S4 electrical problem

[stephen]

Don't know if anyone has any help to offer on this one as I'm starting to tear my hair out a bit!

A few weeks ago I had a problem preventing starting. I would just get a click and the ignition lights would go out or flicker. I thought it was the starter solonoid, which I replaced and it was fine for a while. However, it happened again today and then suddenly rectified itself again (possibly with the help of some jiggling around of some wires).

I have also discovered that the kill switch doesn't work, does not kill the engine. Dont know if thats conected.

It seems like a poor contact or a relay playing up to me but if anyone has any ideas, I'd appreciate it

[stephen]

I don't expect a flood of replies, honest! It's one of those faults that what you really want is a bit of luck.

I've just had another poke about and not found anything. I now can't replicate the fault, which is annoying after bump starting it several times this morning!

I've checked out the kill switch that does not (kill) and the switch seems to work, ie stops stops voltage to one contact, but still doesn't prevent starting. Anyone know how this circuit works?

[stephen]

I don't expect a flood of replies, honest! It's one of those faults that what you really want is a bit of luck.

I've just had another poke about and not found anything. I now can't replicate the fault, which is annoying after bump starting it several times this morning!

I've checked out the kill switch that does not (kill) and the switch seems to work, ie stops stops voltage to one contact, but still doesn't prevent starting. Anyone know how this circuit works?

[analogue_rogue]

that sounds likea bad earth mate.. start searching and cleaning your earths.. specifically around the kill switch circuit....

[motojohn]

Bad earth got the same with my s4 ,it appears that it is in the connector block as after giving it a twist it worked :bunny:

[uksurfer]

might be worth trying to 'wiggle' wires around the immobiliser too, mines played up previously, due to the immobiliser

[stephen]

Thanks for the pointers. Going to attack it again with a positive attitude.

Confession; the kill switch works! Red herring I'm afraid. Call me daft, but I'd forgot that it doesn't prevent it turning over, just stops it firing. Doh!

[Capo]

Mine (04 S4R) kills every thing Don't ask me how I know.

[analogue_rogue]

mine stops the whole lot (m600)

[Phatty]

Check the main battery earth where it joins the back if the crank case on the right hand side.

[slipperyweeguy]

And also check that the cables are really tightly connected to the battery terminals. Even slightly loose will cause the symptom you described.

[animaluk]

if its any help i had all these problems with mine batt draining and imobliser not working bike just losing power

Turned out to be a duff regulator/rectifer brought a new aftermarket one fitted and its like a new bike

[stephen]

Thanks to all who advised me.
The fault hadn't reocurred until today having tried it several times a day for a week.
Turned out to be main earth connection to the engine, so big thanks Phatty in particular. Happy boy, cheers.

[analogue_rogue]

aw dammit i said bad earth gimme a little thanks at least :P

[stephen]

Sorry, credit to you too analogue!

[analogue_rogue]

woohoooooo :D