intermittent reverse problem

[twinbooty]

I am having an intermittent problem with reverse on my 2002 GL1800. After I start the bike and push the reverse button (reverse light come on) and try to back up, the bike will move about an inch and stop. I will push the start/reverse button again and it will move in reverse normally. There has been one occasion when I have to push the start/reverse button more than twice to get it to back up. What could be the problem and how do I fix it?

[newday777]

A lot of times it is the start button is dirty.

[twinbooty]

I thought maybe it could be a dirty switch, but I have sprayed that button earlier this summer trying to get the radio to work (volume issue I've been trying to solve) so I don't think that this is the problem. I am willing to spray it again.

[newday777]

You might have to take the switch apart to clean it better and replace the old grease.

[tamathumper]

Many of the switches have sealed internals and can't be sprayed from the outside.

If you disassemble them, do it inside a large clear plastic bag so you don't lose any springs and ball detents.

[twinbooty]

Thanks for the advice.

[twinbooty]

If it is not the switch, what else could it be?

[tamathumper]

Unfortunately, only about twenty five other switches, relays, solenoids, cables, wires, fuses, or the starter...

But the next thing I'd check is for too much slack in the cables.

Do you have the service manual?

[newday777]

If it is not the switch, what else could it be?

Have you cleaned the switch?

[Techdude2000]

I am having an intermittent problem with reverse on my 2002 GL1800. After I start the bike and push the reverse button (reverse light come on) and try to back up, the bike will move about an inch and stop. I will push the start/reverse button again and it will move in reverse normally. There has been one occasion when I have to push the start/reverse button more than twice to get it to back up. What could be the problem and how do I fix it?

This could be the B starter relay hanging up when you start the bike. If it temporarily welds it’s contacts, this is the symptom you get.

[twinbooty]

Earlier this spring I cleaned the switch thoroughly but I will spray it again. I do have a service manual and I'm not sure what cables you are referring to. I will look into the B starter relay. Thanks everyone

[Techdude2000]

Earlier this spring I cleaned the switch thoroughly but I will spray it again. I do have a service manual and I'm not sure what cables you are referring to. I will look into the B starter relay. Thanks everyone

He’s talking about the reverse actuator cables that move the internal engine parts into the reverse position. If they are not lubed or out of adjustment, you get a ratcheting sound when you try to back up. If this isn’t the case, then it’s not an issue with the cables. The easiest way to test the B relay theory, is to wait until it fails to back up, leave it running and immediately take an ohmmeter and check for continuity from the RVS A fuse to the RVS B fuse in the fuse box. Don’t pull them out and don’t touch the starter button while you’re testing it. If you read continuity/very low resistance, then the B relay is latched up and needs to be replaced.

[twinbooty]

Ok, now the cable idea makes sense. I forgot about how the reverse works. I am leaning towards the relay switch. Just yesterday I wanted to go for a ride but when I pressed the started switch nothing happened. Starter didn't engage. Even after multiple tries at pushing the switch nothing happen. I could hear a clicking every time I pressed the switch but no starter engagement. The started eventually engage and I didn't have a problem the rest of the day. Thanks everyone for the help.

[m2102]

I have had the same issue with my 2001 wing. Push r button in, light comes on but wouldn’t engage all the time. I found that if I wait a couple seconds it will engage.

[newday777]

I have had the same issue with my 2001 wing. Push r button in, light comes on but wouldn’t engage all the time. I found that if I wait a couple seconds it will engage.

Adjust the reverse cables and it won't happen