Bike wont shut off

[Strohmboli]

Gentlemen,

Here in PA the weather is hit or miss, lots of rain so the last I rode the bike was ten days ago. Went on a nice 300 mile ride with some friends, bike ran flawlessly. We have a beautiful day today so I went to take a ride and stopped to get gas. When I turned the bike off with the key, it sounded like the starter was still cranking. Turned the key back on and the bike started again without hitting the ignition switch. Tried turning it off with the kill switch, same thing. Tried to kill the engine with the side stand and the bike in gear, same thing. Also the F1 comes on for a split second and goes out in all 3 scenarios. Now I'm getting a bit worried, so I ride the 3 miles or so back to my home to get the bike in the garage, before I possibly get stranded.

While riding home I can still hear what I believe is the starter running. The sound does not increase or decrease with the rpm's of the engine.

My driveway is a bit crooked so I have to pull up at angle then back up to get into the garage. When I put the bike in reverse it started to grind and would not engage. Would assume if starter was still engaged, the reverse would not? Would that be correct?

After I get the bike in the garage, I hear what I can only describe as a high pitch whine in the front to middle of the engine and the starter. I immediately put it on the centerstand and and disconnected the battery. That finally shuts off the bike.

My wing is an 02 with around 68,000 miles. While I can do most of the maintenance on the bike, this maybe beyond my expertize. Looking for any and all help here. Running out of days to ride.

Thanks,

Lou

[Strohmboli]

Cruiseman, any advice on how to fix it?

[Kiwi]

I don't mean to be rude or anything but you have posted this elsewhere and received two suggestions, have you checked them out?

[Cruiseman]

Cruiseman, any advice on how to fix it?

Without seeing the bike, I have no idea. Sounds like a short somewhere, but don't know if it is in the hand control switch or further down the line.

[JohnK105]

Sounds like one of your starter relays (probably A) have welded the contacts together and are stuck on. Replace both the A and B starter relays.

John

[MMR]

Strohmboli....I like what has been suggested, and in alliance with those ideas...here is the very first thing I would do. Take apart the switch cluster on the right handlebar. That is where the start button is. When it is all opened up, look for corrosion. Even if you do not see any, take a full can of WD-40, and spray the entire can into that switch cluster. Remember where you live.....that plays a key role in this issue (possibly) (if I am right). The attempt is to clean out any oxicdation, corrosion, etc, within the switch cluster.

Additionally...it does not hurt at all to do this to both switch clusters...left side and right side of the handlebars...once a year. I do it...you can too.

Now that you have sprayed the beejesus out of that switch cluster, put it back together, re-connect your battery to the bike, and see if you still have the problem. If you do, then the suggestion of the starter relays' contacts is a next step to go to. Good suggestion JohnK105.

Maybe I should have said...where you live plays a "keystone" role in this matter.

[glarson3]

I would say the most likely problem is that the starter switch is stuck in. Are your headlights working? The would be off if the starter is engaged, and I believe that is sensed in the starter switch itself. I know I had an issue where my headlights went out. I couldn't see them in the reflection of the car in front of me. I pulled over, verified by walking to the front of the bike. Nope, no lights. Then I turned off the bike via key, then started the bike again. There were lights again. I'm not positive WD40 is the best to use on the switches, but I didn't stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

[MMR]

I'm not positive WD40 is the best to use on the switches, but I didn't stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

I say this politely...as I know we are all trying to help...but I am 100 % positive that WD-40 will not hurt your switch cluster at all. You may have to wipe up some excess WD-40, if you spray the entire can as I suggested...but I will state it here and now, if WD-40 does ANY damage to your switch cluster, I will buy you an entire new switch cluster...paid for out of my own money.

Oh...I think I might have stayed at a Holiday Inn Express...within the last 2 months.

[JohnK105]

Was busy with one of the grandsons earlier and didn't have time to provide more information, SO:

If your headlights ARE NOT working while the starter is running, it's the starter switch. Use contact cleaner/lubricant to clean it out, spraying in along the top edge of the starter button. Make sure whatever you use that you protect the bike's finish.

If your headlights ARE working while the starter is running it's likely your starter relay(s). Since you state the bike ran flawlessly which would indicate the radio worked (?), no one told you your headlights weren't working, etc., this points to the starter relays.

They are to the rear of the battery behind the left saddlebag. Honda lists two different part numbers, however the relays may be swapped, the only difference being the plug color. If you were away from home you could swap one relay for the other and get home, you just wouldn't have reverse. Since you made it home, I would change both out.

Honda part numbers 35850-MCA-003 and 35850-MZ0-J10 both about $45-50 each plus shipping.

Or generic relays like one of these. This is a common starter relay used on multiple Asian motorcycles, mopeds, quads, etc.

Something like this from ebay - about $10

Something like this from Amazon - about $10

You might find one at the local parts place with a price somewhere between the two.


What can cause them to fail? age, moisture, weak battery
A weak battery will allow the contacts to come together more slowly allowing the current to arc between them, eventually they weld together.

John

[Black n Chrome]

I'm new to this forum, but I agree with JohnK105's troubleshooting and remedy. The headlight being ON or OFF is key as to what's going on, switch or relays. I'm betting it's a relay welded shut. I also recommed you use the Honda relays John listed instead of cheaper aftermarket ones, much better materials.

[Strohmboli]

Thanks everyone! Prior to posting this on this site and others, I did a little research. I concluded from what I found that it was more than likely the starter relays. Posted this because I wanted to get the opinions of those who may have run into this issue before and have first hand knowledge. Just wanted to see if there was something I may have missed. So to all who contributed with their well thoughtout advice, thank you.

[MMR]

Darn...and I just shipped to you a case of WD-40. Oh well, use it in good health.

Lou, with only 68,000 miles on that '02....you need to get out and ride more often...more miles.

To the rest of you yaahoos that suggested checking the headlights on/off idea....that would not work if the bike has HID headlights, with the cutout relay.

Just saying' :p

[glarson3]

I say this politely...as I know we are all trying to help...but I am 100 % positive that WD-40 will not hurt your switch cluster at all. You may have to wipe up some excess WD-40, if you spray the entire can as I suggested...but I will state it here and now, if WD-40 does ANY damage to your switch cluster, I will buy you an entire new switch cluster...paid for out of my own money.

Oh...I think I might have stayed at a Holiday Inn Express...within the last 2 months.

That is putting your money where your mouth is.

[glarson3]

Darn...and I just shipped to you a case of WD-40. Oh well, use it in good health.

Lou, with only 68,000 miles on that '02....you need to get out and ride more often...more miles.

To the rest of you yaahoos that suggested checking the headlights on/off idea....that would not work if the bike has HID headlights, with the cutout relay.

Just saying' :p

I hadn't thought of HID's. But, you're right if he has a cutout for the HID's that complicates things a little more. I like to try the easy things first, and on most bikes checking the headlights and flicking the starter switch, or even 'exercising the starter switches is where I would start. I'm not sure where the relays are(not looking at the manual now), but they should be pretty easy to swap out as well. I'm suspecting they may be under a piece of plastic, or the seat that isn't as easy to get to as the starter switch and looking at the headlights. I think from the suggestions presented so far he's got some useful ideas. Hopefully we hear back on the solution soon.

[glarson3]

I just re-read your original post. I think engaging the reverse when you thought the starter running may have been a big mistake. I can only hope once you get the starter to stop running that nothing else is amiss.

[MMR]

I hadn't thought of HID's. But, you're right if he has a cutout for the HID's that complicates things a little more.

glarson3, most likely he does not have HIDs, but I mentioned that because...I do have HIDs on mine, so I just thought I would throw that into the mix.

[Techdude2000]

It's his A starter relay. The clue to it is he turned off the key and the kill switch and it continued to run. If it was the starter button switch, both of those actions would have killed it by removing the power to the switch that it sends on to A starter relay to energize it. As was mentioned, you should never try to engage reverse when this happens because there's nothing to keep it from meshing the reverse gear and breaking it inside the engine.

[crabbywinger]

Rob - A warm welcome to the new board. Your expertise is priceless. Take care and again welcome.

Crabby Bob

[glarson3]

Welcome to the board! Glad to have you here.

[clayusmcret]

It's his A starter relay. The clue to it is he turned off the key and the kill switch and it continued to run. If it was the starter button switch, both of those actions would have killed it by removing the power to the switch that it sends on to A starter relay to energize it. As was mentioned, you should never try to engage reverse when this happens because there's nothing to keep it from meshing the reverse gear and breaking it inside the engine.

WHOA!!!! What a great way to have a first post! Welcome aboard!