starting problem

[twig]

hi all
my 06 gs has developed an intermittent starting problem, when i say intermittent this problem happens about 1 in every 25 starts and can happen when the bike is cold or warmed up after a lengthy run

turn ignition on with bike on side or centre stand in neutral with neutral light showing
i let it go through all the checks on the display and everything is normal (no faults showing)
press starter button and the starter turns the engine over at usual rate but the bike doesn't fire up.
i will let the starter turn for about 3/4 seconds but it would normally fire pretty much straight away.
i will then turn the ignition off and back on again and let it go through checks again
this time on pressing the starter it will fire straight away

i must add the bike always starts on the second time of asking but its a bit unnerving when it won,t start up straight away
i took it to the dealers yesterday to have it checked out and typically it behaved itself and started everytime. the mechanic checked the fault codes and there was nothing so i am none the wiser

anybody any ideas or had the same problem
cheers

 

[leinsterrugby]

Got the same problem with my '04.

I reckon she might just need a new set of spark plugs. Pull your plugs and check them to make sure that there is no excess carbon build up or the gaps are outside the norm.

 

[scotia_steve]

Battery.

Radom starting issues, had fuel pump replaced but turns out if battery isn't well charged, doesn't always fire up first press.

Stick it on an optimate and see if that helps. At least you could rule it out...

 

[twig]

Battery.

Radom starting issues, had fuel pump replaced but turns out if battery isn't well charged, doesn't always fire up first press.

Stick it on an optimate and see if that helps. At least you could rule it out...

my gut feeling is it might be the fuel pump controller on its way out, but seems strange it only mis-behaves on start up, i was under the impression it would play up when running as well, but maybe ime wrong, maybe someone could put me right on that.

the battery is a 1 year old odyssey and is always connected to a bmw charger when in garage so i would be surprised if that was the problem. the bike can play up after a lengthy run so it should be well charged then.

cheers anyway

 

[Riktus]

I have a similar problem (06 Bike) and have the bike in at Rainbow tomorrow (for the 3rd time!!!) I also thought it was battery but I replaced it with a new oddessy battery and fine for first 3 starts then exhibited exactly the same.
Mine however is a little worse - it happens when cold or warm - approx every 20 to 25 starts. It wont go - just churning over for approx 30 seconds. Stop and try again - usually get the same - now with new battery it goes after 3rd go but then runs like its on one cylinder for about 20 seconds then clears and is fine when running.
I think its a sensor somewhere that just doesnt allow it to pump fuel to both cylinders - its almost as if their is a vacume in the fuel line.

It did it in front of everyone at the Yorkshire Pish up meet and still we could not fathom it. But between that and the front headlamp just going out every so often it makes me affraid to go places (cant trust it at night to get me home) so if they cant cure it this time its going to be traded.
My first new bike and I am dissappointed with it big style....
Rik

 

[twig]

I have a similar problem (06 Bike) and have the bike in at Rainbow tomorrow (for the 3rd time!!!) I also thought it was battery but I replaced it with a new oddessy battery and fine for first 3 starts then exhibited exactly the same.
Mine however is a little worse - it happens when cold or warm - approx every 20 to 25 starts. It wont go - just churning over for approx 30 seconds. Stop and try again - usually get the same - now with new battery it goes after 3rd go but then runs like its on one cylinder for about 20 seconds then clears and is fine when running.
I think its a sensor somewhere that just doesnt allow it to pump fuel to both cylinders - its almost as if their is a vacume in the fuel line.

It did it in front of everyone at the Yorkshire Pish up meet and still we could not fathom it. But between that and the front headlamp just going out every so often it makes me affraid to go places (cant trust it at night to get me home) so if they cant cure it this time its going to be traded.
My first new bike and I am dissappointed with it big style....
Rik

hi riktus
yep sounds like we both have the same problem.
as i mentioned ive had mine at thje dealers and they couldn't find anything wrong as it behaved itself all day (typical)
i would appreciate if you would let me know what rainbow have to say as i believe they have a good reputation and know there stuff.
cheers

 

[Dahoum]

so if they cant cure it this time its going to be traded.
My first new bike and I am dissappointed with it big style....
Rik

Dont do it just for that reason!

There may well be a niggly little fault but usually these get sorted and believe me this is TOO good a bike to let go for tiny reasons.

 

[Riktus]

The bike went in - Rainbow had it all day and tried their best but could not find the problem - to be fair it never played up all day and Steve (Service Manager) spent alot of his valuable time and effort on my problem. He got 2 separate technicians to have a look at it and checked all sensors and possibilities - even re loading software etc and for now would not accept payment for their time until they find what is wrong.

I have to say Rainbow have been brilliant and sorted a problem with my light while it was in without any issues at all. The BMW tech guy was away on holiday and so BMW couldnt help either but Steve has promised to have another go with them when he returns.

For now I will take all details of when and conditions when the problem occurs and see if there are any similarities to the conditions that contribute to the issue.

Rainbow would offer me a deal to change it and extend good will to help me with my problematic trade in - but I have to say I only like the 2 bikes from the current range GS or RT and they both have this engine so I will not be venturing that way (once bitten twice shy). However I am going to give it a little longer yet because apart from the problem I have, I absolutely love the bike and its ability and cant think of anything i would like as an alternative - I did look at the Honda Pan today and have even ventured into booking a test ride in 2 weeks but I have to be honest unless the bike was to grow on me I cant say I am Inspired by it.

Rik

 

[OldCroc]

my gut feeling is it might be the fuel pump controller on its way out, but seems strange it only mis-behaves on start up, i was under the impression it would play up when running as well, but maybe ime wrong, maybe someone could put me right on that.

I agree. Mine had some starting issues just as you have explained before the FPC gave up completely. Since replaced no problems at all. I do not think this fault shows on any diagnostics.
For what its worth I would have it changed. Then keep the old one as a spare.....

OldCroc