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EFI Scrambler won't start, where to start?

6K views 14 replies 7 participants last post by  bigshineybike 
#1 ·
Background:
Bike: 2015 Scrambler EFI
- The bike was knocked over and there was damage to:
o Speedo bracket
o Clutch hand leaver
o Clutch foot peg
- I replaced the clutch foot peg two weeks ago, and I can’t remember but I’m sure I started the bike after to check it all worked. It hasn’t been run since though.
- I can’t remember when but at some point I took the speedo off to work out what to do about it and put it back on, all plugged in.
- Last week I put the missing gaitors back on by taking the calliper, wheel, mudguard (fender) off then sliding the shocks out and putting it all back together.
- Today I replaced the bent aftermarket clutch hand leaver with a non-OEM stock one.
- After installing I went to check the adjustment and tried to start the bike, but it wouldn’t start.
- I have plugged in an optimate.

Problem:
Bike won’t start.
I turn the key in the ignition, hold the clutch down, press the ignition switch nothing happens – there is no noise, and it doesn’t turn on.
When turning the key the starter lights come on as they should but the Engine Management System Malfunction Indicator Light(?) comes on and stays on. Although thinking about it I’m sure it’s always on until the engine turns over.

Question:
Any ideas?
Or more to the point where do I start to identify what the actual issue is.
I have a volt meter (which I need to remember how to use). I have a Haynes manual - which I also need to work out how to use, it doesn’t feel very intuitive.

other possibly(?) relevant info
No side stand.
I don’t know if this is of any significance, but the front right indicator wasn’t working and the rear right was blinking at the wrong speed. I Noticed the right wing mirror mount wasn’t straight, so I straightened it and made sure all the connections were tight and the combination resolved.

Cheers!
 
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#2 ·
There is a lot going on here... not sure if it'll help, but you said "Today I replaced the bent aftermarket clutch hand leaver with a non-OEM stock one."

I highly recommend taking the clutch safety switch out of its housing since it sits up against the clutch lever. I found that when I replaced my clutch lever this switch didn't sit like it needs to be to disengage the safety switch and allow the bike to start. SO, if you remove it from it's housing, and just let it sit there disengaged, perhaps the bike will start and you'll have discovered your issue.

That being said... the speedo is very sensitive (so I've read) so that could be the problem too, but start with this, never know...??
 
#3 ·
Your problem is with the clutch safety switch...put an OEM clutch lever on the bike to resolve the issue.
 
#6 ·
I'm going to try replacing the clutch with the aftermarket one that was previously on there.

I'd be surprised if the clutch was different from the OEM one though as it's in wemoto 's parts list as fitring my bike.



and it looks just like all the other stock levers you get.

... but process of elimination and all that.
 
#8 ·
The weather is getting better here and I miss riding my bike, so I'm wondering what the best option is.

1. Return lever and replace with matching aftermarket ones.
2. Drill a small hole in lever to make switch redundant.
3. Remove switch.
3.1 Remove switch for time being, wrap to protect from rain etc. until a perm solution is found.
 
#9 ·
The weather is getting better here and I miss riding my bike, so I'm wondering what the best option is.
3.1 Remove switch for time being, wrap to protect from rain etc. until a perm solution is found.
You can just back it out of its housing for now. It's easily done by poking under the lever perch with a sharpish implement like this:

 
#11 ·
Cheers guys.

I've removed it and wrapped in a cut down plastic bag, then taped it up to be a bit more discreet.
@Rex - do you snip it all off, or just a little?

If it's the former did you go that route because it's easier and neater than removing totally?

I should probably be less precious, but I do like keeping things as stock as possible. However, on the flip side I'm not sure what the point of the switch is...
... although when I start my bike in gear and it flies off into a load of traffic I'm sure I'll feel different!
 
#12 ·
I cut the plunger, on both the clutch and sidestand switches, as close to the housings as possible.
Actually, the sidestand switch required a cut-off wheel on the die grinder.
Once trimmed, both switches are in their proper positions and look as they do before modification.
The point of the government mandated switches is, of course, to protect us from ourselves.


Rex
 
#13 ·
Nice! Glad to see it worked. I just put some electrical tape around the switch and zip tied to to the handlebar... Doesn't look perfect but it gets the job done. I'm also not sure why none of the aftermarket levers I've tried work with that switch, pretty annoying!
 
#14 ·
I changed my handlebars a few days ago and everything was just fine with the new one. Until yesterday night when I wanted to come back home and the bike wouldn't start. I would press the start button and absolutely nothing would happen.
I tried a couple a push-starts and almost made it. Then when I was about to try another one, I pushed the button and it worked. Back at home, it wouldn't start again. Then I tried several times with the button pushed (and clutch pulled) while I touched several cables or moved the steering, and it would start.
I tought it was maybe the cable that connects the start button that had a bad connection, but after reading this post I'm thinking it's probably the clutch safety. I haven't changed the clutch lever, everything is original. I only changed the bars. I don't want to remove the clutch safety I would just like to make sure it is working ok.
Or do you have any other recommendation?

2014 Scram
 
#15 ·
Thanks for this.
The tip about poking a small terminal type screwdricver into the hole underneath and prising out the switch.

I don't mind the switch but my 2011 EFI 900 scrambler starter stopped working. I had noticed that wiggling the clutch lever seemed to help. This Thread let me remove the switch, spray some cleaner on it and its working again.
 
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