Start button doesn't work but will start when short solenoid

keithhlars · Post by **keithhlars** » Sun Apr 03, 2011 11:13 am

When I hit the start button the headlight dims and nothing happens. If I short the solenoid terminals it starts. I was told that power for the solenoid comes from the brake light. So is there a swich somewhere that is engaged when the brake is on that might be bad? If so where is it? If not, what else could I check?

bc117 · Post by **bc117** » Sun Apr 03, 2011 1:35 pm

you shouldn't be using the E-start with the engine running, which is the only time your light should be on

mousewheels · Post by **mousewheels** » Sun Apr 03, 2011 2:03 pm

I was told that power for the solenoid comes from the brake light. So is there a switch somewhere that is engaged when the brake is on that might be bad? If so where is it? If not, what else could I check?

Here's marked up diagram of the starting system. You can see how the brake light circuit powers the 'high side' of the starter relay coil. If your brake light is lighting, it's usually enough, but you could check at the starter relay connector for +12v on the G/Y wire.

Could be starter relay contacts dirty/worn. Can you hear it click when the start switch & brake is energized? If so, given you get the starter to run with the contacts jumpered (.."If I short the solenoid terminals it starts...) check out the relay.

keithhlars · Post by **keithhlars** » Sun Apr 03, 2011 2:12 pm

Okay I feel really dumb. I just realized from the last reply that you have to have the brake on when you press the start button.

Wheelman-111 · Post by **Wheelman-111** » Mon Apr 04, 2011 12:30 am

Greetings:

No one here has ever forgotten this Honda-san Safety-Boy feature. At least, we can't get anyone to admit it...

amazing4 · Post by **amazing4** » Fri Mar 09, 2012 3:08 pm

Im having the same problem but Ive got both brake switches shorted with jumpers and still missing 12v at relay...also, ive got a small harness with 3 female leads hanging by the oil tank with 1 green, 1 black, and 1 green/yellow stripe. Where does this go and could it be related to starting prob??

amazing4 · Post by **amazing4** » Sat Mar 10, 2012 5:56 pm

Nevermind..I'm an idiot. Thank you.

CNI Dawg · Post by **CNI Dawg** » Sat Mar 10, 2012 8:46 pm

Wheelman-111 wrote:Greetings:

No one here has ever forgotten this Honda-san Safety-Boy feature. At least, we can't get anyone to admit it...

LOL.....I forgot & did it just yesterday !

:D:D

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Start button doesn't work but will start when short solenoid

Start button doesn't work but will start when short solenoid

Re: Start button doesn't work but will start when short sole

Re: Start button doesn't work but will start when short sole

Re: Start button doesn't work but will start when short sole

Re: Start button doesn't work but will start when short sole

Re: Start button doesn't work but will start when short sole

Re: Start button doesn't work but will start when short sole

Re: Start button doesn't work but will start when short sole