1981 yamaha xj550 maxim needs help please

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xj550 · #1 Unread post by **xj550** » Tue Aug 25, 2009 7:01 am

When I push the starter button the starter doesn't engauge and the oil level light, on the gauge cluster, illuminates. The oil is fresh and right inbetween the two marks. Any ideas as to why?

Johnj · #2 Unread post by **Johnj** » Tue Aug 25, 2009 2:16 pm

The oil is in between the lines because somebody put the correct amount in. And that isn't why the starter doesn't work. Your bike most likely needs to be in neutral and don't pull in the clutch. You could also have a problem with the starter switch or even the starter itself.

xj550 · #3 Unread post by **xj550** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 6:27 am

Johnj wrote:The oil is in between the lines because somebody put the correct amount in. And that isn't why the starter doesn't work. Your bike most likely needs to be in neutral and don't pull in the clutch. You could also have a problem with the starter switch or even the starter itself.

Yes that somebody would of been myself.

The bike is definately in neutral and no I am not pulling the clutch in. The starter switch is working as I can hear the starter solenoid click when pressed and released.

The battery was a little low from playing with it yesterday so I hooked it up to a charger and charged it.

This morning i put the battery back in and tried starting it. The first time I pressed the starter button, same thing, just the red "oil level" light came on. Second time the starter engauged and started the bike, so I shut the bike off. Third, fourth, fith, and so on nothing, just that oil level light illuminating.

Does anyone know how the oil level light works ... maybe the sensor, if it has one, is malfunctioning.

Thanks for the help in advance as I would love to get back on the road.

xj550 · #4 Unread post by **xj550** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 6:48 am

New information to add to the puzzle. I tried bypassing the starter relay and the starter engauged which started the bike right away. So with this said is it safe to say that the sarter relay in toast?

Amdonim · #5 Unread post by **Amdonim** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 7:10 am

Is it an oil level light or an oil pressure light.If it's a pressure light, it should always come on when the ignition is on and the engine isn't running. If it IS level, then I have no idea.

xj550 · #6 Unread post by **xj550** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 7:21 am

On the gauge cluster it has stamped "oil level" under the light, so one can only assume.

BuzZz · #7 Unread post by **BuzZz** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 7:30 am

The oil light should just be in 'test' mode when the key is on and the bike isn't running yet, to show that the bulb works.

It sounds like you got a bad battery or a bad connection between the battery and the stater, either in the power or ground side. Loosen, check, clean and re-tighten every connection you can find in the starter circuit. If that don't get it, get your battery tested.

xj550 · #8 Unread post by **xj550** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 8:40 am

BuzZz wrote:It sounds like you got a bad connection between the battery and the stater, either in the power or ground side. Loosen, check, clean and re-tighten every connection you can find in the starter circuit. If that don't get it, get your battery tested.

That is exactly what I have started to do. Does anyone know where the neutral switch is located on my '81 XJ550 Maxim?

Johnj · #9 Unread post by **Johnj** » Thu Aug 27, 2009 3:50 am

I'd have to bet on the side of the transmission, close to the front sprocket.

Do you have a manual for your bike?

xj550 · #10 Unread post by **xj550** » Thu Aug 27, 2009 5:17 am

Well after going through the entire starting circuit I finally found the problem. The previous owner had redone the fuse box and never soddered any of the connections, which one came loose.

Thanks for all the help guys. I have learned a lot more about my bike!!!