neutral switch failure?

villageidiot · 10-22-2012, 07:08 PM

1986 bmw r80

about half the time i go to start my bike, the starter button does nothing, but if i pull the clutch in while pushing the button, it works as it should. sometimes, i just squeeze and release the clutch lever, and the starter button will work without the clutch lever being held in.

the neutral light works as it should, and everything seems ok, just the starter button doesn't always work without use of the clutch.

i have taken apart and cleaned the starter switch, and sprayed a little "WURTH, ContactOL" in there (its what we use at the shop.

suggestions? or am i on the right track?

DaveBall · 10-22-2012, 08:29 PM

Sounds like the switch for the clutch lever is dirty. It can be cleaned, just takes some good contact cleaner. If that does not fix it, you may have a break in the wires that go to it. The action of moving the lever may just be enough to make the contact. Check your wiring for continuity. A good Ohn meter is your friend.

As somebody else said a long time ago. "Remember, it is Electrickery!"

ME 109 · 10-24-2012, 12:36 AM

+1 on a sticking clutch lever switch.

10-22-2012, 07:08 PM	#1
villageidiot ^OP Studly Adventurer Joined: Apr 2010 Location: Orange County, CA Oddometer: 738	neutral switch failure? 1986 bmw r80 about half the time i go to start my bike, the starter button does nothing, but if i pull the clutch in while pushing the button, it works as it should. sometimes, i just squeeze and release the clutch lever, and the starter button will work without the clutch lever being held in. the neutral light works as it should, and everything seems ok, just the starter button doesn't always work without use of the clutch. i have taken apart and cleaned the starter switch, and sprayed a little "WURTH, ContactOL" in there (its what we use at the shop. suggestions? or am i on the right track?

10-24-2012, 12:36 AM	#3
ME 109 Studly Adventurer Joined: Jun 2009 Location: Albury Australia Oddometer: 609	+1 on a sticking clutch lever switch. __________________ Lord of the Bings

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10-22-2012, 08:29 PM	#2
DaveBall Studly Adventurer Joined: Sep 2009 Location: Vancouver Island Oddometer: 923	Sounds like the switch for the clutch lever is dirty. It can be cleaned, just takes some good contact cleaner. If that does not fix it, you may have a break in the wires that go to it. The action of moving the lever may just be enough to make the contact. Check your wiring for continuity. A good Ohn meter is your friend. As somebody else said a long time ago. "Remember, it is Electrickery!"