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78 GS 550-No power at ignition switch!

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jams550
  • Start date Start date
J

Jams550

Guest
Hello!
I searched the forums unsuccessfully to find a thread on my situation so I'm asking you guys if you might be able to offer some advice on the trouble I'm experiencing.
I went to start my bike yesterday and lost power at the ignition switch. I went through the usual starting ritual of activating the choke etc.
Usually I kick start the bike to save on battery power but since the weather has been nice here in Canada and I had been out the night before, I decided to use the electric starter.
When I turned the key to the "on" position there was power but after using the
electric start, the power died at the key switch never to return.
(I checked the main 30V fuse under the right side cover and it tests positive
Occasionally, the switch needs to be turned to the start position twice in order to light up so I'm thinking the switch itself may have just given up for good.
My questions are...
1) could using the electric start have fried something in the harness?
2) how do I check to determine if the ignition switch is dead
3) how do I replace the switch if so?
Many thanks, I hope to hear from someone as I'd love to ride soon before the snow comes!
 
Replace the 30A fuse with a 15A first of all!!!! Go through your wiring and make sure everything is still properly insulated and terminated. You'll want to clean things up too to ensure you're not causing excessive resistance.
 
Thanks very much for your response Cowboyup.
I'll do exactly what you've suggested by changing the fuse type and checking and cleaning the wiring.

As I'd mentioned about the switch occasionally needing to be set in a 'sweet spot' in order to light, is it possible for that part to wear out?
I've never seen the ignition switch disassembled before.

Thanks again,
 
It is possible as with anything mechanical. I would just make sure you have a good baseline before you start replacing parts.
 
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