Not turning over

I have a 1982 XJ550 and its was working just fine until the other day, I had just replaced the ignition button and it worked like a charm but not now.. it had just rained and now the switch doesn't work.. so I figured Ok ill I bet its just got wet, so I tried just touching the lead wire to the handle bars to see if if would turn over, but nothing.... what could the problem be? all the other electronics work just fine

 

Did you accidentally remove the key in "park" not "lock" and leave the taillight on, discharging the battery?

Have you checked the state of charge of the battery? (Not previously, now.)

If the sidestand switch got wet it might think the sidestand is down when it's not;

Fusebox may simply be reacting to dampness;

Neutral switch wiring?

The bike will not crank if in gear or with the sidestand down (unless the clutch is pulled in, provided the clutch switch works.)
-Fully charge battery.
-Check fusebox.
-Unplug main "safety" relay (starting circuit cutoff relay) to temporarily disable that entire system as a diagnostic aid.

 

Do any of the electronics work?

 

The battery seems to be fin e the neutral light comes on and everything, turn signals work as do the horn. I have not tried the clutch switch or the side stand switch but I will. and where is the main "safety" relay located?

 

It should be located under the frame backbone, above the carbs; it's the small square metal one not the long epoxy-potted one. If unplugged, it bypasses all the safety circuit stuff, so don't leave it unplugged.

 

ok cool. thanks. I'll keep you guys posted on what happens

 

ok so i tried the clutch switch the side stand switch and the relay. and nothing.... I was looking at the battery and all to see if i could see anything obviously wrong (which i didnt) but ended up moving something and it all the sudden started to work with the switch so I put it all back together and tried it again with no luck.... so I have no clue what i moved to make it work... I tried the same thing I did before to see what I might have moved but it still doesnt work....

 

The positive battery cable connects to the starter solenoid. When the start button is pushed, do you hear it click? If there is no sound, gently tap it while pushing the start button to see if that turns the bike over. If not try carefully jumping the two large terminals taking care not to touch the frame. Ensure the bike is in neutral first. If it turns over, the solenoid is faulty.

 

I do hear a click but I dont know where from it could be the switch.

 

Don't think the Battery is OK because it has enough juice to make two or three colored lamps glow.
The battery needs some deep AMPS to make things work right.

Replace the Fuse Panel if you haven't.
Start and Run symptoms are symptoms of a Fuse Panel ready to quit.

Check the points where the Battery Leads are fastened to the Battery, High Power Terminals and Ground Strap.

Dry the Ignition Switch Contacts.
Use a Spray Cleaner that quickly evaporates.