Crank(sort of) no start

[Going4broke]

I've got a 99 GL1500. Tried to start and it cranked for just a brief second and then nothing. I tried in neutral with and without the clutch in. The battery voltage is good and when I press the starter button the headlight shuts off and the relay clicks as normal but nothing else happens. With the key on I jumped the starter solenoid and the engine will crank but will not fire. The bike has 134,000 miles and this is the first starting issue I've ever had. Just curious of where I should start looking or if anyone else has had this issue and knows what it is.

[AZgl1800]

the starter button turns off the headlight, that is normal.

the Battery Voltage must stay above 12 volts while the starter in engaged, 11 volts is the absolute minimum.
the battery needs to be an AGM which can supply the current needed, while holding up the cell terminal voltage.

all else being good, it should start before you can release your finger off the start button.

Get a Test Light from the auto parts store if you don't have one, hold the starter button in and trace the wires from the battery to the starter solenoids.... you can find the problem pretty quick that way.

[MikeB]

I've got a 99 GL1500. Tried to start and it cranked for just a brief second and then nothing. I tried in neutral with and without the clutch in. The battery voltage is good and when I press the starter button the headlight shuts off and the relay clicks as normal but nothing else happens. With the key on I jumped the starter solenoid and the engine will crank but will not fire. The bike has 134,000 miles and this is the first starting issue I've ever had. Just curious of where I should start looking or if anyone else has had this issue and knows what it is.

Assuming that the battery voltage is good without verification by way of a volt meter at the battery terminals really is only an assumption.
You could have a weak battery or poor connections at the battery.
The lights on the bike will illuminate with only 11 volts and the engine will sound like it is trying to start but will not if the battery drops to 10 volts when you depress the starter button..

If you do not have a Volt-Ohm meter (VOM) for testing you should buy one. They are reasonably priced and well worth the investment.

[newday777]

Most likely a dirty start button or else a bad starter relay.

[newday777]

There are 2 relays.......

[Going4broke]

There are 2 relays.......

I jumped the one on the right hand side next to the battery. The bike turned over but wouldn't start.

[newday777]

Key and kill switch on?

[AZgl1800]

There are 2 relays.......

I jumped the one on the right hand side next to the battery. The bike turned over but wouldn't start.

did you have a Voltmeter on the battery while doing this?
if you don't know what voltage the battery is holding, you are wasting your time.

the starter will turn the engine over at full speed at 10.0 volts, but the engine will NOT start below 11.8 volts.

[FM-USA]

I'll agree with others, handlebar starter button sounds like the culprit. 1999 & 134K miles, contacts get corroded.

You may have done some of these. These are quick checks.
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Old battery might have a bad cell. Pop the tops & look inside for cloudy water/acid.
Hydrometer (they're really cheap) will test each cell power storage (measuring the density of the electrolyte).
1 low cell gives starting issues.
Remove battery posts and make them shine, dull is corrosion & creates poor connections. Been there.
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Tests without tools.
Have you charged the battery fully then tried starting?
Will the starter run quite a while before losing power?
Use a glove on the handlebar brake lever to keep brake lights lit, and start. Did the lights dim significantly?
.
134K miles, check GROUND WIRES.
Starter...
Battery cable clean at both ends?
Unscrew one mount bolt & check for corrosion - bad ground.

BEST OF LUCK FINDING THE PROBLEM.

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