81 GL1100 no start

[iamsamrogers17]

Hey guys!
So I just picked up a 1981 Naked GL1100 and when I got it, the wiring harness was pulled.

Since the harness was already out, I went through and took the tape off and made sure there were no shorts, or anything that could go bad with it and everything seemed just fine, I fixed a few connections that were done poorly, and when I tried to re install the harness into the bike (every plug is in the right spot, that I know) and no I have no power what so ever at the gauges, the horn, headlight, or starter button. Like I have voltage, and ground, but nothing happens as I turn the key, or anything. :/

I can get the bike started, but only for about 3 seconds, and it’s only when I jump the solenoid posts.

I’ve gotten a new starter solenoid, i’ve Checked all
The fuses, and I know the headlight bulb works, as i’ve bench Tested it on a 12 v battery.

Any ideas as to why it won’t start? I need all the help I can get.

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[mcgovern61]

If the harness was off, be sure you reconnected the green ground wire at the coils. If that wire is not connected, there is no ground for the electrical system.

 

[saganaga]

If I understand you correctly, someone has been messing with the wiring, correct? And nothing works? No headlight, no running lights, no instrument lights, no neutral safety switch, etc?

I'd start with the obvious anyways - clean the battery terminals (wire brush, sand paper, whatever), check all the fuses, and try either installing a known good battery or using jumper cables from a car or other 12V battery.

Assuming that doesn't solve the issue, grab a test light or multimeter, and a copy of the GL1100 wiring schematic.

 

[iamsamrogers17]

So I have a copy of the schematic which helps a ton, and the battery is brand new thankfully, I changed both the main ground cable, and the power cable with new, thicker gauge cable, and no change. :/ the green wire just bolts to the frame near the horn on the left side correct? If so, I’ve attached that and it has full ground as well. I guess I’m just confused


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[saganaga]

Also, if you are getting no power at all, it may be time to check the main system fuse. It should be on the starter solenoid. Disconnect the four pin connector and the fuse should be visible.

While that's disconnected, check the pin the red wire connects to on the solenoid. That pin should always have power.

 

[iamsamrogers17]

Also, if you are getting no power at all, it may be time to check the main system fuse. It should be on the starter solenoid. Disconnect the four pin connector and the fuse should be visible.

While that's disconnected, check the pin the red wire connects to on the solenoid. That pin should always have power.

I’ve already changed out the solenoid with a blade type fuse, so unfortunately it’s not that :/


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[saganaga]

Got a multimeter or a test light?

Do you get power at the solenoid? How about power at the fuse box after switching the ignition to "on"?

 

[iamsamrogers17]

Got a multimeter or a test light?

Do you get power at the solenoid? How about power at the fuse box after switching the ignition to "on"?

yes to both :/ that’s the weird part, my ignition switch seems fine, as it only has power when key is on, at fuse box, and at key.


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[saganaga]

That's weird.

So if the ignition switch is in the "on" position, all the fuses should have power. Is this the case?

 

[iamsamrogers17]

That's weird.

So if the ignition switch is in the "on" position, all the fuses should have power. Is this the case?

yup! So strange


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[pidjones]

Corroded fuse contacts have caused me problems. Clean the oxidation off and use dielectric grease to deter future corrosion.

 

[saganaga]

iamsamrogers17 » Today, 6:35 am[/url]":157h7szf]

That's weird.

So if the ignition switch is in the "on" position, all the fuses should have power. Is this the case?

yup! So strange


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I'm looking at the wiring schematics, and once the fuses all have power, they go through various different connectors to get to the lights. For example, tail light (the running light) only goes through one connector under the seat (then various connectors in the taillight assembly).

I'm not understanding why none of the electronics work.

Hmmm, is the green wire connected to ground on the vehicle? I see two grounds on the wiring diagram, maybe that's the issue.

 

[mcgovern61]

Hmmm, is the green wire connected to ground on the vehicle?

Yes it is. The green wire is actually the main ground for the electrical system (meaning the wiring and fuses).

 

[iamsamrogers17]

Ok so from my solenoid, to the ignition switch, I have no voltage from the red wire to the ignition switch, that is supposed to have power all the time, but not sure how to fix it... I have continuity but not voltage


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[saganaga]

Are you sure the fuse in the solenoid isn't blown? Maybe you have a short that is blowing that fuse.

 

[iamsamrogers17]

Yeah, I just checked, I’m not sure, when I click the starter nothing happens, no click, nothing, no horn, nothing either


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[joedrum]

Hmmmm...but the battery has juice ...starting to sound like the key switch to me they can go bad

 

[iamsamrogers17]

Hmmmm...but the battery has juice ...starting to sound like the key switch to me they can go bad

hmm maybe, any way to check that specifically that you know of?


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[iamsamrogers17]

She runs!! Thanks for all your help guys and gals


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[Two85s]

So what was it? :headscratch: