Puzzling Won't Start-Will Start Episode

[brazos parker]

Yesterday, I was riding w/ SnP, checking out some roads for EOM. We stopped in the countryside to check the map and when we got ready to go, my '05 would not start. It would not make a sound when the Start buton was pushed. The idiot lights would come on, tach and speedo needles would cycle, the digital display would come on (no error codes), the GPS would come on and the cell phone in the tank bag indicated it was charging . And, we could hear the fuel pump pressure up.

Here's some things we tried to get it to start...

1. Unplugged the cell phone and turned off the GPS...no start.

2. Cycled the ignition switch several times...no start.

3. Cycled the Kill switch several times...no start.

4. SnP checked the side stand switch and it appeared to be working properly...no start.

5. Cranked the throttle wide open...no start.

6. Shifted into first gear...no start.

7. Upshifted to Neutral...STARTED right up.

The bike started normally the next 4-5 times we stopped. It seemed to be a transient problem and has never happened before.

We both scratched our heads abt this one.

My mechanically challenged mind immediately thought of my DSL modem that occasionally gets "confused" and has to be turned off, then on again to get it to work. Is it possible the ECU got "confused" and one or more of the above actions "cleared it's mind?"

Thoughts anyone?

 

[kaitsdad]

6.  Shifted into first gear...no start.7.  Upshifted to Neutral...STARTED right up.

My thoughts - Neutral sensor? or switch? Spoodge on a contact?

 

[ionbeam]

Upshifted to Neutral...STARTED right up

If the side stand is down and the transmission is NOT in neutral then the ECU has to see the clutch is disengaged (pulled in). ECU looks at:

-- ignition switch

-- neutral light

-- neutral switch

-- side stand switch

-- clutch switch

to decide if it is safe to fire 'er up. If you had the clutch pulled in and it didn't start but did start in neutral I think you would be looking at the clutch switch --should this ever happen again--.

Then again, there is always operator error to consider :lol:

Edit: I reread what you went through and believe you tried to start in neutral. If that is the case you would be looking a the side stand or neutral switch/light. If the neutral light was on the neutral switch had to be working. That leaves you with the side stand switch.

 

[brazos parker]

Operator error is always a possibility in my case...will have to consider that.

Although in this case, I had a "pro," SnP, looking over my shoulder.

 

[twowheelnut]

Of all the posts regarding this topic on the various boards, it seems that the side stand switch is most often the culprit - all that crud from the road gets up in there, I suppose.

When all else fails, you should give it a good swift kick... Always works for me, especially with the electronic gizmos.

 

[brazos parker]

TWN, good suggestion...I have long adhered to the advice my Dad gave me abt all things electronic...spit in the back of it and slap it on the side!

 

[slapnpop]

In retrospect Mike, I don't remember seeing the Neutral light until you shifted to first then back to neutral.

 

[brazos parker]

Is there a error code for a faulty neutral switch?

 

[Vulcan]

That side stand switch is a big pain in the a$$. I would like to just bypass mine and not have to worry about it.

 

[slapnpop]

Is there a error code for a faulty neutral switch?

I don't think so, you just wouldn't (or would always) see the neutral light.