[Ryanskodiak]

Hey guys starting a new thread on this 03 rancher I am fixing up. I swapped out the gearshift arm and shifts great now.

However next problem is its not starting, I did a spark test and its not good. When I push the starter button it sparks for a second and than no spark. When I press off the button it will spark again for another quick second.

Any ideas?

 

[Ryanskodiak]

anyone have any ideas?

 

[mac102004]

CDI most likely, try tapping it while cranking.

 

[b52bombardier1]

Yes, CDI. Tap while cranking. The tapping temporarily fixes either a cracked trace on the printed circuit board or a cold solder joint. If your bike starts, definite bad CDI and definitely replace it with an OEM Honda CDI. To buy a Chinese part here is to waste your money.

Rick

 

[retro]

Was it starting before you fixed the shifter? There are more than two possible reasons why it could behave as you explained. I would get the multimeter out and test everything per the FSM before spending any $$$ on it.

 

[Ryanskodiak]

Thanks for the replies guys - I was also thinking CDI. I ordered a new coil as well.

I never checked spark or tried starting it as I bought it like this and it wouldnt shift into neutral to try start it.
The push start button seems a little sticky and you have to hold it just right for it to work, could this possibly have something to do with it?

 

[SamUK]

Thanks for the replies guys - I was also thinking CDI. I ordered a new coil as well.

I never checked spark or tried starting it as I bought it like this and it wouldnt shift into neutral to try start it.
The push start button seems a little sticky and you have to hold it just right for it to work, could this possibly have something to do with it?

It wouldn't affect the spark just the starting. There not a lot of money, probably easier to replace with new rather than fix it No harm in looking though, could be full of mud

 

[Ryanskodiak]

Just take it off the handlebar and look inside i guess?

 

[SamUK]

Just take it off the handlebar and look inside i guess?

Pretty much yes, give it a good clean and spray with WD40

 

[Ryanskodiak]

So get this one - while pushing the elctric start button the spark is intermittent. However if I am using the pull start, I am getting great spark.

What the heck could that mean?

 

[Ryanskodiak]

Also tapping the cdi while trying to the electric start did nothing

 

[mac102004]

Also tapping the cdi while trying to the electric start did nothing

Still the CDI IMO.

 

[retro]

So get this one - while pushing the elctric start button the spark is intermittent. However if I am using the pull start, I am getting great spark.

What the heck could that mean?

It means that you have a new CDI and a new Ignition Coil to stow away for spares. Hopefully you purchased OEM? Best practice is to learn facts before spending, try putting eyeballs on and/or test this:

That diode was put into the starter solenoid circuit to prevent a positive feedback voltage from reaching the CDI while cranking the motor over with the starter. It was used on a lot of Honda models over the years, in both single and tandem rectifier diode configurations. If that diode is bad or missing the CDI will become very unstable while the solenoid is energized.

You may find that diode is missing and/or jumpered with something by the previous owner. It may still be there, but is shorted or open...

If that diode exists and tests out fine (and the socket is good), move on to the next test.

EDIT:
Attached is the wiring diagram for 2003 Canada TE/FE models (hope I guessed your bike?) to help you see how that diode protects the CDI.