no lights-not anything

[Brad Badgett]

This eve, hopped on the '96 to meet my 'better-half'.  Turned the key on- the lights came on maybe a sec., hit the starter button, then a pop from under the seat(?).  Tried the key switch again- nada.  I have checked all 10 &15 amp fuses along with the 30 amp behind the battery.  If I recall, this has happened to other MOOTsters.  Any and all advise will be helpful.  Battery?   The '96 may be telling me not to ride it until I replace the very bald rear tire ( a 14" strip of cord is visible)!  

Brad Badgett
MOOT #164
1996 VF750C
OK Region

[Magnum Magna]

The '96 may be telling me not to ride it until I replace the very bald rear tire ( a 14" strip of cord is visible)!  

Have you removed the seat to look for anything that does not look right.


   
I may not be the best example but I don't ride til the cords show, but I do go until one tread is gone and has started wearing on a valley.

[Brad Badgett]

This happened about 6:30 this eve.  About 7:30, took the seat off and checked the 30 amp fuse.  About 9:30, my 'better-half' came out in the garage to see if I was having any luck.  I turned the key  on and the lights came on, so I hit the starter, a sound like a short, then no lights.  I turned the key off, then on again, lights working, hit starter, fires right up.  I repeated starting several more times- no more problem.  May be the key switch or starter button shorting?

Brad Badgett
MOOT #164
1996 VF750C
OK Region

[silveradocowboy]

Sounds like the solenoid.

[Magnum Magna]

Make sure your battery terminals are tight using a wrench not a screwdriver.  Every thing except the pop happened to me.

[Greg Cothern]

This exact symptom happened to Devin last year.  It was the battery....  I bet ya a plug nickle thats the culprit!!!!!

[Brad Badgett]

The battery looks like its been in there awhile- very dusty.  Tomorrow, I'll have it tested.  Thanks.

Brad Badgett
MOOT #164
1996 VF750C
OK Region

[Charles S Otwell]

While your on the electrical system check list don't for get to check both ends of the ground for loose connections..

[TLRam1]

My vote is on the battery also and/or a loose battery connection but think it will be the battery.

[EnglishMagna]

While your on the electrical system check list don't for get to check both ends of the ground for loose connections..

It could well be a lose connction, when I first got mine home I sat on it proud as punch in the drive and asked nee dragged the family over to worship my new toy and with various neighbours looking over I hit the starter button and was ready to impress all. Only nothing happened except for a quiet fizzing sound from under the seat, it turned out one of the conections was lose on the solenoid. A quick twirl of a spanner cured all  

[Magnum Magna]

The second time it happened to me. I was getting it all cleaned up for a parade and had the seat off.  I gave it a quick start. It started OK, but smoke come off the positive battery terminal.

[Brad Badgett]

Had the battery checked today- had 1 or more cells dead.  Being Sunday, and O'Reillys nor AutoZone had the right battery, found one at Wal-Mart.
New battery seems to have fixed the problem.

Brad Badgett
MOOT #164
1996 VF750C
OK Region

[Magnum Magna]

Great.  I always hate a problem that just goes away, because you now it will come back at the worst time.

[Greg Cothern]

That problem went away cause the problem was replaced!