Blank LCD and no start sometimes

[NewDen]

Only had my 2007 1200GS for a couple of weeks (moved up from a Aprilia Caponord) and really pleased but had a couple of times where the bike seems dead (no juice, no display) - after I turn the key. Tried it a couple of times and no luck. Take key out, wander way come back a minute later, try it again and bingo, fine!

Don't think I'm doing anything daft (kill switch, sidestand etc...) but be interested if anyone else had the same problems. Battery seems fine (and is on Optimate between starts). I think it happens after key has been in lock for a while before turning to on but can't be 100% sure.

That aside, starting to really like the bike but still kind of miss the Caponord....

Don't want to rush it back to dealer if I'm being a dimwit.

Thanks is advance.

 

[Doofus]

Hi

I can't help, but I have the same with mine so i am interested in finding a solution - especially as you can presumably get a free diagnostic from your dealer!

Mine started about 6 months ago around the same time my battery was on the way out. I changed the battery (to an Odyssey) and the problem went away, but came back about 1 month ago.

My symptons are a blank screen as you describe, but then suddenly works maybe a try or two later. Sometimes it will start up after 5 or 10 seconds after being left in the on position. Sometimes turning key all the way back to parking light position seems to help (also gives a red flash from the alarm LED and can turn on the LCD display, but not the back light - very odd). Mine seems to be getting worse so I need to do something about it.

My GS 911 (a fault code reader if you don't know it) tells me the issue is a fault in fuse block 3 that supplies the injectors, coils, immobilizer aerial, and starter relay. I just disconnected the injectors and will see if I get the same problem as I try switching on over the next couple of days, then move on to the other culprits.

Let me know if any news on yours.
Darren

 

[scottpa]

I did have a similar problem last year where I would turn on the ignition, there would be a tiny flicker and then dead. I had to turn the key 2 or 3 times before it would power up and stay on.

I took the bike to the dealer and they plugged the bike into the computer and it reported as an EWS error although the ews had been replaced. The dealer reset the error code and recommended trying a different key. Which I did and have had no problems since.

Try a different key and see if you still have the same problem.

 

[NewDen]

Thanks for the ideas - did wonder about battery (dealer had said he needed to charge the battery once over the Christmas break while it was standing around) which is why I bunged it on an Optimate. Fairly sure the battery is OK though as it soon gets the green light on the Optimate.

Already thought about using the spare key and have just swapped it over so be interested to see if it still happens.

It's under the AUB scheme so if it continues to play up I'll take it to the local dealer.

Not had a bike with all the clever immobilisers and alarm things so just wanted to make sure I wasn't being dumb.

 

[tommygun]

Welcome NewDen! I too came from a Caponord. Just think about the coil failures before you think you made a bad choice

 

[Kremmen]

I've got a MG 1200 sport..... what about the dash displays going blank on them.... definitely better off with a BM

 

[bootlace]

Had this problem! Except that the bike never came alive! Simply died in it's sleep...
Turned out that in the ignition, (key), barrel, instead of having sliding type contacts, as most do, the 12GS has a couple of microswitches. and if one of them is feeling a little 'tired', or has water entry/ corrosion issues or whatever, and you're óut there', you're stuffed! Not really, as long as you've got your key, ya just pull the wires from the back, and twich em together, to get home....

 

[Doofus]

Hi

Just a follow-up on this as I had the same problem as the OP. It is hard to be 100% sure because it is intermittent, but after trying various combinations of things (e.g. disconnecting things on a fuse block my GS-911 kept telling me was "blowing", leaving keys out of bike when not in use and so on), what seems to have fixed it is a simple spray of Maplin's finest conact cleaner down the barrel.

I am surprised the problem seems (fingers crossed) to have just been a dirty switch given the symptons, but there we go.

regards
Darren

 

[RickG]

It sounds like the ignition switch as an EWS failure is reported on the display. If it's covered on a warrenty I'd get it down the dealers and get it sorted before you find it doesn't work when you are in the sticks

 

[AberdeenAngus]

bike seems dead (no juice, no display) - after I turn the key. Tried it a couple of times and no luck. Take key out, wander way come back a minute later, try it again and bingo, fine!

Sounds like a dodgy ignition switch to me.

 

[Snoopy]

I have the same issue only it fires up but the display remains off for a bit, usually 3 seconds or until I pull off.

 

[gary chapman]

I also came from a Capanord no regrets after two years of long distance riding. Saying that the Capo gave me 4 years of great riding just not upto the GS standard.Same problem with ignition as you I think It is down to water ingress into the ignition block as I have a tendency to leave the key in when I wash it.

 

[jailon]

I had this problem on a 750 virago (I sold it to get my GS ), and the cutting out was the same for all power and engine and used it to flicker when you jumped up and down on the seat

after months of fiddling and investigating it turned out to be a glass fuse where the metal had had come away from the glass but everything was testing fine when I put mulitmeter on

maybe worth taking the seat off and wiggling the wires under the seat and behind the ignition to see if you can replicate it

 

[Popell]

I have the same issue only it fires up but the display remains off for a bit, usually 3 seconds or until I pull off.

I find I can't be bothered doing that after taking the time to put the leathers on etc......

 

[Burwickbiker]

Got exactly the same prob with my 06 gs. Started off bein an intermittent prob but now the thing is toally deed. Was it the ignition swith on yours or was it summint more sinister?

Cheers Ali

 

[KevG]

Its the ign swiwitch. easy to swap, Never lubricate with WD40. dont ask how I know.

Kev

 

[Ropey]

Had this several times over the past week... Key to ignition and nothing totally dead. Recycle key sequence and generally it'll start normally maybe needs two or three recycles but has always started...

I tried changing keys but still the same... Only common thing is that on first go to start the ignition bike is totally dead...

Before I go to local dealer to get reamed are there any further ideas??

I'm just back from 7000kms Europe trip and hit a lot of bad weather, Zumo mount died in Italy due water ingress... maybe water got into ignition system

Any ideas appreciated

Cheers,
Jr

 

[Number 6]

Have you tried spraying a liberal amount of WD40 down into the key slot?

 

[Ropey]

Its the ign swiwitch. easy to swap, Never lubricate with WD40. dont ask how I know.

Kev

Not yet... based on the above

 

[NewDen]

Solved

Mine eventually got so bad I opted to take it to dealer who diagnosed faulty ignition switch ands replaced under extended warranty - seems to have solved it (for the moment).