Starter button

jeff nelson · 03-16-2015, 02:03 PM

Ok got a question i got a 02 1500 fi i have seen that if the bike wont turn over with a new hot battery it could be the switch button dirty that you can take apart the starter button and clean it to make good contact just seening if im reading the right info any input would be helpful thanks

Bud2rat · 03-16-2015, 02:54 PM

Without much info, first place that I would check is the main fuse located behind the right side cover above the coolant tank. Second, check the starter relay (also next to 30 amp main fuse). Third, check the rest of the fuses under the seat. Good luck.

id-man · 03-16-2015, 03:03 PM

I've never had my starter button apart before but would assume there would be an easier way to test before taking that step - like jumpering across terminals to see if the starter engaged. Electrical problems confuse me. As soon as relays enter the picture my brain checks out.

VulcanE · 03-16-2015, 03:50 PM

It is fairly simple to clean the start button contacts. Split the switch housing and remove the throttle, Then you can get to the start button. Be real careful when taking it apart and pay attention to how everything is assembled. The spring is cone shaped and has to go back in the same way it was.
When My bike wouldn't start due to dirty contacts in the start button, I could press the button and hear a click or buzz down toward the injectors. You could press the button, and while holding the button in, rock the thumb side to side, and it would make enough contact to engage the starter. I used a very fine nail file of my wife's to clean my contacts.

dholmer · 03-16-2015, 10:48 PM

I agree with Bud2Rat and Vulcan E. I just replaced my Starter Relay and it fixed my problem (I caused it in the first place). Anyway, it should be easy to use a meter and check all the fuses, don't go by visual check. Also there is a check you can preform on the starter relay in the manual using a meter. The starter switch shouldn't be too bad to check out just follow Vulcan's advice about the parts.

**ringadingh** · 03-17-2015, 10:03 AM

Most times when the bike won't turn over, its one of the safety switches, either the kickstand switch that gets dirty and corroded, or the handlebar clutch switch that comes unplugged sometimes, or the neutral switch. Thats what I'd first look at.

03-16-2015, 02:03 PM	#1
jeff nelson Jr. Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: royse city texas Posts: 46	Starter button Ok got a question i got a 02 1500 fi i have seen that if the bike wont turn over with a new hot battery it could be the switch button dirty that you can take apart the starter button and clean it to make good contact just seening if im reading the right info any input would be helpful thanks Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

03-16-2015, 02:54 PM	#2
Bud2rat Sr. Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: St. Pauls, NC Posts: 2,089	Without much info, first place that I would check is the main fuse located behind the right side cover above the coolant tank. Second, check the starter relay (also next to 30 amp main fuse). Third, check the rest of the fuses under the seat. Good luck. __________________ Robert Torrey VBA# 02077 Vroc# 27672 1996 800A Customized (SOLD) 2001 1500 Nomad (The Mistress) 2013 Voyager 2014 SE Rally - Elkins, WV 2016 SE Rally - Helen, Ga
	0

03-16-2015, 03:03 PM	#3
id-man Advanced Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Cape Cod Massachusetts Posts: 822	I've never had my starter button apart before but would assume there would be an easier way to test before taking that step - like jumpering across terminals to see if the starter engaged. Electrical problems confuse me. As soon as relays enter the picture my brain checks out. __________________ 2004 Nomad 1500FI - weeeeeeeeee!
	0

03-16-2015, 03:50 PM	#4
VulcanE Sr. Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Cartersville, Georgia Posts: 4,838	It is fairly simple to clean the start button contacts. Split the switch housing and remove the throttle, Then you can get to the start button. Be real careful when taking it apart and pay attention to how everything is assembled. The spring is cone shaped and has to go back in the same way it was. When My bike wouldn't start due to dirty contacts in the start button, I could press the button and hear a click or buzz down toward the injectors. You could press the button, and while holding the button in, rock the thumb side to side, and it would make enough contact to engage the starter. I used a very fine nail file of my wife's to clean my contacts. __________________ Cliff "VulcanE" Evans 2005 Blue & Silver 1600 Nomad VBA # 320 VROC # 20381
	0

03-16-2015, 10:48 PM	#5
dholmer Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Utah Posts: 267	I agree with Bud2Rat and Vulcan E. I just replaced my Starter Relay and it fixed my problem (I caused it in the first place). Anyway, it should be easy to use a meter and check all the fuses, don't go by visual check. Also there is a check you can preform on the starter relay in the manual using a meter. The starter switch shouldn't be too bad to check out just follow Vulcan's advice about the parts. __________________ 2006 Nomad KawaNow #01849 Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

03-17-2015, 10:03 AM	#6
ringadingh Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Newmarket Ontario Canada Posts: 35,387	Most times when the bike won't turn over, its one of the safety switches, either the kickstand switch that gets dirty and corroded, or the handlebar clutch switch that comes unplugged sometimes, or the neutral switch. Thats what I'd first look at. __________________ 2002 Nomad aka Bountyhunter VBA #27 VROC #18951
	0