GL 1500 SE no start no neutral light

[Oldygoldie]

I need some help. My 1990 GL 1500 SE was starting just fine when all of a sudden no response when I pushed the start/reverse button. At the same time the neutral light quit working as well. I checked fuses, relays and both starter solenoids, all checked out. I tested the starter switch per my Clymer repair manual and it failed, so, since they are no longer available, I found a used one which started the bike when I plugged it in. Put it all back together and have the same problem.
I have tried methodically testing all the various switches but I suck at electrical problems. Thanks in advance for any input. PS battery is fully charged.

[thebruce]

If the neutral light is not lit and the sidestand is down, there will be no starter action.

There are certain conditions that need to be met, like sidestand up, clutch lever fully depressed and maybe brake lever depressed IF no neutral light for the starter to work.

I haven't spent a bunch of time toying with the different ways to get around the starter interlock, but I'm sure someone will be by shortly with better information than I have.

Good luck!

[ct1500]

When the neutral light is not lit try pulling the clutch in to handlebar, will it then start? When the light is not lit move gear shift lever up and down to first and second then back to neutral looking for a blink of the neutral light. When doing this if you occasionally see or can get a neutral light you need a new gear indicator sensor.

[Oldygoldie]

Thanks for the responses. I by-passed the clutch safety switch so that isn't the problem. The neutral light doesn't flicker if I move the shifter around, nor do I get any response moving the reverse lever.

[ct1500]

You sure there is power on all fuses especially #9 5A with key on? Next place I would look is the reverse lever switch behind the plastic. Brown/white wire should have power with key on. When lever is in forward position power goes to black/white wire, when in reverse power gets switched to the white/blue wire. With key on and raising reverse lever to reverse position do you hear a faint click sound from under the seat area?

[Oldygoldie]

You sure there is power on all fuses especially #9 5A with key on? Next place I would look is the reverse lever switch behind the plastic. Brown/white wire should have power with key on. When lever is in forward position power goes to black/white wire, when in reverse power gets switched to the white/blue wire. With key on and raising reverse lever to reverse position do you hear a faint click sound from under the seat area?

You sure there is power on all fuses especially #9 5A with key on? Next place I would look is the reverse lever switch behind the plastic. Brown/white wire should have power with key on. When lever is in forward position power goes to black/white wire, when in reverse power gets switched to the white/blue wire. With key on and raising reverse lever to reverse position do you hear a faint click sound from under the seat area?

Hallelujah! It started! I checked power to all the fuses, everyone had power except for #7 (possibly a different problem?). Then checked power to the reverse lever switch, no power to the black/white wire, but it has power to the white/blue wire. I by-passed the switch, the neutral light came on and the engine cranked over. I hope they still make that switch. Thanks for your help, I have been screwing with this since April.

[ct1500]

Thats why Cyclemax keeps them in stock, give Gary or Betty a call and have them ship it right out.
https://cyclemax.com/inc/sdetail/gl1500 ... 129/188751
The #7 fuse only gets power when ignition key is in parking position.

[bellboy40]

Here is one place to get that switch. It is item #11 in this fiche. $14.12 plus shipping.

https://tinyurl.com/y396voat

Edit: Well ct1500 beat me to it.

[Oldygoldie]

Switch is ordered, thanks to everyone for their help.

[Erdeniz Umman]

Switch is ordered, thanks to everyone for their help.

You could try to adjust the bracket that touches the switch before ordering a new switch. You should hear a click as you move the lever up and down.