Intermittent electrical failure on startup

[CoachDoc]

My new to me '97 Standard ran great for 2 months, but now has developed an intermittent problem on startup. When I press the starter button, it only clicks, and then all power is lost. It has happened 3 times now, and each time I've disconnected the battery cables, cleaned them a bit and then reconnected them at which time power returns, the bike cranks with good power and starts right up. I have never lost electrical while the bike is running, and it runs great. I'm planning to replace the battery and both battery cables, and I'll clean their respective contact points when I install the new cables. I'll also replace the main fuse because I've heard they can look OK but still have cracks in them that can cause problems.   If the problem still persists, I guess I'll have to think about the possibility of a short in the starter switch  (or possibly in the starter itself?). Is there anything else I should be thinking about or doing to troubleshoot this problem? Thanks for any advice forthcoming.

[Valkpilot]

My new to me '97 Standard ran great for 2 months, but now has developed an intermittent problem on startup. When I press the starter button, it only clicks, and then all power is lost. It has happened 3 times now, and each time I've disconnected the battery cables, cleaned them a bit and then reconnected them at which time power returns, the bike cranks with good power and starts right up. I have never lost electrical while the bike is running, and it runs great. I'm planning to replace the battery and both battery cables, and I'll clean their respective contact points when I install the new cables. I'll also replace the main fuse because I've heard they can look OK but still have cracks in them that can cause problems.   If the problem still persists, I guess I'll have to think about the possibility of a short in the starter switch  (or possibly in the starter itself?). Is there anything else I should be thinking about or doing to troubleshoot this problem? Thanks for any advice forthcoming.

There's a good chance that replacing the battery will solve the problem.

[sandy]

Go to shop talk and look up how to clean your starter contacts in the handlebar control box. Intermittent problems in there might cause your problem.

[Attic Rat]

We have had problems with the ground cable where it attaches to the trans. You might try removing the bolt and cleaning the cable and bolt to see if that corrects your problem

[Daniel Meyer]

Yes, check the ground cable on the other end. Also check the wiring bundle on the starter relay...the 97's tended to have the plug corrode and melt.

[Patrick]

The fellas covered it well. Starter switch maintenance in shop talk or the archives and checking/cleaning the battery ground at the engine block[left foot peg].

[CoachDoc]

Yes, check the ground cable on the other end. Also check the wiring bundle on the starter relay...the 97's tended to have the plug corrode and melt.

Dan, where exactly is the wiring bundle you alluded to? I'm assuming this is not the same thing as the starter switch maintenance others have referred to......   Thanks to all for the feedback.

[Valhalla]

I had the same issue on my 97 last summer.  Some reports are that starting with high beams on increases wear on the starter.  Questions: do the headlights come on with the key? D they dim when you try to start and she clicks? 

Mine was thestarter switch. $ 100 and about an hour in my garage.

[Oklahoma_Valk]

Yes, check the ground cable on the other end. Also check the wiring bundle on the starter relay...the 97's tended to have the plug corrode and melt.

Dan, where exactly is the wiring bundle you alluded to? I'm assuming this is not the same thing as the starter switch maintenance others have referred to......   Thanks to all for the feedback.

this wiring bundle (along with almost everything else wiring related) is underneath the right side panel. It's not a bad idea to check all of the connections under there yearly, to make sure nothing is corroded or melted. When reassembling the connections, use dielectric grease to prevent corrosion. I believe your issue is your battery, though. If not your battery, it's the grounding cable that attic rat mentioned.

[Gryphon Rider]

I had the same issue on my 97 last summer.  Some reports are that starting with high beams on increases wear on the starter.  Questions: do the headlights come on with the key? D they dim when you try to start and she clicks? 

Mine was thestarter switch. $ 100 and about an hour in my garage.

Are those questions for CoachDoc or the rest of us?
The headlight should come on with the key and turn completely off when the starter button is pressed.

[Moonshot_1]

Seems like a typical starter switch problem.
Some fairly easy maintenance is in order.

Go to this link
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/VSGPages/starterbutton.htm

This walks you through the maintenance procedure.
It is a lot easier than it sounds. But some extra care is needed.

Typical symptoms are the bike will not start, the headlight will not come on at all yet other systems or lights (turn signal, brake) still work fine when key is on. You should be able to still push start it with the key on of course. Once running, the bike does just fine except the headlight may still not come on.

Your initial experience with this and the symptoms will throw you for a loop at first.

The maintenance procedure takes about 15 min. or less if you've done it before, maybe a little longer the first time.

don't cost nothing but a little of your time.

Hope this helps.

[CoachDoc]

Seems like a typical starter switch problem.
Typical symptoms are the bike will not start, the headlight will not come on at all yet other systems or lights (turn signal, brake) still work fine when key is on. You should be able to still push start it with the key on of course. Once running, the bike does just fine except the headlight may still not come on.


Hope this helps.

Moonshot, thanks for your feedback, but my bike's symptoms differ from those you state as being starter switch related in this key aspect: when I push the starter button ALL electrical power is lost, even the indicator lights. For this reason I think the guys who have pointed towards the battery or the ground cable are more likely to be on the right track. I'll report back after I get it worked out.

[Hoser]

Yes, check the ground cable on the other end. Also check the wiring bundle on the starter relay...the 97's tended to have the plug corrode and melt.

This link from Daniel is the most likely, easy to clean and grease, a pain in the a$$ to fix after it shorts out and melts.  It has happened twice to me, replaced it the first time, prevented it the second time By cleaning and greasing it.  Hoser   

[CoachDoc]

Follow-up info on this electrical failure: I replaced the battery with a heavy duty YUASA, and replaced the ground cable after cleaning it's attachment point. My starter relay connection was flawless. No problems at all now for about 5 weeks. Thanks for the help and advice.

[Chiefy]

Follow-up info on this electrical failure: I replaced the battery with a heavy duty YUASA, and replaced the ground cable after cleaning it's attachment point. My starter relay connection was flawless. No problems at all now for about 5 weeks. Thanks for the help and advice.

  Ride it like you stole it.