98 VN1500 No spark. suspect ignitor

[ckahleer]

I recently replaced the POG with a SOG on a 98 VN1500 that was setting for 6 years. Now I'm troubleshooting no spark.
The engine cranks, 12v power is getting to the ignitor. I'm following the resistance values in the VN1500 service manual.
Ignition and pick up coils ohm out good.
The 4 pin connector on the ignitor box ohm out good, but the 6 pin connector's readings are nothing like the manual says they should be. Many readings are in the meg ohms where the manual says should be in the K ohms. Can anyone verify the numbers in the manual are correct?

[MrMikey]

I've never had to deal with it but isn't there a resistor in the switch that'll give you that problem? .................Mike

[vulcanscott]

Yep some thing about if the box gets 12 volts it will not fire . check the voltage of the wires leaving the IGN. Switch and post them .

[ckahleer]

Thanks for the tip.
My bike did not come with a key, so I have the ignition switch unplugged and the terminals on the connector jumpered to what the service manual shows as the ON position.
BR-W-GY connected together, and BL-R connected together.
I don't see a resistor in the wiring diagram, but Ill take a closer look at the switch tonight.

[denny 606]

Originally Posted by ckahleer

Thanks for the tip.
My bike did not come with a key, so I have the ignition switch unplugged and the terminals on the connector jumpered to what the service manual shows as the ON position.
BR-W-GY connected together, and BL-R connected together.
I don't see a resistor in the wiring diagram, but Ill take a closer look at the switch tonight.

I’m thinking an eBay switch with the key will fix your problem if you’re bypassing it. I’ve seen people sell the whole set as a bundle and your bag keys will match too. Hope that you’ve got it figured out, good luck

[MrMikey]

My bike did not come with a key, so I have the ignition switch unplugged and the terminals on the connector jumpered to what the service manual shows as the ON position

Sounds as if that's ur problem. From what I understand, the resistor is in the switch to drop the voltage appropriately. Purpose is to prevent somebody from starting a stolen bike by ripping the switch out and jumpering the wires. Pretty much what you've done....jumpering that is, not stealing it LOL.....Mike

[DragonLady58]

MAS will be by shortly....I just cobble in a resister when they burn out. Look under replacing ign. switch....you'll see our throwdowns, ideas and suggestions....

[MAS Tequila]

If the grey wire does not have the 100 ohm 1/2 watt resistor. which steps the voltage down, the bike will not fire.

This is a built in security feature to prevent someone from doing what you're trying to do and riding off with your bike.

[ckahleer]

Thank everyone,
I added a 100 ohm resistor to the grey wire on my jumper. I have spark now.
So its on to pulling and rebuilding carburetors.
Once I get the bike started and am satisfied the engine is OK, I'll get one of those lock sets off E-Bay.

[vulcanscott]

Right On !

[vulcanscott]

the resister only needs to be in the grey wire other wise you are cutting the voltage to your accs. also !

[degreaser]

did you checl the spark plug caps ? mine broke when removing the spark plug wires, the little brass screw in there could be pulled away from the wire

[Jasonridin]

97 vn1500A11. No spark, it turns out that someone has changed the wiring harness appears to be from a 91-95 A model or a D1 model. I’ve made the changes to the harness (there’s only a few small differences, but they do have to do with the CDI) and still no spark. I’ll check for the resistor on the grey wire. What does the resistor look like? Wonder why it’s not in the SM? If anyone could send or post pictures of their IC/CDI igniter plugs I would really appreciate that too! Needing to make sure that all the connectors are in the right slot of the plastic housing. Thanks in advance.