Intermittent start

[stonelake]

I recently got a B1700 HST with only 948 hrs on it. Sometimes when I turn the start switch it only clicks but after a few tries it will start. I'm thinking maybe the start switch needs to be replaced or somewhere down the line a safety switch may be the cause. The battery is good and I'm going to check all electrical connections and grounds. I purchased a workshop manual online PFD file but it doesn't have a wiring diagram or location schematic of the components. What I have found online doesn't allow me to print the wiring diagram large enough to be very useful and I haven't been able to locate a location/picture document online. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Roadworthy]

You may be over thinking the issue. If it clicks when you hit the starter all the safeties have probably been satisfied. Cleaning battery terminals and connections is an excellent start but don't neglect the ground lead going to the frame. If you still lack success you should have the battery charged and load tested. Even a brand new battery will occasionally fail in a remarkably short period of time.

 

[PILOON]

Clean all grounds*, battery terminals and then squirt some WD40 into the key hole.

* especially battery ground down to bare metal.

Bet U that cures the starting problems.

 

[stonelake]

Thanks to all! I'll try things first.

 

[07wingnut]

If it clicks and none of your idiot lights or console doesn't dim, it is unlikely to be a battery connection or battery problem. Most likely your safety switches have over time aged and become a bit resistive. This chokes off the necessary voltage needed to operate the starter solenoid because of excessive voltage drop across the switches. The solution is to clean or replace the switches, or for lazy people like me, disconnect the wire that terminates on the solenoid, use it to drive a cheap 30A relay, which in turn will drive the solenoid. Many have done this and the fix seems to last for years. Mine has been working for over 5 years.