Honda RT5000 won't crank from Ign switch

[jmperkins]

After a long cold winter, my '87 Honda RT5000 just makes a single click sound when ignition switch is in starter cranking position. At first I thought the battery was low from sitting around in the cold but I can cross the starter terminal posts and the starter will crank.

It looks like there is a 'box' that has three wires going into it that sets between the ignition switch and the starter and is mounted behind the dash. It looks like a control module. Can anyone tell me what this is and how to test it?
It sounds like the 'click' noise is coming from it.

Also, the red light on the dash flashes on when I turn the key on but then goes out where as I believe it is supposed to stay on when the ign switch is on.

All fuses are good. I smell gas when jumping starter connections to crank but engine doesn't fire so I a assuming no ignition coming thru...

 

[dcyrilc]

I'm guessing it to be a starter relay of some kind.

And welcome to TBN. :welcome:

 

[jmperkins]

Thank you, Cyril, for the welcome and the reply as I was thinking and hoping it also to be associated with opening the circuit to the starter motor!

Anyone know where I might find a replacement relay if that is the culprit. I hope it is as it is a lot easier to get to than the ignition switch.

Regards,
Joe

 

[banjodunn]

G'day Joe and as Cyril said welcome to TBN, have you checked the starter relay ( the one you crossed the term to get cranking) the small trigger wire should have power when you try to crank, if not try to follow the wiring to look for safety switches. Goood luck

 

[brain55]

I know this may sound silly. But, have you checked the oil level. I don't know the particular equipment you are working on, but a lot of Honda's have an oil level sensor. I know my pull start equipment won't start if the oil is low. Not sure if they interlock the starter circuit or the ignition circuit on start-up on the electric start engines. It might be worth a try, could save you a headache.

Brian

 

[jmperkins]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. Yes, I'll check for an oil level sensor i.e. check my oil level and also trace wires back from my solenoid.

 

[pleiku]

Hi, I also have an RT5000 with the exact starting problems. Thinking the problem was in the starter, I removed and disassemble it. Cleaned all the parts and put it back on. Still had the same problem. I then purchased a new ignition switch from Honda ($100), installed it. This helped the problem a little, but did not fix it. So, believing it must be the solenoid I went back to Honda. They wanted $60...I did not buy it. I found one at Lowes for $12 which worked fine after making it fit with some effort. The starting problem again slightly improved, but still there. So, the only thing left is replacing the starter itself. I'm currently looking for an overhaul kit for the starter but will probably end up buying a starter. My advice to you is buy the starter first. Hope this helps.