GL1800 Start Issue
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- Posts: 7
- Joined: Wed Oct 16, 2019 7:30 pm
- Location: Texarkana, Texas
- Motorcycle: GL1800 2003
GL1800 Start Issue
I have an GL1800 2003 with 31188miles on it and it has not been rode in 5 years. I removed the fuel tank and washed it out with new gas and reinstalled. Put in new air filter, changed oil and filter and changes out coolant from green to blue. The issue I have now is that the bike will not start. It turns over but will not start. Seem to with not have fire or gas. Any ideas as where to look next would be appreciated.
- Viking
- Posts: 3760
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- Location: North Bay, Ontario, Canada
- Motorcycle: 2009 GL1800 AD
1987 Harley Softail Custom
1974 Harley FLH (sold)
1965 Harley FLHE (sold)
1957 Harley Chopper (sold)
Re: GL1800 Start Issue
First two things I would look at would be the kill switch and the battery voltage while cranking. Both of those items are too often overlooked with a no start problem and both could cause it.
- 2003Cobra
- Posts: 129
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- Location: Bremen, GA
- Motorcycle: 2003 Goldwing GL1800 with a CSC Cobra trike kit.
1988 Harley Davidson Sportster
1985 Honda Saber VF1100 (Non-runner)
Re: GL1800 Start Issue
When trouble shooting do the easiest things first. Like Viking suggested check the kill switch and battery first. I have an old 1988 sportster and every once in a while it will sit there and turn over but won't start, if I cycle the kill switch it fires right up so that is the very first thing I would try. Then make sure the battery is up to snuff and your ground is good. Next check for spark and I think I would pull the plugs and read them. If you have a harbor freight near you get one of theses https://www.harborfreight.com/90-in-lin ... 63593.html to check for spark.
Reading over you OP I don't see where you have changed out the fuel filter. That would the the next Item to check. Also when you turn on the ignition switch do you hear the fuel pump?
See how the above checks out and let us know what you find. Good luck.
Reading over you OP I don't see where you have changed out the fuel filter. That would the the next Item to check. Also when you turn on the ignition switch do you hear the fuel pump?
See how the above checks out and let us know what you find. Good luck.
2003 Goldwing GL1800 with CSC Cobra trike kit.
1988 Harley Davidson Sportster 883 with Hypercharger Bobber.
West GA Chapter 89 Southern Cruisers riding club.
1988 Harley Davidson Sportster 883 with Hypercharger Bobber.
West GA Chapter 89 Southern Cruisers riding club.
- bstig60
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- Motorcycle: 2003 GL1800
2007 ST1300
1999 Virago XV1100LC (Sold 6/15/19)
Luggage Trailer, 2014 Home Made
1987 Honda TLR 200 - Contact:
Re: GL1800 Start Issue
Did you replace the battery or just try and charge it? If the voltage drops below 11 Volts during the starting operation you will not have any spark. New battery for sure.
Bill
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- Joined: Wed Oct 16, 2019 7:30 pm
- Location: Texarkana, Texas
- Motorcycle: GL1800 2003
Re: GL1800 Start Issue
Yes I put new battery on it. I think it could be my fuel pump
- Steve F
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'03 GL1800
DARKSIDE RIDER
Re: GL1800 Start Issue
When you changed the air filter, you most likely had to move things around and unplug others to get to the airbox. I'm afraid that after you try the "easy" stuff, you'll have to take off the top shelter again and check all of those connections and plugs. Don't put it all back together until you have tested and got it running again. Don't forget to plug the air temp sensor back in too.... ask me how I know this.
I'm thinking that you got something on the ECU not plugged in right.

"To ride is the reason, the destination's the excuse."
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- Posts: 7
- Joined: Wed Oct 16, 2019 7:30 pm
- Location: Texarkana, Texas
- Motorcycle: GL1800 2003
Re: GL1800 Start Issue

- 2003Cobra
- Posts: 129
- Joined: Sat Aug 03, 2019 4:29 pm
- Location: Bremen, GA
- Motorcycle: 2003 Goldwing GL1800 with a CSC Cobra trike kit.
1988 Harley Davidson Sportster
1985 Honda Saber VF1100 (Non-runner)
Re: GL1800 Start Issue
Guess I'm not the only one!


2003 Goldwing GL1800 with CSC Cobra trike kit.
1988 Harley Davidson Sportster 883 with Hypercharger Bobber.
West GA Chapter 89 Southern Cruisers riding club.
1988 Harley Davidson Sportster 883 with Hypercharger Bobber.
West GA Chapter 89 Southern Cruisers riding club.
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- Posts: 482
- Joined: Mon Jun 13, 2011 10:11 pm
- Location: Lexington, KY
- Motorcycle: 2004 GL1800
Re: GL1800 Start Issue
It’s not the kill switch, the 1800 won’t spin the starter if it’s not in run. Do you hear the fuel pump run and see the FI light come on the dash for a couple of seconds when first you turn on the key? If you crank it for more than 10 seconds with it in neutral and on the sidestand, does the FI light blink a failure code?wander1249 wrote: ↑Wed Oct 16, 2019 7:42 pm I have an GL1800 2003 with 31188miles on it and it has not been rode in 5 years. I removed the fuel tank and washed it out with new gas and reinstalled. Put in new air filter, changed oil and filter and changes out coolant from green to blue. The issue I have now is that the bike will not start. It turns over but will not start. Seem to with not have fire or gas. Any ideas as where to look next would be appreciated.
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- Posts: 7
- Joined: Wed Oct 16, 2019 7:30 pm
- Location: Texarkana, Texas
- Motorcycle: GL1800 2003
Re: GL1800 Start Issue
I do not see an FI on my screen but I do not hear the fuel pump.
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- Joined: Mon Jun 13, 2011 10:11 pm
- Location: Lexington, KY
- Motorcycle: 2004 GL1800
Re: GL1800 Start Issue
The FI light is at the bottom of the speedometer gauge. If you don’t see it come on, then there’s an issue with the FI system and that will keep the pump from running. Have you checked for any blown fuses? Have you pulled the seat off and checked for any connectors that may have been left unplugged? Has the front fairing been removed? If so, was the bank angle sensor reconnected? Do you have a copy of the owners manual and the Honda service manual?wander1249 wrote: ↑Fri Oct 18, 2019 10:12 pm I do not see an FI on my screen but I do not hear the fuel pump.
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- Posts: 7
- Joined: Wed Oct 16, 2019 7:30 pm
- Location: Texarkana, Texas
- Motorcycle: GL1800 2003
Re: GL1800 Start Issue
I have taken off the shroud and have not found anything that is not plugged in except for one connected which I was told went to the Honda CB. When I turn the key on I see the FI light come on monumentary then goes off. Is this normal? The fuel gauge does not seem to be working and I do not hear the fuel pump. I have attached photo of plug not plugged in.Techdude2000 wrote: ↑Fri Oct 18, 2019 10:39 pmThe FI light is at the bottom of the speedometer gauge. If you don’t see it come on, then there’s an issue with the FI system and that will keep the pump from running. Have you checked for any blown fuses? Have you pulled the seat off and checked for any connectors that may have been left unplugged? Has the front fairing been removed? If so, was the bank angle sensor reconnected? Do you have a copy of the owners manual and the Honda service manual?wander1249 wrote: ↑Fri Oct 18, 2019 10:12 pm I do not see an FI on my screen but I do not hear the fuel pump.
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- Posts: 482
- Joined: Mon Jun 13, 2011 10:11 pm
- Location: Lexington, KY
- Motorcycle: 2004 GL1800
Re: GL1800 Start Issue
Ok, since you are seeing the FI light coming on for a second or two, then the bank angle sensor is OK and the ECM is getting power for its power on test. You need to take a voltmeter and check the fuel pump connector for power while you see the FI light turned on. If you find battery power at it for that second or two, your fuel pump may have died. If you don’t see power appear, then swap the fuel pump relay with another relay like it in the rack and try it again. If you still don’t get any power at the pump plug, you could have an issue with a junction connector that distributes the power for the FI system components.
PS that empty connector is for the optional CB.
PS that empty connector is for the optional CB.
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- Posts: 7
- Joined: Wed Oct 16, 2019 7:30 pm
- Location: Texarkana, Texas
- Motorcycle: GL1800 2003
Re: GL1800 Start Issue
Thanks for all your help. I finally got my Goldwing fixed. What I found was the issue was the Fuel Sending unit and fuel pump was bad. Replace both and starts right up.
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- Posts: 482
- Joined: Mon Jun 13, 2011 10:11 pm
- Location: Lexington, KY
- Motorcycle: 2004 GL1800
Re: GL1800 Start Issue
You’re welcome. Glad you got her going again, sorry it took replacing the pump.wander1249 wrote: ↑Fri Dec 06, 2019 6:42 pm Thanks for all your help. I finally got my Goldwing fixed. What I found was the issue was the Fuel Sending unit and fuel pump was bad. Replace both and starts right up.D3210414-33B9-4FC2-8C1F-F7445F69654A.jpegE5FAD85F-958C-422E-9A3F-A4ACFBADC804.jpeg68526AD3-6271-47B2-A4B8-B48B9A7F8549.jpeg68526AD3-6271-47B2-A4B8-B48B9A7F8549.jpeg3F97411A-EA1D-434D-A7CE-6569E025564A.jpeg3F97411A-EA1D-434D-A7CE-6569E025564A.jpeg