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Honda CM400t no start
Posted: Sun Jun 24, 2007 4:49 pm
by FontMX
I have a 1981 Honda CM400T that refuses to start. When I turn to ignition, nothing happens when I press the start button. There are no clicks or anything. The oil light comes on, the blinkers work, and the brake light works. The headlight doesn't come on either. The battery is new with a full charge and the fuses are good. Can anyone help me troubleshoot this so I'm not swapping out components and wasting money. Thanks
Jeremy
Posted: Sun Jun 24, 2007 4:51 pm
by Sev
Check for a loose connection in the starter circuit.
It should go:
battery positive - wire - relay - wire - starter ground. If anything in there is loose oryour bike will not start.
It's also possible that on a bike that old the relay has just died. Not really sure how you'd check that though
Posted: Sun Jun 24, 2007 5:13 pm
by FontMX
Thanks I'll check it out tomorrow. That was quick!
Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2007 5:54 pm
by FontMX
Solenoid was bad. Just jumpered it and it started right up. This bike is going to be a great investment.
Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2007 1:19 am
by thespirit
For what it's worth, you can save some money by just buying a solenoid for a garden tractor. They work the same (at least on *most* bikes).
Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2007 2:49 am
by Sev
Cool. on finding the problem so fast, and cool that you can use a garden tractor one to replace it!
Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2007 4:56 am
by thespirit
I didn't realize you could use one until I had one go. Replacements for the OEM one were in the $50 range. Someone had told me to look for a tractor supply store and just ask them for a start solenoid. Hooked it up, and away I went. Never had a problem with it. They are all pretty much the same anyway. Just different sizes so you may have to find a different way to mount it. Mine was easy since it was just one bolt.
Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2007 6:27 pm
by FontMX
I just bought the bike Sunday from someone off of ebay for $280. For the past 2 months he couldn't get the bike started, so he just wanted to get rid of it. Picked it up late Sunday, looked over it real quick then put it in the garage, got home from work yesterday, first thing I tried was the solenoid and it fired up instantly. This is my first street bike and I am stoked. Can't wait to hit the road with it. I still need to get my motorcycle license. Does it sound like a good deal or what. I'm going to do a really good tune up on it. I read all the replies talking about the tractor solenoidtoo late, because I bid on a solenoid and won it for $20. It's the cheapest I've seen so far. Not sure the price of a tractor one though. Good to know for the future. Thanks for the advice.
