For all THREE new posters with "Electrical/Starting" problem

Rather than answering three times with the same text thought I'd save some typing.

#1: Fusebox: the fuse clips crystallize over time and simply break, sometimes all on their own and for no apparent reason. The fusebox can be repaired with "pattern" clips from Radio Shack; better to retrofit to a blade-type fusebox.

Then: Wiring and connectors, especially at the battery, the solenoid, the starter itself and the ground straps from the engine to the frame.

Also a MAJOR cause of such things: The Safety Circuit. These bikes all have a "safety circuit" that keeps the bike from being started in gear, and/or from being put into gear if the sidestand is down. The circuits work differently (and contain some different components) from bike to bike.

You will need to check: Neutral switch, clutch switch, sidestand switch, sidestand relay (if equipped) and the safety relay itself; and all the associated wiring. A quick diagnostic aid is to temporarily unplug the "safety" relay to bypass all the nonsense.

The bottom line: You need a service manual to work on an XJ.

 

Re: For all THREE new posters with "Electrical/Starting" pro

+1 on everything Fitz said with http://xjdiagrams.thundervalleypower.com/ as a place to find your electrical diagrams.

 

Re: For all THREE new posters with "Electrical/Starting" pro

thats Carl's shop...

he is a good guy to go to with questions as well...

he had an xj650 maxim but sold it for a venture...