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SOS My power suddenly cut out!

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by JS13, Jul 28, 2015.

  1. JS13

    JS13 New Member

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    I have a 1981 xj550 maxim that was running great until this afternoon. I had the choke on warming it up but when I closed the choke the bike died and the neutral light went out. The starter still spins when I hit the starter button but no lights or flashers come on now. I checked my side stand switch and fuses but everything looks fine. I am stuck at work until I figure this out. Any help is greatly appreciated!
     
  2. XJ550H

    XJ550H Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    have you tried starting the bike side stand up?
    if your neutral switch has failed you can connect it lead to ground it is located under the front sprocket cover you will have to remove the cover to get to it.
    you will have to loosen the passanger foot peg to remove cover 10 mm wrench for the shifter bolt, i forget which allen wrench you will need.

    you can also try unpluging the relay under the seat this will bypass the neutral light and sidestand switch THE STARTER CIRCUIT RELAY UNDER THE SEAT FRONT OF BIKE disables the rest of the safety switches and clutch safety switch he neutral light.

    you may have to clutch start it with this relay out

    edit for relays
     
    Last edited: Jul 28, 2015
  3. JS13

    JS13 New Member

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    Thanks for the reply! I had the kick stand up when it happened, I never took it out of neutral when it happened. I will try unplugging the relay and see if that works.
     
  4. XJ550H

    XJ550H Well-Known Member Premium Member

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  5. JS13

    JS13 New Member

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    I tried unplugging the relay with no luck. I pulled and jiggled the plunger on the side stand switch out but it still didn't do anything. I'm stumped as to why it would happen from closing the choke? I've never had a problem like this in the 3 months I've had it
     
  6. XJ550H

    XJ550H Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    reread my pos t there is another relay .
    you do mean shuting off the "choke"
     
  7. JS13

    JS13 New Member

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    I'm going to try that out and yes I mean shutting off the choke to warm it up. It fired right up this morning and even right before it happened.
     
  8. rocs82650

    rocs82650 Well-Known Member

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    Bump start it and get home then diagnose the problem. You'll drain the battery if you don't.

    Gary H
     
  9. JS13

    JS13 New Member

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    I tried bump starting it with no luck, it's acting as if the key isn't in. Could it possibly be the ignition switch? I have tried everything that's been suggested here so far and appreciate all the replies!
     
  10. wink1018

    wink1018 Active Member

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    Got spark? Maybe a fuse blew randomly at just the right time?

    I realize you checked fuses. But you never know... I don't trust my eyes. I use a DMM to test continuity.
     
  11. XJ550H

    XJ550H Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    are you getting voltage at the 3 other fuses?
    main fuse goes to key then back to the fuse block.
    there is a connector under the tank square and black it is the connector that brings voltage to the key.
    do you have a manual ?
     
  12. Rooster53

    Rooster53 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    No brake light, horn, or signals indicates a problem with the signal circuit, either a blown fuse or excessive load just under the rated amps. Just maybe when the choke was pushed off a short was created on the incoming Br/W wire at the left hand control. Check the signal fuse again (is it hot), and if it is not blown, pull it out and try to start the bike with it removed.

    If the fuse was hot or you have drained the battery a bit another push start attempt may be in order if the battery has degraded enough to affect starting.

    Note: WAG since the signal circuit on a stock bike would normally not affect starting.
     
  13. Toomanybikes

    Toomanybikes Well-Known Member

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    Even a loose battery cable ,but ign contacts in switch will do that, very common in old Hondas more than with yamahas .
     
  14. JS13

    JS13 New Member

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    I'm getting 12.5v on the battery but nothing anywhere else?
     
  15. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    Even at the main fuse in the fusebox?
    Check that fuse with an ohm-meter, and check for voltage on both sides of the fuse.
    Does the bike have the original fuse block?
     
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  16. JS13

    JS13 New Member

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    yeah I'm getting nothing anywhere on the fuse block. It is the original stock fuse block
     
  17. JS13

    JS13 New Member

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    I replaced the main fuse even though it looked fine and it fired right up! I feel like a dumby but couldn't be more appreciative of all the responses I got! Looks like it's time for a new fuse block and a manual
     
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  18. rocs82650

    rocs82650 Well-Known Member

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    You're not dumb...you're learning. I'm learning new stuff all the time.

    Gary H.
     
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  19. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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  20. schmuckaholic

    schmuckaholic Well-Known Member

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    That's why you run a continuity check with the meter. I got bit by that one personal-like.

    Years ago I was trying to be come a radio repairman with the Marines; part of the classwork was troubleshooting equipment in the lab that already had a known problem. One such unit had no power. Step one; check the fuse. Hmmm, looks good...

    ...nope. Fuse was broken down near the end cap where it couldn't be seen.

    Now, if you check the old fuse later and it passes, then there's an issue with the fuse block -- and since you're dealing with that, you'll have one less thing to worry about.

    When you email Len, ask for HCP378BC - that's the fuse holder, complete with required fuses. Or, if you want the fuses to "glow" when they blow, try item number HCP378LF.

    As for the service manual, HCP1094 is for the Clymer, and HCP1128 is for the Yamaha factory manual. Ask about pricing and availability.
     

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