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1998 GL1500 died on road

4K views 52 replies 20 participants last post by  Wing-Rider 
#1 ·
I was on The road headed up the coast of California early after 25 miles from motorcycle died I pulled off to the shoulder there was plenty of amperage and voltage but it wouldn't start there was no turning of the starter but the lights were full and all the gauges working I call AAA as I was waiting for AAA I said let me try it again so I went and the bike started so I cancel AAA come back on the motorcycle and proceeded on my way after about 10 miles or so the same thing happened so I had AAA tell me home where do I start?
I think it's an electrical problem because the motorcycle was running beautifully with plenty of power no noise where to begin anyone help help help thanks Steve
 
#6 ·
no the emergency kill switch just kills the ignition! It will still crank over but sound funny.... is how I know~
Have you looked at the fuses? ck cables to starter are clean AND tight at both ends of cable!!
Give starter a few gentle bangs with a hammer and long socket extension?
96 and up I believe the kill switch does kill the starter.
 
#8 ·
Battery cables good,, I also used jumper cables from the car battery.
Fuses good.
Ground cable good.
I swapped relays still no start
I press the start button, the lights dim, I hear a slight click near the relay box but nothing from the starter
 
#9 ·
Some other findings
The reverse light does not go on.
When I pull the reverse all the way back the headlights go out. But no reverse light. Still no starter action when I press starter button
 
#27 ·
Some other findings
The reverse light does not go on.
When I pull the reverse all the way back the headlights go out. But no reverse light. Still no starter action when I press starter button

Just for your information, the reverse light on the 1500 will not come on if the engine is not running.
 
#10 ·
You say the reverse light does not go on when you raise and lower reverse lever? How about the neutral light? It is not going to start without seeing a neutral light. Maybe your reverse switch is acting up. Take the rubber cover off of lever. Now you can see the reverse lever switch mechanism. Get some electical contact cleaner, and spray in this area. (Keep spray off of paint.) Work lever around a few times. As long as you have the contact cleaner spray, split halves of kill switch on handlebar. Spray backside of switch here also, keeping spray off of paint again.
gumbyred
 
#11 ·
If you have no electrical contact cleaner, go to Auto Zone if you have one nearby. Get a can of CRC QD Electronic cleaner. Cheaper, and you get twice as much as the contact cleaner Radio Shack sells. Plus it has nothing like acetone that will attack plastics.
gumbyred
 
#13 ·
I checked and cleaned reverse relay works.
I checked and cleaned 2 -30 Mp fuses on right side of battery. Ok
I took a 12 volt battery and jumped it to the red side of the starter selonoid and grounded to engine and the starter works. Cranks great. Won't start. Must b a safety switch.
How do I get to the reverse switch.
Do I remove the bolts on the lever and also remove left upper faring?
Please keep the info coming.
I checked the voltage from bat to the 2- terminals on starter selonoid, no power on either the red or blue.
I am baffled.
Thanks in advance
 
#18 ·
I think the problem is a bad connection on the relay block. I'm not sure which one it is but if you have the cover off, you should be able to push or rock each relay to see if things come to life. You may also want to jiggle the wire harness where it goes into the relay block. You will need to hold or at least press the start button repeatedly while checking the relays because the relays themselves may be working but the connectors may be loose and pushing on them or pulling the wires may give you a momentary connection.
 
#20 ·
As this thread has nothing to do with "Trikes, Trailers or Sidecars" but is about the underlying motorcycle perhaps it should be moved to the "Goldwing Technical Forum".

In my humble opinion this is a perfect example of why sub-forums are not a good thing.
 
#29 ·
"I checked the voltage from bat to the 2- terminals on starter selonoid, no power on either the red or blue.
I am baffled."

Is this with the switch on and starter button pushed? If so back up from the starter to the first relay, test both sides of relay with switch on and starter button pushed. Where are you putting the ground probe of the voltmeter? Try both the frame and then the battery post (not - cable). Sorry, I don't have a 1500 manual but I'm sure someone will come along and help with the relay names and locations to test. Good luck.
 
#30 ·
Cycleman nand Gumbred.
Thanks for taking the time on this explanation.bi will check all of these.
Cycle ma'am, when you say short out you mean between the 2 terminals on the selonoid right?
Yes use a screwdriver or something with an insulated handle and short the 2 posts.
 
#31 ·
I was able to get the starter to turn by jumping it . So the starter is good will not start bike .
More suggestions needed.
Thanks to all so far. Good thing I have another bike, cruiser, or I would feel rushed at this point now that the bike is on the rack, naked no farrings I will service everything.
Have a great weekend.
Steve
 
#33 ·
Steve,
You are overlooking the most likely failure. Like many have said you need to check the kill switch. The 98's will not crank with the kill switch off or defective. It will cause all the issues you describe. It would have been the first thing I checked. Very, very good chance that is the issue. Go back and read the posts related to the kill switch in this thread.
 
#32 ·
Have you tried what Dave0430 suggested yet? Take the kill switch wires and put them on one screw? I agree with Dave and suspect this is your problem, seen it a dozen times.
 
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