GL1500 won't crank starter but runs no problem when bump started


Information and questions on GL1500 Goldwings (1988-2000)
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mmzisman
Posts: 5
Joined: Fri Jul 07, 2023 3:18 pm
Location: Spring valley New York
Motorcycle: 1993 GL1500 Interstate

GL1500 won't crank starter but runs no problem when bump started

Post by mmzisman »



Hello all, this is my first time posting to a forum so I hope I get some help . I have a 1993 GL1500 Interstate. I just finished a trip though New Hampshire and Maine and all went great besides for a slight starting issue.
About 2 days into the trip after fueling up I go to start the bike and it won't turn over at all. I checked all the fuses and they are fine, when I press the starter button I hear a click from the relay box and battery seems to be full as well. All lights work and the headlight dims when I press the starter button. I ended up bump starting it and it ran great with no issues.
Can anyone please help me with this as I am not sure what the next steps should be? Has anyone experienced the same issue? Let me know. Thanks




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Rambozo
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Motorcycle: 1992 GL1500 Aspencade
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Re: GL1500 won't crank starter but runs no problem when bump started

Post by Rambozo »

Time to pull out a volt meter or test light. Should be a lot easier on an Interstate without all the reverse stuff.

Is the neutral light on?
Try with:
Sidestand up? (does sidestand light work?)
Clutch pulled?

There are a couple of diodes that will need testing in addition to the various switches.


mmzisman
Posts: 5
Joined: Fri Jul 07, 2023 3:18 pm
Location: Spring valley New York
Motorcycle: 1993 GL1500 Interstate

Re: GL1500 won't crank starter but runs no problem when bump started

Post by mmzisman »

Hello, thank you for the response. I tried with all that and it still didn't work. What do I have to test to see what's going on?
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Rambozo
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Re: GL1500 won't crank starter but runs no problem when bump started

Post by Rambozo »

Follow the power from the battery to the starter and find out where it stops.

If the main starter relay is clicking when you press the start button, you can eliminate a lot.
Test for power at the incoming screw post, then check the outgoing screw post when you press the button.
mmzisman
Posts: 5
Joined: Fri Jul 07, 2023 3:18 pm
Location: Spring valley New York
Motorcycle: 1993 GL1500 Interstate

Re: GL1500 won't crank starter but runs no problem when bump started

Post by mmzisman »

Ok thank you. When you say the incoming and outgoing screw post, are you talking about on the starter solenoid?
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Rambozo
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Re: GL1500 won't crank starter but runs no problem when bump started

Post by Rambozo »

Yes. Honda correctly calls it a relay or switch.
Many people call it a solenoid, but a true solenoid is mounted on the actual starter motor and pushes the gear out as well as powers the motor.
Even if yours is clicking, you have to test that it is actually switching. The contacts inside can become burned and not work even though it cycles.
mmzisman
Posts: 5
Joined: Fri Jul 07, 2023 3:18 pm
Location: Spring valley New York
Motorcycle: 1993 GL1500 Interstate

Re: GL1500 won't crank starter but runs no problem when bump started

Post by mmzisman »

Ok thank you. I will try that out when I have some time this week and will post back here the results in a few days. Thank you for the help!
mmzisman
Posts: 5
Joined: Fri Jul 07, 2023 3:18 pm
Location: Spring valley New York
Motorcycle: 1993 GL1500 Interstate

Re: GL1500 won't crank starter but runs no problem when bump started

Post by mmzisman »

Hey, so is it necessary to still measure the voltage if I was able to start the bike up with a screwdriver by touching it to both sides of the main relay? Now that I see the starter spun and bike started when I did that. Does it mean that the issue is forsure the main relay?
Rambozo wrote: Sun Jul 09, 2023 8:20 pm Yes. Honda correctly calls it a relay or switch.
Many people call it a solenoid, but a true solenoid is mounted on the actual starter motor and pushes the gear out as well as powers the motor.
Even if yours is clicking, you have to test that it is actually switching. The contacts inside can become burned and not work even though it cycles.


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