intermitant fault!!!

[newman7096]

This has happened three times now! I go out on my bike and then stop, turn of the ignition and walk away....... On returning I turn on the ignition and press the electric start and the bike starts first time but... the starter is stuck on making an almighty row! I turn the ignition off immediately and turn it back on again and as soon as I turn the key it starts on its own!!!! Again starter still stuck on! Also while its doing this my headlight ceases to work leaving me stranded. Any attempt to ride the bike results in lots of unpleasent squealing!!!!! I push the ike a few 100yards and try again and bingo everything is ok, lights now work again!!

As I said it doesn't do it all the time. I returned home this morning and gave the electric start switch a spray of wd40 just in case the switch is somehow sticking.

Any ideas???????????????

Its a 2002 7500 miler R1150 GS.

PaulNewman

 

[boxer]

Sounds like a stuck relay/switch somewhere.

I believe there's a relay that disconnects the headlight when the start button is pressed so IMO it's a relay thing problem.

If your bike is still under warranty get it to a dealer. With a bit o' luck it should take 10min to identify the fault and replace a relay.

 

[THE PICT]

Happened to me once but never had a problem since.

 

[gazza]

Starter Relay

Paul here is the starter relay.

 

[newman7096]

Thanx!

Thanks for your help everyone!

I will investigate....

If water had got in do you think this would cause it?

 

[(RIP) sherpa]

STARTER STICKING

IF THE STARTER MOTOR IS STICKING 'ON' THEN THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE SOLENOID WHICH KICKS IN THE STARTER. IT IS BEHIND THE COVER ON THE LEFT WHERE THE 12 VOLT ACCESORY SOCKET IS. THE STARTER MOTOR IS JUST LIKE A CAR ONE SO UNBOLT IT AND CLEAN UP THE BENDIX GEAR. HOPE THIS HELPS
SHERPA

 

[Howard Millichap]

Yeah. I agree with Sherpa. Starter solenoid or sticky bendix.
Don't worry about the lights going out. It is just a symptom rather than a cause. i.e. when the starter circuit is engaged, the "load shedding relay" comes into effect, turning the lights off to give more power to the starter.
Have you tried blipping the throttle sharply when this happens. My theory is that if you get the engine faster than the starter motor, it might disengage.

 

[littleredrooster]

Sounds like an electrical problem from your description. If the starter motor re-engages after the ignition has been turned off and on again, then something, somewhere is energising the circuit. Thorough check needed of starter switch, loom from handlebars and relay, methinks.

If the bike is under warranty, I would return it pronto before any damage is done - starter motors are not designed to be driven by a running engine; I know of a car starter motor which exploded like a grenade when it wouldn't disengage and the owner revved the engine. Pre-engaged starter motors like ours will not disengage when the engine is revved - they have a simple clutch mechanism which is supposed to prevent the engine from driving the starter motor, but are a bit primitive and don't always work.

 

[newman7096]

Much scratching of head!

I can't find anything obvious wrong with the bike and its been working perfectly since. I think a vist to my dealer on my rest days may be needed. Everytime I go use the bike im always concerened it may leave me stranded!! Although it has only done it three times in six months!!!

Oh well it will give me an opportunity to try out my new dealer in Northampton!!

Paul Newman

 

[Kenny Rodkiss]

Sticky starter button on the handlebar?

 

[adamski49]

As above, I would say this sounds like the starter relay.

I had a K75s in the past that did this twice and unfortunately turning the ignition off didn't solve it and I had to strip the bike to get to the battery and remove the live feed from the terminal before it either drained the battery or burned out the starter motor.

Smart arse mechanic "fixed" the problem by shorting a battery over the terminals apparently, but this turned out to be a temporary fix and when it happened again six months later I was surprisingly swift at removing the live feed. I ordered a new relay (relatively small money compared to a mechanic) and fitted it myself.

Having said that, if it turns off with the ignition either BMW have redesigned the starter wiring to overcome dodgy relays or it's the button on the handlebars.

I'd be interested to know the outcome.

Cheers

Adam

 

[newman7096]

Wollaston

Visited Wollaston's of Northampton today for the first time since defecting from Clarkes of Birmingham!

Utterly FANTASTIC!!!

Friendly, Helpfull and Knowledgeable!

They stated the starter motor poblem could be a sticking starter button and said that they have had a few incidents like this with the new style switch gear!! They went onto say that if I have any further problems they would not hesitate to replace any parts under warranty including thew switchgear!

Whilst I was there they looked over my bike and discovered my front brake discs were pitted and black as aresult of my brakes jamming on a few weks ago. Clarkes refused to replace these under warranty but Wollaston stated they should've done and are going to replace both front discs, pads and fluid under warranty. Spot on!!

It took me a while to find them but it was well worth the trip. I would seriously recommend them.


Paul Newman