kill switch

[headsbikesmopars]

Having an issue with the kill switch on my 1981 GS 1100EX . Engine will not turn over with key on while pushing starter button. Bypassed starter selonoid and engine turns over good. It has NO ignition, that was verified, (fire at plug) . I believe the kill switch is 'killing' the ignition. It acts like the kill switch is on..when it isnt. Have any of you had to repair kill switch and is it possible to rebuild this switch or is replacement needed. Will be getting into it next weekend off. Just need to know what to look for. Many thanks for any insight you can lend.
Terry

[chef1366]

Check the continuity on the two switched wires with a multi meter with the switch on and off.

[BassCliff]

Hi,

Have you tested the kill switch for continuity? Have you tried bypassing it?


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[hikermikem]

You can open up the switch hsg & clean the insides of the starter button & kill toggle switch... take it apart slowly & note where all the little bits and springs go as you remove everything, then clean and reassemble with new grease.

Old dielectric grease, corrosion, broken switch parts and wear can make a kill switch not work. Doesn't help that the ignition lead runs directly thru there either...

[koolaid_kid]

Put it inside a gallon ziplock baggie before opening it. That way any tiny parts will stay inside the bag. Otherwise they join the sock missing from the dryer - lost.

[Steve]

Sorry, but I am going to check the obvious stuff, first.

Look on the other end of the handlebars. Did you pull the clutch?
(Unless you have bypassed the clutch switch.)

You also need to verify that the IGNITION fuse is good. That will the the third fuse from the end of the box.

.

[BassCliff]

Hi,

Oh, Steve. You're just so practical. '



Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[headsbikesmopars]

all good suggestions, THANKS very much . Working on my older GS's is almost like therapy for me.
Terry

[mrbill5491]

Working on my GS is almost therapy to me as well...until you have to hunt down the tools you ummm threw during a sh*t fit at some point. One screwdriver is still buried pretty deep in the ceiling yet LMAO

[headsbikesmopars]

MR. Bill,..you are funny. You forgot to mention wiping blood on shop towel after screw driver I thru bounced off my forehead and impaled itself in wall..LOL . I am SO glad I dont do as much of that anymore...key words are 'as much' .
Thanks for the laugh.

[Bonehead]

Good, you know your starter motor works when bridged/jumped. The little green/white wire on solenoid is the trigger wire-it gets power when starter button is pressed. Somewhere along path, this wire is disconnected- assuming you got connections right at right handlebar switch. You did get that nice colored wiring diagram at Basscliff's, right?
I'd bypass the clutch safety switch to rule it out now, and,forever.

I had a similar(ish) problem. This was my route:
- Multimeter + on bullet going into solenoid - ground. If this shows voltage (Must be very close to battery voltage across the post) the trigger wire is fine and it is the solenoid. If this is the case, replace solenoid with something like this. I used this exact one, from Lowes.
-Test voltages at killswitch points (starter button, run/off point) in all positions (i.e. "off" position, ignition on, no button pressed. Next, same postition button on. Then "on" position, no button. same position, the button pressed)
-Check your fuses and make sure they are getting good voltages and none are blown.
Browse my thread for more info, ideas, and tests too.

Good Luck!