2 bikes, 2 problems; problem #1

[Pain]

It was not a good weekend for my xs's.

I have an 80sg that seems to have no electrical pwer when I turn the key. I tried to start it, it turned over once, and then nothing. It seems to have electrical everywhere I check, but just doesn't do anything when I turn the key.

Before I start randmly replacing things (Starting with the key switch), does anyone have any good ideas of new tests or possible issues?

Thanks

Andy

[Dragonrider]

Got any lights? Horn? Or totally dead?

[John]

Check battery positive and ground cables for tightness and corrosion. Check voltage with key off. If you have a volt meter, attach it to the battery, and turn the key on, note the reading. Hit the horn, check the reading. Hit the start button, check the reading again. Remove the negative cable and attach one lead from the meter to the battery post and the other lead to the loose battery cable. Does it show any reading? If so, then there is a draw on the battery. Check which circuit is to blame by pulling the fuses one at a time until you loose the meter reading. That will be the affected circuit. Another place to check is at the starter solenoid. Check if the pos batt cable is loose there and check at the starter. Even try to jump across the large terminals of the solenoid to see if the starter will turn then. You may have a problem with a loose connection at the key switch.

[Pain]

Nothing, no headlight, indicator lights or dash light. No change what so ever from turning the key, it's like I didn't even turn it.

The battery and cables all have power. The wires heading into the ignition key assembly have power, but I am not sure which wire does what, and obviously not all of them are "hot". I didn't try different key positions, and will when I get home. What should I be looking for? What else could be wrong?

Thanks

Andy

[Dragonrider]

Well, if you've got power to the key switch, and not beyond, then it's probably got a broken wire in it (seen that before). The main (red I'm pretty sure) was broken off inside. We took the switch apart and soldered it back onto the spot.

If that wire doesn't have power, check the main fuse...it's not in the fusebox, it's in a rubber thingy under the LEFT sidecover or just under the seat on the LEFT side. Those holders are cruddy and often fail.

[Pain]

Well, I have power at the switch, but will check the fuse anyway. It died like a fuse would at the time, and I am wishful thinking.

How hard is that soldering job? Soldering is not really one of my better skills, but this might be a good time to practise.

Andy

[Dragonrider]

If you open the back of the switch (kind of a pain to get off the bike), you'll find all the wires attach to kind-of a board thing....in my case, the main (red I think) wire had detached from the board (broken solder joint).

It wasn't too hard...the trick is to get enough heat...quickly so you don't melt other things....and rosin core (also called radio) solder. Tin the iron (make sure it is hot), hold the wire on the spot, press the iron on them (wire and spot) and hold a moment, then hit it with a little solder. It should "flow"...if not, hold the heat a little more...

[Pain]

The left side fuse was good, but I didn't have time to check to see if it had power (I had to get my car out of stoarge, since I am bikeless), I will do that tonight, and assuming it does, starting puling out the key thing.

It has a more technical term, doesn't it?

Thanks all, I will keep you all appraised.

Andy