The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2
Technical Discussion => BMW Technical Q&A, Primarily R65 => Topic started by: wmsoller on September 09, 2013, 09:44:47 PM
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So..Putting together this LS I got in pieces a while back and having trouble with starting. I turn the key and hear the starter solenoid engage, but when I press the starter button, nothing....everything seems to check out but not certain where it went wrong...
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Do you have your instrument panel setup ? Do you see the neutral indicator "on" ? If the neutral switch isn't activated, the starter relay won't activate - UNLESS- you pull in the clutch lever instead to start the bike. So, either clutch switch must be installed and active (it grounds a pin on the starter relay (can't recall which one at this instant) when active... or the neutral switch ahs to be grounded - which would indicate gearbox is in neutral ordinarily, but if you've got the gearbox disconnected or you are SURE it is in neutral you could "jumper" the 2 neutral switch wires.
Maybe check the wiring to see that these switches are both wired up correctly and the neutral light is happy?
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When you turn the key to the 'ON' position, the starter solenoid engages without touching the start switch ???
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... I turn the key and hear the starter solenoid engage...
That should not happen! Got to be some wiring issues -beginning with the ignition switch harness and wires that need to be traced and confirmed as correct.
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Hmm you guys are right - I missed that part last night - definitely wiring issues right there! But also, please do tell us about your dashboard lights, what comes one/what doesn't (asusming they are hooked up, which I would recommend doing as it will help diagnose soem things)
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Thanks, guys. Let me jump into this tonight and see what I can figure out.
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Before you get too far with this, with the fuel tank off, turn the key to the 'ON' position and see if the noise you hear is a relay under the tank, not the starter .
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Before you get too far with this, with the fuel tank off, turn the key to the 'ON' position and see if the noise you hear is a relay under the tank, not the starter .
Good point, Bob R. Still, what relay might "click" when the ignition is turned "ON"? Still thinking there's a wiring mix up that needs to be sorted.
William, is your battery in top condition and well charged?
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Headlight relay will click on with the key on US bikes - and click off again (supposed to anyway) when the starter relay is engaged..
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Well..I think I got it sorted out..except..
Without the ignition key inserted, should the neutral light turn on when I flip the ignition switch or should I be able to turn over the starter...I think I know the answer.
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Unless the ignition switch is in the 'PARK' position, with the key removed you should not be able to turn on anything electrical on the bike .
In the 'Park' position, the tail light and the small lightbulb under the headlight will come on .
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And you can turn the switch off with any BMW key. The lock is not keyed in this position ;D
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I'm thinking I have the ignition switch incorrectly wired...as I can now start the bike without the key turned on. The start switch on the right hand side always provides power when flipped on...regardless of the use of a key.
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I'm thinking I have the ignition switch incorrectly wired...as I can now start the bike without the key turned on. The start switch on the right hand side always provides power when flipped on...regardless of the use of a key.
This is how the ignition switch should be wired.
RT = Red
Gr = Grey
GN = Green
GE\WS = yellow\white
GN\VI = Green\ Violet
If the engine actually starts without the key then I think I would make sure to keep the kill switch in the off position or disconnect the battery as the otherwise the ignition system may continously draw current and flatten the battery.
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And you can turn the switch off with any BMW key. The lock is not keyed in this position ;D
I tried this on all three of my R65's, if you don't have the correct key, you cannot move the ignition switch to the 'PARK' position .
This may work on European bikes, but not on North American version bikes .
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I tried this on all three of my R65's, if you don't have the correct key, you cannot move the ignition switch to the 'PARK' position .
This may work on European bikes, but not on North American version bikes
Doesn't work on mine either.
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my key switch appears in order...
any thoughts from anyone on why this is happening?
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If the wires are on the correct terminals on the switch, the switch may be faulty .
Could you post what color wires you have on which switch terminals ?
Just to confirm it .
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Actually, when the bike is on "park" you can shut it off with any key that can enter the switch not the other way round. IMHO it is a mandatory safety feature in Germany.
Of course, they could put a different switch in North American market.