Honda Helix starting problem, need help!!! By scottiemac (Read 12,694 times)

[scottiemac]

So I'm ready to scoot home on my new-to-me 98 Helix I bought yesterday and it wouldn't start. Engine turns over, lights cone on, but won't start. Tried to jump it off with no luck, so not the battery. Upon further investigation, getting fuel, but no spark. Plug is in good shape, but not getting any spark. My question is, should this be as simple as replacing the coil? If not, what else could it be?

Thanks in advance,

Scott

[damin69]

Check the wires that go to the coil on the back side. I had mine come loose once did the same thing. Also check that the Kill switch is set to run as the lights will come on but will not start that way either.

[scottiemac]

Checked all of that and still no spark. Any other suggestions?

[kiwiscoot]

1.) Is it on the center stand? as the side stand has a cut out switch.
2.) do you apply one of the brakes when you try to start? You have to else it will not start.
Hope it runs now.
Kiwiscoot

[scottiemac]

Jun 13, 2010 5:53:29 GMT -6 kiwiscoot said:

1.) Is it on the center stand? as the side stand has a cut out switch.
2.) do you apply one of the brakes when you try to start? You have to else it will not start.
Hope it runs now.
Kiwiscoot

It was either on the center stand or on the ground when attempting to start, I don't like to use the side stand and am aware of the cut out switch it has. Also had rear brake applied when attempting to start. Any other ideas?

[scottiemac]

*UPDATES*

Went back to the bike this morning, rechecked everything: side stand, brake, ignition, run switch. Now I had spark at the plug. Tried to start the bike - no good. The battery was too weak. Attempted to jump it off and succeeded. Bike stayed running and brought it home. Any thoughts?

[scottiemac]

Gonna pick up a volt meter tomorrow and try tracing back the electrical system to see if I can find a weak spot. Anyone want to give me some tips on how to do this?

[kiwiscoot]

Check that sidestand switch. It lives in the muck, dirt & wet from the road. You can trace it's wire and just bridge it out at the connector & see if your problems go away. Next would be cutout switch at the handlebars. Overzealous owners who wash their scoots to thorougly gets water in there and corrosion. Get switch-cleaner at an electrical place. Spray into the switches and work them. That should restore them if they are not to far gone. Me , I'm just lazy and will start with the switches as it is the easiest. They need TLC anyway. I spray all my new scoot's switches and connectors with silicon spry to keep moisture out.
Good luck & hopefully you'll be happily scooting soon
kiwiscoot