QuestionHi Wayne,
I have a 2003 Suzuki Intruder 800 that has been running perfectly until a few
days ago when I went to head back home from a beautiful trip to Garden of
the Gods. When I tried starting the bike I got absolutely nothing but silence
from the starter. I double checked all of the safety things to prepare the start
(kickstand up, transmission in neutral, clutch disengaged, kill switch off, gas
on) and still, nothing. I ended up push starting it to get it home. It ran
perfectly all the way home, but as soon as I cut the engine and tried starting
it again I got the same response - nothing. The lights come on as normal,
nice and bright, and they do not dim when I push the starter button. I tested
all of the fuses - those are all fine. The battery level is right where it should
be, I tested the voltage (it read 12.1), and as for the wires, I don't know much
about electrical things but I don't see any damage at all. In fact, it's been so
well kept that everything looks as if it came right off the shelf. I've tried
starting it several times since this happened, but get the same result -
nothing from the starter. I'm hoping you can tell me where to go from here.
Thanks for you time,
Carrie
AnswerCarrie,
There are a few things in the starter circuit
to check.
-The starter solenoid switch is where the bigger cables
hook up that go to the battery and
the starter.
-the yellow/black wire is the one
that needs power to make the solenoid
send battery power to the starter.
-the yellow/black wire goes either
to another small relay or to
the clutch switch.
You have to get a test light and start
checking where the power is lost.
-Start with checking for power at the solenoid
on the yellow/black wire when you push
the starter button. You can even
apply power here and see if the starter
starts up.
If you have power there, the solenoid is probably
faulty.
If you have no power try to check
the side stand switch and clutch switch
for continuity or power getting through them.
Check the fuses carefully also.
