aug 22, 2015 8:35 pm
- Location: Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Motorcycle: 1990 GL1500SE
Re: Starter motor keeps running!
Okay... So I check with my local Honda dealer about the $ for such a relay...! Now I am wondering if they are gold plated?
$103.60 CAD + taxes, in my case 15%
Sooo, would anyone know of an alternative relay which would fit? Can't see automotive relay being that expensive.
Just want to make sure if that is my only option or not.
Cheers.

$103.60 CAD + taxes, in my case 15%
Sooo, would anyone know of an alternative relay which would fit? Can't see automotive relay being that expensive.
Just want to make sure if that is my only option or not.
Cheers.
- dingdong
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1993 gl1500A
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Re: Starter motor keeps running!
Still not cheap but less expensive. https://cyclemax.com/inc/searchresults? ... a&n=433343
- Elmobile
- Posts: 256
- Joined: Sat Aug 22, 2015 8:35 pm
- Location: Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Motorcycle: 1990 GL1500SE
Re: Starter motor keeps running!
With shipping and exchange rate, I would still end up with the same $$$. Looks like I am going to spend that much one way or the other... 

- WingAdmin
- Site Admin
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Re: Starter motor keeps running!
Those are different relays. Those relays fit into the relay box and control the various systems and accessories.
Starter relays A and B are high-current relays capable of switching hundreds of amps, and are quite a bit larger.
- CrystalPistol
- Posts: 1421
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Re: Starter motor keeps running!
Maybe this is the link you were looking for? viewtopic.php?f=6&t=55428
Make Courtesy your "Code of the Road" …
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… & Have a Safe Trip!

- Elmobile
- Posts: 256
- Joined: Sat Aug 22, 2015 8:35 pm
- Location: Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Motorcycle: 1990 GL1500SE
Re: Starter motor keeps running!
Yes thank you that is the one I was looking for...
Anyway got a new relay. It is going tomorrow if all goes well!
At least for one, it looks like an easy job.
Anyway got a new relay. It is going tomorrow if all goes well!
At least for one, it looks like an easy job.