F4i wont start!

[Wrist Rocket]

OK so here's the deal. My friend's 2003 F4i, through a series of unfortunate events was knocked over and rained on for a few hours.This was about 2 months ago. Being that it was winter the bike got put in a shed and we forgot about it until now. At first the bike showed symptoms of having a weak battery. We charged it and still nothing. All the lights turn on & the fuel pump cycles, but when the starter button is depressed all the lights go dim, the dash lights shut off and the starter sounds like it is making an attempt to turn the motor over, but nothing happens. I'd really like to get this bike up and running, as spring will be here soon - I dont want to be down one riding partner. I don't know what else to look for and any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

[poof]

it's the battery.

[Wrist Rocket]

Originally Posted by poof

it's the battery.

We did charge the battery but I'll take the battery out of my RC and give it a shot, just to rule it out. Thanks.

[f4irider_2002]

I would try cleaning or changing the spark plugs. that helped with me the last time i had probs that had the same probs as ures. give ita shot...wont hurt

[Lost Sheep]

The first thing I would check is the battery make sure it is fully charged and the terminals are clean. Some water could have gotten into the terminal area and caused some problems.

This is problaly the cause of the problems. If you get it the motor to turn over and it still wont fire up check the tilt sensor. It is mounted on the back of the Speedo I think.

If you still have problems after that post up there is a few more things I would check.

[Lateralus]

Hey, I've been having trouble getting my f4i to start as of late. When I push the starter switch, the starter motor works, the bike turns over and fires. Although as soon as you let go of the starter the engine dies instantly. So firstly I checked all the fuses, knowing it wouldnt be one of them I checked them anyways, I've taken the battery out and fully charged it but I also knew it wouldn't be that, the air filters clean and I've also taken a look at the ignition coils and tested them with an ohm meter for electric continuity, I've also changed the plugs.

Next I figure I'll take the box apart that incases the starter switch and all its components, and check for broken wires which might be making an incomplete circut. If no broken wires I'll take the ohm meter and check the wire that connects the starter switch to the starter motor, maybe this is a problem with one of the relays... I also doubt its the tilt sensor...

Anyways I'd like some suggestions before I start tearing anything else apart. This certainly seems like an electrical problem although it could be something wrong with any part of the ignition.

And I'd really appreciate some feedback b/c I'm kind of ignorant towards fixing bikes considering this is the first one I've ever owned.

Thanks

[Wrist Rocket]

Originally Posted by Lateralus

Hey, I've been having trouble getting my f4i to start as of late. When I push the starter switch, the starter motor works, the bike turns over and fires. Although as soon as you let go of the starter the engine dies instantly. So firstly I checked all the fuses, knowing it wouldnt be one of them I checked them anyways, I've taken the battery out and fully charged it but I also knew it wouldn't be that, the air filters clean and I've also taken a look at the ignition coils and tested them with an ohm meter for electric continuity, I've also changed the plugs.

Next I figure I'll take the box apart that incases the starter switch and all its components, and check for broken wires which might be making an incomplete circut. If no broken wires I'll take the ohm meter and check the wire that connects the starter switch to the starter motor, maybe this is a problem with one of the relays... I also doubt its the tilt sensor...

Anyways I'd like some suggestions before I start tearing anything else apart. This certainly seems like an electrical problem although it could be something wrong with any part of the ignition.

And I'd really appreciate some feedback b/c I'm kind of ignorant towards fixing bikes considering this is the first one I've ever owned.

Thanks

Does the fuel pump cycle? Is the kill switch in the "ON" position. What makes you think that it is an electrical problem? And at what point did the problem begin? (crash/bike was stored/ect.)


FYI....The reason the F4i that I posted about didnt start is because the motor was hydrolocked with oil after lying on its side. Just goes to show...it wasnt the battery

[Lateralus]

Originally Posted by Wrist Rocket

Does the fuel pump cycle? Is the kill switch in the "ON" position. What makes you think that it is an electrical problem? And at what point did the problem begin? (crash/bike was stored/ect.)


FYI....The reason the F4i that I posted about didnt start is because the motor was hydrolocked with oil after lying on its side. Just goes to show...it wasnt the battery

Yes the fuel pump cycles, this isn't a problem with the fuel b/c the bike is firing, if you squeeze the throttle a tiny bit while holding on the starter switch
(I know this is not something you should be doing) the bike will of course will rev up, and it sounds normal. No this isn't a fuel problem I've checked a number of things and that's eliminated. Why would it all of a sudden die when you let go of the starter switch, this has nothing to do with fuel.

The bike has never been dumped. The bike was taken out of storage months ago, I've been riding since April, just one day I went out to go start it and all of a sudden this happens, and the time I rode it b4 this happened it worked perfectly. And your question of "Is the kill switch set to the on position" well thats just down right funny $hit... almost insulting my intelligence

BTW the reason I think its an electrical problem is simply b/c of process of elimination, in addition to what my local bike shop has told me. This also can't be a problem with the kill switch b/c the bike wouldn't turn over and fire with the kill switch to "OFF", so either its simply a worn out starter switch. A ground, or a broken wire, or a relay.

I need suggestions from people who have a good knowledge of newer model honda wiring.

[tlbushman]

Had it happen on 2 different bikes. Both times, new spark plugs fixed the problem. Being on it's side could have affected it. Pull a plug and see if it is fouled.

[F2 600 Guy]

your plugs are probly fouled but try adjusting your idle first before u go any more in depth.