Monster 900 funny electrical problem!!

**kerrygav** · 15 Jun 08, 03:07 PM

Hi,

I have a 1998 carbed Monster 900 which has only covered 7000 miles! For some reason when i put the key in the ignition and turn it, none of the lights come up on the dash and it will not start

If i turn the key back and forwards around 10-15 times it suddenly works!! Lights come on and it starts! Although this will only happen every now and again...not every time i ride it

Any ideas what it could be????????

Gav.

**DukeDesmo** · 15 Jun 08, 03:32 PM

Faulty ignition switch?

**kerrygav** · 15 Jun 08, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DukeDesmo

Faulty ignition switch?

Do you mean the plug in connection from the ignition barrel??

**Lucazade 749s** · 15 Jun 08, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DukeDesmo

Faulty ignition switch?

Correct. As you said it is a carb model so you have no ECU to act up. It is a pure cables, relays and fuses nothing else.

Based on that you could also have a problem with cable or connector somewhere near ignition. By near I do not mean distance, what I mean is on any of cables going to ignition that disconnected would kill bike.
Also slight possibility of cables on battery it self.
It is a hard fault to find but will not be expensive to repair. If you have proper testers and are good with spanner it is a do it your self fix. Yes one thing you will need if attempting by your self is a lot of time.

**Lucazade 749s** · 15 Jun 08, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerrygav

Do you mean the plug in connection from the ignition barrel??

What he means is the actual place where you put your key in. That is ignition switch.

**kerrygav** · 15 Jun 08, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lucazade 749s

Correct. As you said it is a carb model so you have no ECU to act up. It is a pure cables, relays and fuses nothing else.

Based on that you could also have a problem with cable or connector somewhere near ignition. By near I do not mean distance, what I mean is on any of cables going to ignition that disconnected would kill bike.
Also slight possibility of cables on battery it self.
It is a hard fault to find but will not be expensive to repair. If you have proper testers and are good with spanner it is a do it your self fix. Yes one thing you will need if attempting by your self is a lot of time.

Thanks! Ive got time...but my patience is thin

But i will give it a shot, and have a look! Cheers for the advice!

Gav.

**Triple9** · 15 Jun 08, 08:15 PM

Had a similar problem on a '97 750 Monster.Turned out to be a faulty relay under the seat.

**cinders** · 19 Jul 08, 08:11 PM

Funny old game this is my 98 900 monster does the same thing but since the igntion switch had been squirted with some silicone stuff it works fine tho it does happen evry now n again

Cinders

**zimbo** · 20 Jul 08, 07:20 AM

It could possibly be the ignition switch, and it's worth squirting some switch cleaner down the barrel, but more likely to be the main ignition relay under the seat. Only costs a few pounds, I'd start there.

**kerrygav** · 27 Jul 08, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zimbo

It could possibly be the ignition switch, and it's worth squirting some switch cleaner down the barrel, but more likely to be the main ignition relay under the seat. Only costs a few pounds, I'd start there.

The relay is clicking when i turn the ignition on and off....does this mean the relay is working??

Gav.