Starter button or something else?

[Anonymous]

A couple of times recently my bike wouldn't turn over when the starter button was pressed. Is this just the button? Has anyone had luck disassembling the switch housing and cleaning the switch, cause my front brake light switch also doesn't work unless the handle is squeezed really hard, and I want to mess w/ that also
Thanks, Ed

[lhanscom]

It may be the starter switch, but it may also be the kill switch, or the clutch switch. If you don't have problems with the bike stalling on you, I would guess starter, or clutch switch. If you take the tank off and follow the wires that go to the clutch lever they will end in 2 bullet connectors, if you disconnect the wires that go to the lever, and connect the 2 bullet connectors that go to the bike you will bypass the clutch switch. This will just make sure that your problem is in the starter switch. I've never opened up the starter switch, but imagine there's not much there. and you may see the problem immediately. Keep in mind also that this could have nothing to do with the switches too. It may be a bad wire, sticky relay, etc.

[Anonymous]

I once had a similar problem. Open up the starter button assembly; dirt and stuff can work its way in between the contacts. It's a pretty exposed bit of switchware. Hope the simplest solution is the right one for you!

[chuckycheese]

Crud

I, too, suspect that it's crud on the starter button contact...especially if the bike hasn't been started for a couple of weeks or more. I had the same problem a couple of times and a guy at the Suzuki shop said that problem is quite common. :roll:

[Anonymous]

I had that problem. Found the inside of the starter was completely coated with black carbon. I washed it out good, with alcolhol, cleaned the brushes & copper part the brushes run against, and everything worked good as new.

[Hotblack]

Contact cleaner/lubricant works very well on the switches. I use the audio type, no problems with it. I hope it's your switch. Always check the easiest/cheapest stuff first, and the cleaning sure won't hurt even if that's not it. Good luck! Also, your brake light switch is adjustable, if you loosen the two screws holding it on slightly and move the housing. A cleaning won't hurt that switch either. If you do take it apart be careful. If you're not a spring loaded (and tiny) brass contact will be jettisoned into the netherworld, and you're switch will be in BIG trouble. I find turning the cylinder upside down the best way to work on that.

[Jay B]

Check the Clutch Safety Switch as well. That bugger gets dirty and when it does your baby wont start.