Intermittent starting problems on pointy

[Maverick9999]

Hi there,

I've had a look through past threads regarding the problem and the descriptions aren't quite same as the problem I have been having so I've created a new thread.

I've had the SV650 a few weeks now and I have noticed, on two occasions I have tried to start the bike in the morning, that although the starter seems to work, the engine doesn't seem to want to start. When I release the starter button, the FI light and the oil light in the LED display come on. Thinking it was the battery, I tried to rev the engine a little to jump it into life whilst pressing the starter button. It starts, the revs climb as I blipped the throttle and then it dies. Then the same lights come on.

The only thing that seems to make it start after this is to turn the ignition off, wait a while and then turn it back on.

Would anyone have an idea of what this might be? I have noticed that the gear changes, especially getting into neutral are quite sticky and the oil was changed 8 months ago by the last owner. The oil level is bang in the middle of the two indicators on the oil window so I don't think it's low on oil. Could it be that the oil is just old and not warm enough on cold starts? It rides fine after it gets started. Will try to change the oil this weekend to see if it helps but I want to check I am not damaging the bike in the meanwhile or that it is a problem with electronics etc....

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance...

[ophic]

does flicking the kill switch off then on again cure the problem?

[simesb]

Been out in the rain recently? Sounds a bit like it is only running on one...

[Maverick9999]

@ophic : I haven't tried doing this. Are you suggesting I flick it on/off when I have the problem again, with the key still in the ignition ON position?

@simesb : I haven't ridden it in particularly wet weather. Are you suggesting it's only running on one cylinder? ouch! how come?

[ophic]

@ophic : I haven't tried doing this. Are you suggesting I flick it on/off when I have the problem again, with the key still in the ignition ON position?

@simesb : I haven't ridden it in particularly wet weather. Are you suggesting it's only running on one cylinder? ouch! how come?
Yeah that's what I mean.

I'd expect it to sound significantly different when it fires, if it was running on one cylinder.

[Maverick9999]

I'll have a go next time the problem occurs. What's the theory behind this? That the cutoff switch resets the electronics?

[simesb]

I'd expect it to sound significantly different when it fires, if it was running on one cylinder.

I missed the bit about it being fine once started :( When one one, you do hear the difference, but it also won't rev.

[LK-SV]

Strange .... ever had that ....

Urm ... is the starter motor spinning, and the engine not firing ?? or does it sound like the starter motor isn't giving it enough of a kick ??

I'd consider sticking the battery on to charge, just to check its giving it all the beans !!!

Other possibility is a little bit of dirt occasionally gets stuck somewhere .... possibly pulled through when it was run dry ??

The lights are natural ignition lights .... nothing to worry about there ....

[Maverick9999]

From what I can tell, the starter sounds like it is working O.K. but I won't be able to tell if the battery is in a good state til I put a multimeter across it this weekend.

I presume I am starting it correctly? I turn the ignition on and wait for all the test lights to turn off and even wait for the low-volume whine, from what I presume is the fuel pump, to stop. Then pull in the clutch and press the ignition....

I hope it's not the start of a bigger problem developing :(

[ophic]

I'll have a go next time the problem occurs. What's the theory behind this? That the cutoff switch resets the electronics?
It has the same effect as turning off the ignition and turning it on again, in some cases. The switch can sometimes get dirty contacts, causing some odd starting problems.

Next stage would be to find out the fault code. Do you know how to rig up the dealer mode switch?

[Maverick9999]

Thinking about the conditions that may have caused this problem, both instances when the problem has happened so far have been when the bike was run for only a few minutes (1-2mins) the last time it was started. The next time it is started, whether it is a few minutes later or after it has been left overnight, I have got the problem described. I don't know if this helps...

@ophic: I would if I knew what it was lol. I'll look through the threads... is it complicated?

[LK-SV]

I wouldn't panic too much ... twice in how many cold and frosty mornings ??

What happens if you try it immediately after it stalls ?? Does it not start ?? How long do you have to wait ??

[Maverick9999]

This thread seems to suggest the tool ophic is refering to is just a piece of wire to short the two connectors...

http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=55459&highlight=dealer+mode+switch

I presume code displayed is the last known fault registered?

@LK-SV: I've been content with how it starts normally, having only had it for a few weeks I am paranoid about any squeak rattle and problem that I notice. If I try to start it immediately after it stalls, the starter just keeps whirling away and the engine doesn't seem to make any noise, until I turn off the ignition and try again. I'll pay more attention the next time it does this, hopefully a long while from now :)

[ophic]

@ophic: I would if I knew what it was lol. I'll look through the threads... is it complicated?
quite simple. Look here:
http://www.sv650.org/sv_faq.htm#Adjusting%20the%20Throttle%20Position%2 0Sensor%20(TPS)%20on%20a%202003%20-%20SV
Ignore the bits about TPS. It's the fault codes you're after.

[LK-SV]

:-) I know all abot new bike paranoia.

So, if you turn it off, and on again it starts fine ???

I'm no expert but it's obviously some fuelling/choke thing to do with starting stopping it whilst its still on choke cycle ... the reason you need to turn it off and on again is so the fuel pump can prime itself again after its stalled .... I think thats pretty normal, and nothing to worry about..

..... but I'd be suprised if you found any fault codes ...

[ophic]

:-) I know all abot new bike paranoia.

So, if you turn it off, and on again it starts fine ???

I'm no expert but it's obviously some fuelling/choke thing to do with starting stopping it whilst its still on choke cycle ... the reason you need to turn it off and on again is so the fuel pump can prime itself again after its stalled .... I think thats pretty normal, and nothing to worry about..

..... but I'd be suprised if you found any fault codes ...
yer wot? :confused:

[Maverick9999]

As I like to tinker a little, I'll try out the dealer mode tool just out of interest. Will keep you posted.