Starter switch help

Prof_Carl · 11-03-2021, 08:36 AM

Hi everyone...first post for a new member. I've had my GZ250 for almost a decade and it was always so reliable. In 2019, however, it started having issues where, occasionally, where it wouldn't start. Pressing the starter switch (not sure if that's the right term, so the right handle assembly, red toggle switch to crank the engine) would get no sound or clicking. Every time, or nearly every time, it was after I had ridden to work or out to meet a friend.

Well, the pandemic hit, my normal mechanic shut down his place, and well, I let the bike sit till this fall. I found a new mechanic, replaced the battery, drained and refilled the tank, changed the oil, new plug, and then the new mechanic I found replaced the carburetor assembly. I got it back, and it ran great...till the third time out. Rode to work, then later, came out, nothing. Was able to push start it, and it ran fine home. Three days later (had a weekend trip), got on it and it started simply.

As I thought about it, a common aspect of most times when this happened was moisture or rain. Last time, it had rained while I was in work, and even though I parked under a cover, moisture was certainly in the air.

Am I correct in thinking that the switch could be bad or that there could be an electrical issue with it? Again, when this happens, I press the starter button and nothing...no sound, no clicking, nothing...and every time it will push start and run.
If so, is changing it something that can be done (I have several long-time biker friends who have the mechanical gear)?
If so, does anyone know the specific part I need? I've check online and am not confident in what I am seeing.

Searching the web led me here, which I am happy to have found, and thought someone here would know. I know I can take it back to the mechanic, but was hoping to avoid that if possible. But also don't want to get into some tricky thing where I can't get the assembly off or its some massively time-consuming project that will take me far longer than the mechanic.

Thank you for any help.

Vegas Street Rider · 11-03-2021, 11:54 AM

First, welcome to the forum.

As to your issue, you might try buying some electrical contact cleaner and spraying it around your starter switch. In a high moisture climate, sometimes the contacts get corroded and won't complete the circuit. I have never taken the module apart, but if you do, be careful to not lose small parts that may fall out.

If all else fails, the switch assembly is available on Partzilla for $125. The part number is 37200-13FBO. Good luck.

Prof_Carl · 11-03-2021, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vegas Street Rider

First, welcome to the forum.

As to your issue, you might try buying some electrical contact cleaner and spraying it around your starter switch. In a high moisture climate, sometimes the contacts get corroded and won't complete the circuit. I have never taken the module apart, but if you do, be careful to not lose small parts that may fall out.

If all else fails, the switch assembly is available on Partzilla for $125. The part number is 37200-13FBO. Good luck.

Thank you Vegas...is there a way to test to see if, after using electrical contact cleaner, its fixed? I feel like there's not. Part of what I am facing right now is the fear of riding out only to get back on later and have it not start. I was so discouraged, after getting it back from the shop, for that same issue to happen so soon. Just makes me gun-shy that I can't count on it working when, like most people, I need it to run (to get to an appointment or to get home to help my wife, etc...).

I love the idea of using something like contact cleaner as a far easier and cheaper strategy than a full replacement.

Vegas Street Rider · 11-03-2021, 05:19 PM

You need to let it set for a bit and then work your starter switch several times so that the contact points get the solution on them. There are no guarantees it will work if the switch is actually bad, but it might work and save you some serious coin.

Fortunately, it is very dry here in the desert and those issues don't usually come up. These contact cleaners will dry quickly so you are not looking at a lot of time before testing the switch.

**jonathan180iq** · 11-04-2021, 01:52 PM

Alcohol displaces water and is a great contact cleaner, if you want a safe little product that will quickly evaporate. Use a whole quart for $0.88!

Prof_Carl · 11-05-2021, 11:52 AM

Thank you everyone. Part and supplies are ordered and hopefully, before Thanksgiving all will be well. I will let you know.

Vegas Street Rider · 11-05-2021, 01:35 PM

Out of curiosity, did you try the contact cleaner?

11-03-2021, 08:36 AM	#1
Prof_Carl Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2021 Posts: 3	Starter switch help Hi everyone...first post for a new member. I've had my GZ250 for almost a decade and it was always so reliable. In 2019, however, it started having issues where, occasionally, where it wouldn't start. Pressing the starter switch (not sure if that's the right term, so the right handle assembly, red toggle switch to crank the engine) would get no sound or clicking. Every time, or nearly every time, it was after I had ridden to work or out to meet a friend. Well, the pandemic hit, my normal mechanic shut down his place, and well, I let the bike sit till this fall. I found a new mechanic, replaced the battery, drained and refilled the tank, changed the oil, new plug, and then the new mechanic I found replaced the carburetor assembly. I got it back, and it ran great...till the third time out. Rode to work, then later, came out, nothing. Was able to push start it, and it ran fine home. Three days later (had a weekend trip), got on it and it started simply. As I thought about it, a common aspect of most times when this happened was moisture or rain. Last time, it had rained while I was in work, and even though I parked under a cover, moisture was certainly in the air. Am I correct in thinking that the switch could be bad or that there could be an electrical issue with it? Again, when this happens, I press the starter button and nothing...no sound, no clicking, nothing...and every time it will push start and run. If so, is changing it something that can be done (I have several long-time biker friends who have the mechanical gear)? If so, does anyone know the specific part I need? I've check online and am not confident in what I am seeing. Searching the web led me here, which I am happy to have found, and thought someone here would know. I know I can take it back to the mechanic, but was hoping to avoid that if possible. But also don't want to get into some tricky thing where I can't get the assembly off or its some massively time-consuming project that will take me far longer than the mechanic. Thank you for any help. Login or Register to Remove Ads
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11-03-2021, 05:19 PM	#4
Vegas Street Rider Senior Member Join Date: May 2015 Location: Henderson, NV Posts: 1,089	You need to let it set for a bit and then work your starter switch several times so that the contact points get the solution on them. There are no guarantees it will work if the switch is actually bad, but it might work and save you some serious coin. Fortunately, it is very dry here in the desert and those issues don't usually come up. These contact cleaners will dry quickly so you are not looking at a lot of time before testing the switch. Last edited by Vegas Street Rider; 11-03-2021 at 05:27 PM.
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11-04-2021, 01:52 PM	#5
jonathan180iq Super Moderator Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Dalton, GA Posts: 3,996	Alcohol displaces water and is a great contact cleaner, if you want a safe little product that will quickly evaporate. Use a whole quart for $0.88! Login or Register to Remove Ads
	1

11-03-2021, 11:54 AM	#2
Vegas Street Rider Senior Member Join Date: May 2015 Location: Henderson, NV Posts: 1,089	First, welcome to the forum. As to your issue, you might try buying some electrical contact cleaner and spraying it around your starter switch. In a high moisture climate, sometimes the contacts get corroded and won't complete the circuit. I have never taken the module apart, but if you do, be careful to not lose small parts that may fall out. If all else fails, the switch assembly is available on Partzilla for $125. The part number is 37200-13FBO. Good luck.
	0

11-05-2021, 11:52 AM	#6
Prof_Carl Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2021 Posts: 3	Thank you everyone. Part and supplies are ordered and hopefully, before Thanksgiving all will be well. I will let you know.
	0

11-05-2021, 01:35 PM	#7
Vegas Street Rider Senior Member Join Date: May 2015 Location: Henderson, NV Posts: 1,089	Out of curiosity, did you try the contact cleaner?
	1