Bike won't run in neutral with stand down

[WileyRiley]

Hi Everyone,

I realize that there is likely some info deep within the archives of FJowners but I just can't seem to find anything - so I apologize in advance.

This year my bike (86 FJ1200) seemed to have developed a new problem, as it would not run with the side stand down when the bike is neutral. I've recently been trying to troubleshoot this issue but I can't seem to figure it out. Below are the actions/steps I've taken thus far:

- tested the neutral switch, in accordance with the instructions found in the Haynes manual. I have resistance in neutral and infinite resistance in all other gears, which seems to align with the manual.

- I removed and cleaned the contacts of the clutch switch. I can hear the sidestand relay clicking whenever the clutch switch is pulled or the kick stand is put in the upward position.

- I've tested the sidestand switch for resistance (measuring through the harness connect to the switch). I measured 1.3 ohms in the upward position and infinite resistance in the downward position. The manual states, "with the sidestand in the up position, there should be continuity through the switch (0 ohms), if the switch fails either of these tests, replace it"

Looking for some confirmation here on my findings and this issue. Based on the measurements, should I be replacing the sidestand switch?

I'm hoping this issue is common and that someone will have some helpful advice.

Thanks in advance.

[fj1289]

Before buying a switch, I'd try jumping the side stand switch first to confirm that is the problem.  I think you can use a paper clip or something to temporarily jump the connector.   Unplug the switch at the harness.  On the harness side jump the connector - paper clip? - or a wire with the appropriate ends crimped on?

If it functions normal then you can assume the switch is bad and replace it. 

[WileyRiley]

Before buying a switch, I'd try jumping the side stand switch first to confirm that is the problem.  I think you can use a paper clip or something to temporarily jump the connector.   Unplug the switch at the harness.  On the harness side jump the connector - paper clip? - or a wire with the appropriate ends crimped on?

If it functions normal then you can assume the switch is bad and replace it. 

Thanks fj1289. I guess I forgot to mention that I did do that. If I'm not mistaken, doesn't that test just close the circuit? I can hear the switch activating the sidestand relay near the battery, of which the jumper test does the same thing.

So that's why I'm a little confused. I guess I don't fully understand this circuit to confidently make that determination.

[Pat Conlon]

Unplug the switch lead and jump it, just to make sure, it's easy to do.
Along with interrupting the starter, the normally closed sidestand switch also interrupts power to the ignition box, stopping a running engine.

That's how I turn off my engine, lowering my sidestand....dont ask why.

[Sparky84]

Before buying a switch, I'd try jumping the side stand switch first to confirm that is the problem.  I think you can use a paper clip or something to temporarily jump the connector.   Unplug the switch at the harness.  On the harness side jump the connector - paper clip? - or a wire with the appropriate ends crimped on?

If it functions normal then you can assume the switch is bad and replace it. 

Thanks fj1289. I guess I forgot to mention that I did do that. If I'm not mistaken, doesn't that test just close the circuit? I can hear the switch activating the sidestand relay near the battery, of which the jumper test does the same thing.

So that's why I'm a little confused. I guess I don't fully understand this circuit to confidently make that determination.

G'day Wiley,
You say after you jump it you can hear relay being activated .. did you then try and start the bike ?

Have you tried to jump the relay also ?

[WileyRiley]

Before buying a switch, I'd try jumping the side stand switch first to confirm that is the problem.  I think you can use a paper clip or something to temporarily jump the connector.   Unplug the switch at the harness.  On the harness side jump the connector - paper clip? - or a wire with the appropriate ends crimped on?

If it functions normal then you can assume the switch is bad and replace it. 

Thanks fj1289. I guess I forgot to mention that I did do that. If I'm not mistaken, doesn't that test just close the circuit? I can hear the switch activating the sidestand relay near the battery, of which the jumper test does the same thing.

So that's why I'm a little confused. I guess I don't fully understand this circuit to confidently make that determination.

G'day Wiley,
You say after you jump it you can hear relay being activated .. did you then try and start the bike ?

Have you tried to jump the relay also ?

Hi Sparky84! Yes, I jumped the connector for the sidestand switch and the bike was able to start. I also tested the relay and it appears to be working fine.

[Pat Conlon]

Hi Sparky84! Yes, I jumped the connector for the sidestand switch and the bike was able to start. I also tested the relay and it appears to be working fine.

So, you jumped the sidestand switch, (closed the circuit) and your bike started...and ran?
With the jumper installed....does your bike now start in neutral?

[WileyRiley]

Hi Sparky84! Yes, I jumped the connector for the sidestand switch and the bike was able to start. I also tested the relay and it appears to be working fine.

So, you jumped the sidestand switch, (closed the circuit) and your bike started...and ran?
With the jumper installed....does your bike now start in neutral?

Hi Pat Conlon! That's correct. Jumper is currently on and the bike will start in neutral with the sidestand down.

Thoughts?

[Sparky84]

Hi Sparky84! Yes, I jumped the connector for the sidestand switch and the bike was able to start. I also tested the relay and it appears to be working fine.

So, you jumped the sidestand switch, (closed the circuit) and your bike started...and ran?
With the jumper installed....does your bike now start in neutral?

Hi Pat Conlon! That's correct. Jumper is currently on and the bike will start in neutral with the sidestand down.

Thoughts?

Thoughts would be to replace switch as suggested by fj1289.

Yes existing switch operates relay but bike won't start but when you have shorted switch it operates relay but will start, so I'd say switch is possible problem.

You have tried to start bike with switch back in play since playing with it ? Just to make sure you haven't accidentally fixed the problem 

[WileyRiley]

Hi Sparky84! Yes, I jumped the connector for the sidestand switch and the bike was able to start. I also tested the relay and it appears to be working fine.

So, you jumped the sidestand switch, (closed the circuit) and your bike started...and ran?
With the jumper installed....does your bike now start in neutral?

Hi Pat Conlon! That's correct. Jumper is currently on and the bike will start in neutral with the sidestand down.

Thoughts?

Thoughts would be to replace switch as suggested by fj1289.

Yes existing switch operates relay but bike won't start but when you have shorted switch it operates relay but will start, so I'd say switch is possible problem.

You have tried to start bike with switch back in play since playing with it ? Just to make sure you haven't accidentally fixed the problem 

Hi Sparky84!

Yes, I've put the plug back on a few times and still have the same issue. I'm just trying to understand how that switch is the problem. I tested the switch and it seems fine, based on the readings and how it engages and disengages the relay. But maybe it is the problem.

I'm not trying to frustrate anyone on the thread (I'm sorry if that's the case), I'm just not understanding this switch well enough, I guess.

Thanks again.

[T Legg]

When in nuetral the nuetral switch provides a path to ground for the coil of the kickstand relay through one of the diodes and a path to ground for the starter cut off relay through the other diode. If the diode block fails the path through the neutral switch is blocked.
  6When the kickstand is up and the switch is closed the path to ground is through the clutch switch then the kickstand switch for the starter cut off relay and directly through kickstand switch for the kickstand relay.
 You should test your diode block.