Fuel pump, or ignition switch or...????

[vtx and venture]

I finally joined this site because I couldn't find a definite answer after searching the board. Here's my problems... Sometimes my bike doesn't like to start for some reason. It will crank over just fine but won't ever fire, happens at random times. I initially thought it was the fuel pump, however, it seems to always click when turned on after sitting for a day or so. I've noticed recently that when it cranks and cranks but doesn't start that I can jiggle the key on and off a time or 2 and it will usually fire up. This leads me to believe it may be the ignition switch. Any thoughts about this issue and what could be the cause and the solution?

[BlueSky]

How about telling us the bike and the year, miles, etc, everything that might be relevant?

[djh3]

Lets take a stab your talking about a 99-2013 RSV. If the pump clicks after sitting awhile, its working. So off to the ignition switch. Do lights, radio etc come on? Sounds like it. You say it rolls over but wont run. Look into the ecu, coils that kind of thing as it sounds like no fire to cyl.

[vtx and venture]

It's a 2004 midnight venture with 68,000 miles. Everything does work when I turn the key on but sometimes it is like the coils just aren't firing or something. Just cranks and cranks and won't even try to fire up. However, like I said I can jiggle the key off and on a time or 2 and it will usually fire right up. Also, every now and then I turn the key on but the speedo / gas gauge won't be on. Again I can turn the key off then on again and it works as it should. I've read that everything runs through the ignition switch (coils, starter, lights, radio, etc) which makes it prone to failure. I also read about bypassing the ignition switch as well.

 

So with all of this info do y'all think its more likely an ignition switch issue? Cause that's what I'm leaning towards. Also, if anyone could provide more info on bypassing the ignition switch it would be great.

 

Thanks

[Freebird]

I think it is very likely the switch. If you look in the classifieds, I think there is still somebody selling a bypass harness. Not bad to have it in case of a failure anyway.

[vzuden]

It does sound like the ignition switch. Dion (djh3) who replied above, makes a bypass that is plug and play. I have purchased one from him and it is a quality item.

These are in tech tech library and may help you diagnose it:

http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?75398-By-passing-the-Ignition-switch

http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?32359-Ignition-Switch-Wiring-Failure

http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?512-Emergency-Ignition-Switch-Repair

[oconeedan]

The bypass harness sounds like a good idea. But the first thing I would do is get some contact cleaner, pull the tank off, and unplug / clean every connector (and the switch too).

[vtx and venture]

Thanks for the info y'all.

 

Djh3,

 

I found the bypass kit you sell and I sent you a pm about it, however, I'm not sure if the pm sent properly. Anyway I'm definitely interest in buying one but I do have a couple questions. Is there a way to add a toggle switch to the standard one that you make? Also, if I got the keyless version with the switch included would you be able to start the bike without the key? I would like to have a toggle switch of some sort in case the ignition switch ever fails all together, but at the same time I don't want to be able to start the bike without a key. Is this possible or is it one or the other?

[djh3]

So did I get back to you?