My 83 will not start when in neutral

[cachris]

My at 83 will not start when in neutral. But when you put it in gear it starts as long as the clutch handle is pulled in. Any thoughts?

 

Thanks Chris

[syscrusher]

Neutral switch faulty or open/short in leads that causes a false positive "in gear" condition. Clutch disengaged overrides "in gear" so it starts. Disconnect the neutral switch, put in neutral and measure resistance across the switch then put in gear and measure again. If it reads the same then the problem is the switch. If not, then the problem is likely in the wiring. Simulate the neutral switch on the wiring by opening (leaving disconnected) and try starting, then jumper it and try starting. I don't know if it should be normally open or normally closed but if the neutral switch works then you will see from it's behavior (no resistance in neutral means switch is closed when in neutral, infinite resistance means switch is open when in neutral).

[dingy]

I don't know if it should be normally open or normally closed but if the neutral switch works then you will see from it's behavior (no resistance in neutral means switch is closed when in neutral, infinite resistance means switch is open when in neutral).

 

Neutral switch is a closed circuit when bike is in neutral (zero or very low ohms).

 

Switch circuit is to ground through the neutral switch, so it can safely be tested by disconnecting connector to switch and jumping harness end to ground.

 

NOTE, This will allow bike to crank & start in gear. This is best done on center stand.

 

Gary

Edited July 22, 2014 by dingy
changed text to say center stand

[Money Venture]

My switch is bad and the bike needs to be leaned a bit to the left for the neutral light to come on. I will fix it over the winter but for now, I just lean a bit.

[Flyinfool]

Neutral switch is a closed circuit when bike is in neutral (zero or very low ohms).

 

Switch circuit is to ground through the neutral switch, so it can safely be tested by disconnecting connector to switch and jumping harness end to ground.

 

NOTE, This will allow bike to crank & start in gear. This is best done on side stand.

 

Gary

 

Wouldn't it be safer to do this on the center stand so that if it gets bumped into gear the bike will not move?

[dingy]

Wouldn't it be safer to do this on the center stand so that if it gets bumped into gear the bike will not move?

 

That's what I meant to say, Long hot day !! I edited my post.

 

Gary

[Neil86]

If the neutral light is working consistently, chances are the switch is fine and the issue

is in the starting circuit cutoff relay circuit. You would be wise to go to the connector for the SCCR and test the sky blue wire down to neutral switch for continuity to ground when in neutral....if its good, the relay is suspect.

 

If the neutral light isn't working...yes testing the switch is a good move.

Edited July 23, 2014 by Neil86

[cachris]

Thanks everybody for the information. Yes the neutral light is working so I guess I will start from there and working my way down