QuestionI have a 1997 honda ace shadow when you turn the key on all the lights come on except for my fog light and when I try to start it it will not start.It will not even turn over.It was running fine when I turned it off.
AnswerHeather, you are a little short on the details here. How many miles on it? When was it last running? FOG lights are not a part of the OEM setup, as far as I know so check/disconnect them if they are causing an excessive drain on the charging system.
Turning the key ON just lights up the ignition system, charging system controls and the lighting systems, which doesn't take a lot of current. Hitting the starter button takes almost all the current from the battery, which goes through the starter solenoid, then passes it down to the starter motor. There is a starter clutch that is part of starting system and when it goes bad it will cause slippage between the starter motor and the engine.
If it just goes "click" but the lights still stay on and fairly bright, then the solenoid may be the problem. If the lights all go out when you hit the starter button then the battery is bad/discharged and needs charging or replacing. Could also be loose battery connections.
Have someone check the stator wiring connector for corrosion/damage. They are known to be a problem in the older machines. This will cause the charging system not to work, which runs down your battery in a hurry. There are more parts in the charging system that can cause a problem, too.
Note that the starter switch is a two way switch. When the button is OUT the headlights are ON, when you push the button IN, the headlight circuit is disconnected while the starter is engaged to give it more current.
Bill Silver
