1985 xj700 maxim

Hi
Not sure if this is in the right place but I could do with some help please!

Just recently I have been having issues with starting my bike. ie. I turn the ignition on and press the start button. It starts initially and then cuts out. After that, when I try to start it, I get nothing. (No clicking or anything). The battery is fine and lights, etc come on but when I try to start it the oil light just comes on.

I think linked to this issue, a couple of times, it has started fine but then when I put it in first gear it immediately cuts out and keeps doing that every time I try it.

In both cases I have ended up just bump starting it and it has been fine.

I don't know too much about them yet but I think it may be something to do with the 'electronics' with the clutch/gears, as in I think the bike thinks the clutch is not engaged or it is not in neutral?? (It definitely is in neutral when I'm trying to start it and the light is on.

Any help would be very gratefully received.

Thanks.

 

I have had the same thing. It was a weak battery. Strong enough for lights but one bump and that was it. Jumped it wit a car battery and it fired off. Replaced the battery and all is well.

 

Thanks for the reply. Would this cause the engine to cut out when it has started fine but then I put it in first gear?

 

Not sure about that, but until the engine gets to about 2000 rpm I think it is running on the battery.

 

Could be time to clean and lube the sidestand switch

 

Excuse my ignorance but what is that and where is it?

 

The sidestand switch is part of the bike's safety system which cuts ignition power to the engine when the sidestand is down to prevent you riding the bike with the stand down. The switch is located behind the sidestand and has a connector block which connects to the bike's wiring harness. If water gets into the switch or the connections at the connector blocks it can cause problems with the bike not running properly.

 

Yes, if it's cutting out when you put it in gear, it's gonna be the sides tand switch. As described above, you now know where it is. Here's what I do.....cuz my arms are long enough---

If it does that, I simply reach down and pull the end of the switch out the last tiny bit that it needs in order to be all the way out as far as it goes. tHen start the bike and go ride.

 

Thanks for the help.
I have just tried pulling the switch out and still not starting.
I have taken the connector block off with the 2 screws and can see that the rubber 'ringed' cover over the switch is torn so could it be that it has got water inside the connector block through here as you suggested?
Do I just get a new connector block and switch? If so how do I connect the wire to it as I can see it is all sealed on the back of it.
Thanks again for your help!

 

You can also go to the end of the wire harness and unplug it… Then make a simple wire to jump the terminals on the harness if it does not start up then, the next thing to investigate would be the neutral safety switch

 

Ok thanks I'll try the wire thing.
Where is the neutral safety switch?

 

Underneath the engine, just above the frame, and very difficult to access

 

So tried jumping the terminals on the end of the wire harness and no joy.
Trying to find the neutral safety switch and failing. Do the exhaust pipes and box need to come off to access it?
Thanks

 

You might need to.... it's not easy to get at.
It's on the under side on the left, near the front, close to where you left toe would be if you're left foot is in the shifter. It's almost about the frame, but inboard a little

 

So, I haven't found the neutral safety switch yet but was a nice day today so wanted to go for a ride.
It wouldn't start with the start switch, just clicked once. (Several attempts).
Tried bump starting it which worked fine before but it was having none of it.
After several attempts bumping it, gave it 1 last go with the start switch and it started??
Rode for a while and stopped. Then when tried to start again, it did with the start switch.
Rode it home and left it a while. Just tried to start it again with the switch and no start again, just the 1 click.
Any new ideas or do you still think it is probably the neutral safety switch.

Thanks again for any help!

 

Hey MattB, I saw in an earlier post that this is all new to you but just want to know what your mechanical abilities are as far as tracking down problems like you're having, what kind of tools you have or can borrow, the kind of space whether indoor or out door, stuff like that. There are a lot of people here to help but a little bit about yourself can tell us how to explain things to you. Everyone has to start some where with fixing stuff and I myself still ask questions and need help. The guys on this forum will have you up and running so don't loose faith. Also, if you can get your hands on a manual it will be a big help.
Cheers and welcome to the Madness of owning an XJ.

 

Hi
My mechanical abilities are limited but I'm practically minded and am keen to learn.
I have basic tools which should get me by at the moment i hope and the bike is in a garage with space to work on it.
The most basic explanation of stuff would be appreciated to give me half a chance of understanding.

 

Had another fiddle with the bike last night.
Found the neutral safety switch I think. Does it have 2 screws/bolts fixing it in to the bottom of the engine?
Gave the wire a wiggle and sprayed the bolts.
It then started with the start button!
I did also disconnect and reconnect the side stand switch relay. I think it was that. A small thin rectangular rubber block.

 

Neutral safety switch is very small, almost abovecthe left frame rail, and and has a single blue wire to it. if you're talking about a round thing about the size of a quarter or so, that's the oil switch.

Side stand switch is the plunger that the kick stand depresses when you put the kickstand down.

 

MattB I have posted two photos to show you the oil level sensor and the neutral switch from the workshop manual (engine out of the frame) so you know what they look like.

 

Exactly