XJ 500, is it the starter button? What do you think?

So... I won't get into all the details but I was doing some stuff on the bike, and then it just wouldn't even make a sound when hitting the start button, but the oil light would come on whenever I hit the button. Then I remembered possible faulty neutral switch or something. The guy I bought it from put it in first gear rocked it a couple times then back to neutral and it would turn over. Well anyway, fast forward past those things working to get it going. I realized sometimes I had to hit the button multiple times before it would finally click like it was going to start, or at least turn over. As of yesterday I took the bike out finally after putting everything together, battery died, maybe wasn't charging. And now I charged the battery, went to push the start button, and nothing, no click, no turnover, but the oil light would come on everytime I pushed the button in. Thoughts? Maybe just a bad starter button? or old and dirty. Bad ground for it? I'm considering just replacing that whole on off start and light control with a new one, but I'd hate to do that and it not be the problem. Just wondering what you guys think. Thanks.

 

Check the fuse wiring for loose connection and the starter solenoid.

 

Stick a 12/15A charger on the battery while you are testing and check the chemistry of the battery. Just because your charger thinks it's charged doesn't mean it's holding it once it's disconnected. These little wet-cell lead acid batteries are temperamental due to how small the plates are. There's not much in the way of "buffer" for when the chemistry degrades slightly from sulfating. A desulfating box may help with longevity but I have never tested one on a battery this small.

 

Take the switch assembly apart and clean the contacts, that will fix your problem. 10 minutes of work and problem solved

 

Apex, howdy neighbor.

 

1. Clean contacts on button test
2. Jump kick stand switch test
3. Test starter
Least that's what I would do.

 

Good to see another member in NC

 

if your oil light comes on test the solenoid. starter button is making ground

hook meter to solenoid connection to starter cable press button do you get 12 volts output?

unplug solenoid with 2 jumper leads hook a lead to battery positive cable and to wire in the connector for solenoid .
hook 2ed lead to battery negative lead and to the other wire in the connector .
starter should spin
if not spinning


now to test the solenoid connector in the harness. hook meter to both wires press starter button do you get 12 volts? if you do starter button is good

 

check fuse's........been there.