Dead in Ontario

Rodneypieon · Aug 4, 2016

Went to ride home from work last night and bike started fine - moved it out of truck bay and went back in to get gear on. Came back out to start it up again and no dash lights no headlight no nothing except the aux power plug works. Brought my battery charger in today and it shows battery is full. Both main fuses checked and fine. Any ideas what might be going on before I have it towed to dealer ? I have no tools at work either other than bike tool kit.

Forgot - battery OEM about 5 years old but tendered with trickle charger when not riding

Thanks

Mellow · Aug 4, 2016

Could be gunk in the starter switch - some have sprayed wd-40 in that area into the controls and it's helped.. However, no dash lights makes me believe it's a ground issue...

Even though no fuses are blowing, might still be this issue:
https://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?77922-ST1300-Intermittent-blown-fuses-caused-by-wire-rub

STrangr · Aug 4, 2016

Open up the switch cover on the right side for the engine start and kill switch and check the cables there. I had the same issue on my CBR600 and turned out a cable there had broken loose from the solder. As soon as I touched the cable to the solder connection she started right up. I managed to solder it as a temporary fix and then replaced the switch as I wasn't confident in my solder skills.
Worth a try Hope this helps.

Rodneypieon · Aug 4, 2016

Thanks Joe !

Rodneypieon · Aug 4, 2016

Thanks !

jmcarruth · Aug 4, 2016

The first thing I would do is check both ends of each battery cable for looseness and corrosion.
The next thing is the battery. AGMs are known to fail without notice and a charger is not a good indicator. You need to do a load test. 5yrs is pushing it big time on a ST1300 battery.
If both of these check out, you have a more complicated issue. I agree that the starter switch is the next thing to look at.

Rodneypieon · Aug 4, 2016

jmcarruth said:
The first thing I would do is check both ends of each battery cable for looseness and corrosion.
The next thing is the battery. AGMs are known to fail without notice and a charger is not a good indicator. You need to do a load test. 5yrs is pushing it big time on a ST1300 battery.
If both of these check out, you have a more complicated issue. I agree that the starter switch is the next thing to look at.

Thanks John Battery cables checked and cleaned, now I have the clock on AUX mode but still nothing on the ON position. Don't have tools for a load test but now I have time as my local dealer is 2 weeks backed up in their shop. To be truthful will have to google load test don't know where to start.

drrod · Aug 4, 2016

Take the battery out and take it to most any automotive shop. They can load test it on the bench.
If I had to bet, my money would be on the battery. I have had a couple fail without notice. Virtually same symptoms as yours. As said earlier, 5 yrs is pushing it.
First (and simplest) place to start looking IMO.

Rod

MidLife · Aug 4, 2016

Rodneypieon said:
Thanks John Battery cables checked and cleaned, now I have the clock on AUX mode but still nothing on the ON position. Don't have tools for a load test but now I have time as my local dealer is 2 weeks backed up in their shop. To be truthful will have to google load test don't know where to start.

Had batteries failing just like you describe. Was still able to jump start though. What about you?

Byron · Aug 4, 2016

I know you double checked the kill switch, right?

Rodneypieon · Aug 4, 2016

No tools at work, haven't been able to check the kill switch yet. Now I know how to load test the battery though ! I'll start there and then try the other suggestions, thank you everyone !

Byron · Aug 4, 2016

Rodneypieon said:
No tools at work, haven't been able to check the kill switch yet. Now I know how to load test the battery though ! I'll start there and then try the other suggestions, thank you everyone !

No tools required, just make sure the kill switch (red one) is in the run position. Since the bike was running and suddenly wouldn't start a short time later, the kill switch gets bumped without realizing it.

CYYJ · Aug 4, 2016

I don't think that the kill switch is a potential cause, because the OP stated in the first post that the dash lights & headlight did not operate. Those items will operate normally even if the kill switch is in the off position.

Michael

RaYzerman · Aug 4, 2016

Rod, I'm in Muskoka right now, will be home Friday afternoon.... I'll bring some tools, and trailer in case we need to bring it to my shop where we can dig into it further if necessary.... how about the common ground under the tank.... dunno, just fishing.....

CYYJ · Aug 5, 2016

If you need a new battery, www.saskbattery.com has the best prices in Canada - a little under CAD $200 for a Yausa, shipping included.

Michael

Rodneypieon · Aug 5, 2016

Well the verdict is in. Took battery to local shop for free load test -battery pooched. New one in since I am impatient and the bike is running.
Thanks again for all the help. My last gel pack hinted it was going but this one went from fine to zero in one turn of the key.

gmtech94 · Aug 5, 2016

I have had that happen a couple of times especially in this heat ,most annoying and inconvenient . Glad you have the problem solved .

Malks · Aug 5, 2016

Rodneypieon said:
Well the verdict is in. Took battery to local shop for free load test -battery pooched. New one in since I am impatient and the bike is running.
Thanks again for all the help. My last gel pack hinted it was going but this one went from fine to zero in one turn of the key.

Good to hear you got things sorted out. Now get out there and pick up the Ontario TAG and A to Z photos!

Snave · Aug 5, 2016

CYYJ said:
If you need a new battery, www.saskbattery.com has the best prices in Canada - a little under CAD $200 for a Yausa, shipping included.
Michael

CA$200 - ouch ! I got a non-Yuasa from a Honda dealer for about CA$90 three years ago. Still going strong.

Dead in Ontario

Rodney

Joe

Mike O.

Rodney

Rodney

Rodney

Rodney

Michael

Michael

Rodney