Rocket III - will not fire

[Apollo_18]

Hello Sittner,

When you turn the key, do all of the little lights on the tach light up and stay lit before you try the starter ?

I ask because my key-switch has become a little fickle this year. Sometimes when I turn the key, I can hear the electronics going through the pre-start sequence, but, only one little light on the tach comes on, and then I know that it's gonna act up a little.

When that occurs, the engine will crank but will not start. Have to turn back the key and do a little jiggle and wiggle of the key on the tumblers while turning the key to get everything working.

Cheers !!!

[sittner]

I have an 05 R3 that will not start - turn on the key - guages sweep - turns over - just will not start. The red check engine light is on. I am looking for someone with a tuneboy (I believe I can buy the code) - and/or mechanical knowledge. I am of course willing to pay for your help - but I am trying to keep at least the diagnostic part of this as low as possible.

I have checked all fuses - I believe the gas is good, the bike has super low miles - it just does not want to start. I did buy a new battery 3 months ago - and it turned out to be a bad battery - which I replaced 2 weeks ago. I trickle charged it - and the starter does turn - just does not fire up - not even a hint of fire. I had posted this before - and rec'd a lot of suggestions, but i think the easiest way is to have someone who knows what they are doing diagnose it. I am trying to avoid the trip/tow to the dealer, and am out of the warranty period.

[Diego]

As was said in the earlier thread, any resourceful mechanic with any OBDII compatible reader should be able to extract the trouble codes for you; and if you post them here, any number of us will be glad to look them up for you.

[Pig9r]

If you don't have a OBDII reader or know someone who does, most local autoparts stores will pull the codes and clear them for free. I have a feeling you aren't going to get any codes because the engine isn't running. The check engine light and oil pressure/water temp lights always come one when the ignition is on but bike is not running.

How long did it sit without riding and how long has the gas been in it?

[sittner]

It only sat for 2 weeks. I am not sure how old the gas was - probably a couple of months since I filled it (I was only driving a mile or so every other weekend). I now have a shop manual and was thinking about starting with replacing the fuel filter.

[Diego]

I'd start with extracting the codes, unless you have some really good reason to thing the filter could be clogged.

[sittner]

I will wait - can the ecu be removed from the bike and brought to the shop - or will I need to have it towed?

[Pig9r]

You'll need to tow it unless the shop can plug the ECU into another bike. But I highly doubt it'll tell you anything. Keep in mind it's not going to be able to tell you much of anything until the bike is running. Once again -- the check engine light comes on everytime the ignition is on and the bike is not running. So don't be surprised if there is not a code on there at all.

Check the push on connectors on the coils under the right side of the gas tank. I would also siphon the gas out replace and put a product similar to Heet in it and let it sit for a few hours.

[sittner]

I had read in one of these threads that once you turn on the ignition, guages sweep - turn the motor over - the light should go off - that is why I am thinking there may be a code. I will syphon out the tank. Can I add HEET with no gas - or should I put some new gas in, and then add HEET?

[rndtaylor]

have you put new plugs in yet?