2016 GL1800 Occasionally just won't start..

[vv0350]

We have a 2016 with about 6,000 miles on it. Twice in the last month or so, when you go through the starting process, it does not start. The dash lights comes on and when you push the starter switch, it makes some light noise, like starting gear not quite engaging ?? (sounds like "chunk", "chunk", "chunk" about three times ), but it won't start or even turn over. IF we immediately try it again, it still wont start. But, if we wait 3 or 4 minutes, it will start (but it doesn't sound like a normal "start". Took it to the dealer once just after it happened and they told us was a "coding issue" and that all we had to do if it happened again was to turn it completely off, and wait a few minutes...then try again. They made us think that it probably wouldn't happen again. Well, it happened again a few weeks later and we again turned everything off for a few minutes and it started but struggled to do so (didn't engage like normal). There must be something wrong that is causing this to happen every so often when we try to start this "NEW" bike.

[Andy Cote]

While I don't believe it's a code issue, go out and disconnect the battery for a couple hours. Go ahead and connect a battery charger to the battery. Clean the connections and reconnect. Start the engine and let it run until the fans come on without touching the throttle. This time of year, it may take a while. Once fans have come on and off, go ahead and shut the engine off. This should clear and reset the ECM.

It sounds more like a weak battery or bad battery connection. An auto parts store can load test the battery.

[Viking]

It sounds more like a weak battery or bad battery connection.

I think Andy is right on with this. A 2016 is right on the edge of needing a new battery. Some folks if lucky, get as many as six years out of a battery, but others get no more than three or four. One thing that could help (maybe) is a really good charge with a desulfating charger. This worked for me with my Motobatt battery, and it has lasted another two years so far and still going.

[vv0350]

Thanks for the input...both of you..don't know why we didn't suspect the battery....I think the best we ever got was just over 5 years on m/c battery.. We will be getting it checked out and /or a new one asap...After riding a 97 GL1500 for almost 20 years (and still have it), this 2016 1800 feels like it's brand new..

You know, we bought the extended warranty and have had it in twice for not going into reverse, (just when you really need it to go into reverse) and once for this "no start" issue...surely they checked the battery or maybe they just looked a the volt meter and saw the alt was charging....humm

Anyway, thanks for the help..

[mikesilver]

Hi
It could be the battery. I had a problem on my 2008 last summer where the bike did not turn over and I had a new battery. I found the problem it was a relay under the seat. So you can try to switch the relay, I used the relay for the suspension until I got a new relay. Now I carry an extra one.
I also had a problem where my flashers worked sometimes, that also was a relay.

[C-dub]

I hope it is just the battery. My similar issue turned out to be the pulse generator. It did that "not starting" thing twice in a year, but would start up after a couple attempts and then letting it sit for 10-15 minutes then fired right up. I didn't disconnect the battery either time. The "code" was 19 or 38 or something like that. I think that indicated the pulse generator and that's what the dealer's service guy's said. It was replaced and hasn't happened since. That was last year sometime. They told me it would start out intermittent like that and gradually become more frequent before just flat out not starting at all.

[GoldWingrGreg]

Sorry ... ever heard of a "coding issue."

However, here are my thoughts. Be sure your battery connections are clean and tight, and have your battery professionally tested. The other likely possibility is from contacts not being used enough from your Wing not being used enough. Often contacts will "self clean" and work again once tried again. For example, the contacts in starter relays can do that, as well as the actual start switch. Your reselution might be to ride your Wing more. I should also add that 5th gen Wings do not store well, and if what I wrote is true in your case, represents one of many reasons they need to constantly be rode. Probably as a minimum 100 miles a month is all that's needed.