I'm having problems getting my bike to start. When I put the key in the ignition, sometimes the keys won't want to go to the "on" position. A bit of jiggling brings the keys to the on position, but then the bike doesn't want to start. It isn't a matter of a broken starter since absolutely no sound is made. I'll move my keys back to the off position, and then back to the on position. Repeating this a few times generally causes the bike to jump to life when the start button is pressed. Every once on a while, the lights won't go on when the key is in the on position. That's where the bike is at right now. Another 20 minutes of jiggling keys will cause the bike to fire right up on one of the attempts.
Is the problem likely to be a loose wire? Will I need a new tumbler? How can I remedy the problem of my electrical system not knowing what to do when my key is in the on position?
odds are its a bad ignition switch, or a dying switch
Anyone have any tests for this? Is the ignition switch the $60 Suzuki part?
There is a triple clamp with ignition and key on ebay from an '04. Should that fix the problem on my '89, provided I'm willing to go to handle bars from my factory clip ons?
Can't see why you can't buy that and just swap the ignition, keep your triple and the cool clip-ons.
Quote from: Juan1 on August 14, 2008, 06:49:30 AM
Anyone have any tests for this? Is the ignition switch the $60 Suzuki part?
I'd split it and clean it, as well as clean the contacts and the rotating mechanism in the bottom of the lockset.Now your lights come on ??? if so, it can be in the start button or the clutch switch. or side stand switch.
Cool.
Buddha.
For the most part lock related problems where the key won't turn (like you stated you have difficulty turning the key to the "ON" position sometimes) are key and not the lock.
It does sound like the contacts are having some issues on your ignition switch though. The way I test is with a ohm meter to check continuity when you turn the key to different positions.
If you end up with a new switch you'll more than likely want it keyed to your existing key or the seat lock keyed to the new ignition key. I never understood why people ran around with two keys for one vehicle but I guess that's just me.
-D
-The headlight currently wont turn on. If I fidget with the key a hundred times, it may work.
-Correct, sometimes when I turn the key the lights will go on but the bike won't turn over.
-I'm back in town, so I'll try to get this sorted out tonight. Does anyone have any advice or tips for cleaning the ignition switch, or should I just follow Clymers?
Its easy to test the ignition switch.....in the ON position there will be circuits between.......****** +***** and *****+*****. In the P position there will be a circuit between the ******+******.
If you dont understand the diagram here...... http://cgi.stanford.edu/~sanjayd/gs500/Main/USELMNPRSTModels
PM me and I will explain. If I post it in here in detail I may as well start a thread titled "How to hot-wire a GS500"
Thanks for the help everyone. All of the handling I did with the lock must have fixed the problem because once the ignition was off the bike, it began working flawlessly. After that, I put some compressed air in the lock and shook the thing while it was upside down. The ignition assembly is back on the bike now, and is working better than ever.
Fow future searchers, how does one go about splitting and cleaning the lock?
For most locks PB works really well. You could just shoot some PB in there.. Or WD40. (for automotive applications anyway)
Since a bike is likely to be left outside and exposed to water I'd clean the lock with a dielectric spray (what you clean printed circuit boards with. works very well at cleaning out locks too) and then follow that up with a shot of silicone spray which will help keep moisture out and lube at the same time.
cheers,
-D