65LS starting

[wmsoller]

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...  

[nhmaf]

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?

[Bob_Roller]

When you turn the key to the 'ON' position, the starter solenoid engages without touching the start switch

[montmil]

... 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.

[nhmaf]

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)

[wmsoller]

Thanks, guys. Let me jump into this tonight and see what I can figure out.

[Bob_Roller]

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 .

[montmil]

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?

[nhmaf]

Headlight relay will click on with the key on US bikes - and click off again (supposed to anyway) when the starter relay is engaged..

[wmsoller]

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.

[Bob_Roller]

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 .

[georgesgiralt]

And you can turn the switch off with any BMW key. The lock is not keyed in this position  

[wmsoller]

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.

[Barry]

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.

[Bob_Roller]

And you can turn the switch off with any BMW key. The lock is not keyed in this position  

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 .