Steve Saunders Goldwing Forums banner
Cancel

89 gl1500 will not start, no neutral light?Help???

4497 Views 10 Replies 6 Participants Last post by  DaveO430, 
G
imported post

Hello forum. Just completed a three day adventure on the wing but have encountered igition problems. Noticed that the neutral light would appear dull when key was turned on. Bike would not start at all. Absolutely no noise at all.. I moved the reverse level up and then down and the neutral light would get brighter and the bike would start. At about 5 miles from home stopped and the bike would not start. Tried moving the reverse lever as before but with no luck. The netrual light remained dull and no response from the bike to engage the starter. Jumped started the bike with help and got home. Since then I check the fuses and swapped out the igition cruise relay with the hi light one the the fuse box just to test. The bike is totally none responsive. The dash lights areon. The head light is not. The neutral light is not on. I found a relay underneath the seat next to a mounted fuse . I believe this is a reverse relay. It is from OMRON but the number on the relay are missing. This relay is similar to the ones in the fuse box but does not have the long ends like the igin/cruise relay. it also has an attachemnet for a rubber brace that attaches next to the monted fuse. I have a clymers manual but this particular relay is not listed in a pic so I am lost. This relay would click before when tested but now I am not sure it works well? Could this simply be my problem. I am completely stumped as once running, the bike performs excellent.
Save
Like
Status
Not open for further replies.
1 - 11 of 11 Posts
DaveO430
imported post

When you jump started it did you just jumper to the battery from another battery or did you have to jumper the contacts on the start relay?
Save
Like
jmcannonball
imported post

My previous 1500 had the same problem. Seems like the reverse lever mechanism makes intermittent contact with the neutral light microswitch. Sometimes it would come on, but mostly not. You could either jump start it or bump start it OK.

A mechanic friend bypassed the switch and I had no problems afterwards, EXCEPT the bike will start in GEAR! Had to remember to pull the clutch in before cranking.
Save
Like
busdriver
imported post

Pull the neutral switch located behind the reverse lever and service or replace.
Save
Like
bar20
imported post

But why does it start when you put a jumper on it? A bad switch shouldn't allow the bike to start. I would have the battery and alternator checked as well.
Save
Like
G
imported post

Sorry guys. I should have been a little more precise. I bump started the bike in third gear and was able to get home. After thinking about it. I had similiar problems last year with the intermitted neutral light and dullness with no starting . I thought it was my alt and battery since this bike has alot of electrical stuff on it. I installed a comufire alt and new battery last fall and starting seemed great. I was not able to drive much after that. I will replace this netrual switch behind the reverse lever first. I feel this is the best route to start. Thanks guys for the info.
Save
Like
G
imported post

This may sound stupid but how do you get at the netraul switch behind the reverse lever? Just take the lever handle off and pull the cover? What can I expect to see after? I usually like to work with a picture reference to have an idea of what to expect but cannot find one for this project.
Save
Like
Wichita Scorpion
imported post

1989 GL 1500 Electrical Troubleshooting Manual
The micro switch behind the Reverse Lever is part of the control for supplying power to the Reverse Relay. It is open in reverse.
The Gearshift Sensor (Neutral Light Switch) is located on the right front of the engine, above the Oil Filter.
Save
Like
G
imported post

Ok. So I took off both side covers. The swith onthe left hand side at the end on the revese lever seems to physically work ok. In the up reverse position, the switch is compress by the lever. In the down or off position, the switch springs back. I have a new neutral switch on order from the local honda. I hope this is the one. To rederate what does and does not work right now is:



With the key turn on, the radio , signall ights, horn, dash backlight, and front aux lamps brake lights, work fine.



With the key turned on, the start will not engage, and the front headlight does not work. I do not have either hi or low beam working. The side stand is not light when down. Most importantly, I can find neutral manually but the bike does not show the green light indicator. I beleive in past post other forum members have experinced similar problems. What should I check next? All fuses, relays 3 & 8, the selinoid,etc...
Save
Like
G
imported post

Hi guys. Just did a test using a 12v battery on relay 3 and 8 and the click just fine. Retested the reverse relay and it click ok. When I connect all the relay back, bingo, the bike neutral light was bright and the bike works perfectly. I feel the reverse relay was some how stuck off. I will order a new relay just in case and replace. Hopefully this is all that was wrong with the bike.
Save
Like
DaveO430
imported post

Probably some corrosion on the relay terminals and the act of pulling them out and putting them back restored the connection.
Save
Like
1 - 11 of 11 Posts
Status
Not open for further replies.
Steve Saunders Goldwing Forums
A forum community dedicated to Honda Gold Wing owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about reviews, performance, modifications, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Goldwing Technical Forum General Motorcycle Discussion Forum New Members Introduction Forum For Sale/Wanted Forum Events
Top