Troubleshooting the IGNITION SYSTEM on a Kawasaki Drifter 800 (VN800E)

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Troubleshooting the IGNITION SYSTEM on a Kawasaki Drifter 800 (VN800E)

Рет қаралды 31,518

3 жыл бұрын

Video Highlights:
1:29 - What is a spark tester?
2:10 - Does the bike have spark?
2:40 - Repairing the wire harness
4:11 - Testing the ignition switch
5:11 - Is the junction box getting power?
6:13 - Is the ignitor getting power?
6:32 - Testing the side stand switch
8:08 - Testing the pickup coil
10:30 - Testing the ignitor
12:05 - Testing the junction box
14:43 - The ignitor must be faulty
15:16 - Installing a new ignitor
The ignition system on most motorcycles is complex and requires the proper operation of many different components. In this video I take you through the diagnostic process of trouble shooting the ignition system on a Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Drifter.
This level of troubleshooting is impossible without a factory service manual. You need it for testing the specific values of components and for factory wiring schematics.
You can purchase a factory service manual like the one I'm using in this video here:
Before this motorcycle found its way into my garage it had its wiring harness sabotaged. But sometimes a "No Spark" condition can just manifest out of thin air.
The specialty tools I use in this video are:
Spark Tester - amzn.to/38ScCTo
Butane Soldering Iron - amzn.to/3rJTkZ1
Soldering Clamp (not the one I use but more affordable) - amzn.to/3o9EoRN
Soldering Clamp (used in this video) - asttool.com/de...
Test Light - amzn.to/351FyY6
Multimeter - amzn.to/3b22wlE
Special thanks to KaiChow Lau for the use of his awesome track! Kai is a multi-instrumentalist and producer who specializes in Lo-Fi Hiphop/Triphop. This particular tune comes from a series of songs Kai wrote while on business trips waiting for planes in airports. For more of Kai's music check out his soundcloud here: soundcloud.com...
If you want to keep up with this project between videos be sure to follow me on social media!
Instagram: / garretseesi. .
Twitter: @SeesingGarret
Facebook: garretseesingofficial
#Kawasaki #Vulcan #DIY

Пікірлер: 75

@spelunkerd 3 жыл бұрын

With so many wires that lead to the ignition switch cut, I'd wonder if the bike was stolen at some point. Great diagnostics, I love the systematic approach. Clearly professional.

@OfBronzeandBlaze 3 жыл бұрын

I purchased a VN700 in March. Super stoked to see new, different content!

@Scooter_911 3 жыл бұрын

I've got some new and interesting stuff coming up!

@robmoyer1977 Жыл бұрын

I've been searching for this exact video for over 3 months to help me figure out what's wrong with my girl. Thank you so much brother man such a good video to a guy like me!!! I'm fixing to run out to my bike with phn in hand and run through it with you.

@RustyGlovebox 3 жыл бұрын

Nice work checking the wiring and repairs before jumping straight to the module

@Foggyfighter 3 жыл бұрын

Since I can't charge any customer for the troubleshooting, I tend to go straight for the modules O:). The stuff with no branding are the best.. (At least according to my wallet which is as empty as my brain)

@Blurredman 3 жыл бұрын

Oh yes! Another Garret vid!

@Scooter_911 3 жыл бұрын

haha those are the only ones I know how to make!

@Kacper_Kolodziejczyk 3 жыл бұрын

Interesting, loved seeing how you actually methodically ruled out all the other possibilities and the process of running through the checks. Good work!

@Scooter_911 3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@terrylinkous7049 2 жыл бұрын

I need to know how to hook up the wires from the ignition switch I mean ignition on the wires with a disconnect I need the gas tank to go to the to the flower side and to the clutch side the mismatch colors and I don't know how to hook them up

@nja3224 9 ай бұрын

Man, I can use you right about now. I have a 2002 1500 that just died on me, I came back from a ride, shut it down for about 15 minutes, came back and it wouldn't start. No power to anything. I checked the main fuse, the junction box and fuses, starter relay, and all good. I'm going to check the ignition switch tomorrow and work my way from there because I noticed earlier that there when I turn the key to Park, the back park light comes on. That new discovery tells me the problem might be or related to the On position of the ignition switch. Should be simple enough to find out. Time will tell. Excellent trouble shooting video.

@constructdestruct360 3 жыл бұрын

I like your method of actually diagnosing the problem. My method....keep buying and throwing parts at it until hopefully something works.

@Scooter_911 3 жыл бұрын

Haha hey man different strokes for different folks!

@hdcsp3 3 жыл бұрын

You and me both buddy. Thats how its done in my garage. Too funny

@noahthepetrolhead 3 жыл бұрын

Whens the next scooter vid coming out

@Neighbor512 3 жыл бұрын

The mystery ignition module looks like a sport bike style with the taper on it .... great video booboo very informative

@davidraezer5937 3 жыл бұрын

Great diag video Garret. When you measure a diode you need to use a meter that has a diode check function. If using resistance function not enough current flows to cause the diode to conduct. In that application even a test light would work as 300ma would be tolerated

@Scooter_911 3 жыл бұрын

Wow thanks friend! Thats great information that will be with me forever! I'll be checking a diode 46 years from now and remember a friendly youtube comment! Cheers!

@edumendes1965 9 ай бұрын

Great video! Very insightful and informative. Thanks for sharing!!

@andrewwilson6373 3 ай бұрын

Your videos have brought New Life to my ex pro Oahu 50, however I was wondering if you had any ignition switch replacement videos!!! 😊

@LawnWrangler323 7 ай бұрын

Wow! Seems like electrical is like the most complicated part of working on these things

@hdcsp3 3 жыл бұрын

Good to see you sir. Great video, as always. time is tight I'm sure , but I selfishly wish you would make more content. I really like the way you present, diagnose and repair. Happy New Year, keep em coming if you can.

@Scooter_911 3 жыл бұрын

I'm getting back into the swing of things my friend! More content on the way!

@mapreymaprey1008 Жыл бұрын

Hello sir..i need help..i have same bike like yours..and almost same problem..but when i put the test pin light to my coil ignition cable plug have a light..but when i put the spark plug there no fire..is it cdi problem?

@billyboygaming3999 3 жыл бұрын

Love your video mate helped me out a lot on the scooter starting up but have a idea for you for a new video for you troubleshooting a over heating problem on a scooter

@RobbieHerrera 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for going through that detail! so much better than guessing.

@TrustingJesus67 3 жыл бұрын

Happy New Year and God Bless

@fearnoproject2047 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Garrett, Glad to see you are enjoying your Euro trip!! Just catching up on your older videos. Nice to see a Cruiser in your shop! Love those. I ended up with an 08 Roadliner which gave me a new respect for Fuel injection and ECU controlled bikes. 1900cc is Amazing power and runs cleaner than any bike I have owned! Electrical TS will be a bit more interesting though. XD. Your video might just come in handy, if my neighbors get tired of the cobra pipes...lol. Btw, I created a new channel for DIY. My old handle was MassiveTrackHunter.

@naturalforlife6741 2 жыл бұрын

I was always trained to test in halves. It cuts down on time and steps. Split the circuit in half and test. That directs you to the first half or the second half. Which half that shows an issue, you split that in half. Then that narrows it down to quarter of the circuit which is so much easier to manage and very close to the issue. So your only taking 4 to 5 testing points.

@allen0716 3 жыл бұрын

Nice video，step by step.

@mrutherford8590 2 жыл бұрын

I bought a Kawasaki book and it helped me test my BAD igniter . I bought the vn800 used with only 1,800 miles and was surprised this box went bad so early and cost almost $500 to get a new one . I'm looking for a used one but I don't think the sellers test them with a meter. I can't find any under $150 not sure what I want to do . Need to find bikes being parted out maybe .

@ArtMan659 3 жыл бұрын

Well done sir!

@Scooter_911 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much!

@frednetherlands887 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you

@matthew27lamb31 3 жыл бұрын

Do update video about u r scooter

@JorgePerez-wd3ti Жыл бұрын

Thank for good video! . can you tell me where to go for the comp information .

@JoeHynes284 3 жыл бұрын

thats a crazy looking Tao tao

@Scooter_911 3 жыл бұрын

haha amazing what a little bit of paint can do right?

@shawnpaullin9023 2 жыл бұрын

and I brought a brand new battery too I'll support 2006 Kawasaki broken 1500

@2000NRJ Жыл бұрын

Can you please let me know where did you buy this service manual? I'm searching a wiring diagram for Kawasaki Estrella but no where to be found. Highly appreciate if anyone can help. Thanks

@StraightLineCycles 3 жыл бұрын

Yay Kawasaki!

@allenwalker4701 Жыл бұрын

Great video...^^

@davidferguson461 2 жыл бұрын

I'm wondering, can a IC Ignitor cause the ignition fuse to blow via a ground short?

@jamesbassett1484 3 жыл бұрын

Great bike!

@shawnpaullin9023 2 жыл бұрын

can you show me how to start my 2006 Kawasaki Vulcan is a present there's no ignition please 1500

@bigbossguitar 2 жыл бұрын

Great video,, i have a 1500cc 1999 Vulcan nomad, we've changed the igniter ( cdi ), the querky things ,, if u try to start the bike the first time there is no spark ( took the plug out and grounded it ) but if you turn it off and start it again it starts, btw if u don't turn it off and restart the key it will not start you have to turn it off and restart, it was starting after one restart but now have to turn on and off many times to start,, also whether it starts or not the dash lights are on,, is it the ignition switch or something else, my friend said could be my battery , but after restarting it 4 or 5 times it starts,, if it was weak battery all those times restarting would have weakened it and not start anymore,, thanks for any advice..

@jesussoto5494 Жыл бұрын

Where are you located? I got a 2006 vulcan nomad same problem

@StraightLineCycles 3 жыл бұрын

Nice one

@jameschrislowe268 2 жыл бұрын

is there anyway to provide the schematics. please, i am terrible on computer

@billrimmer5596 3 жыл бұрын

Really enjoyed this vid. Where were u able to get the diagrams?

@mikkowesterbeke568 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Garret! Awesome vid, I also have a Kawasaki that’s pretty similar, it’s a 1995 Kawasaki Vulcan VN800 and it won’t start. I’ve been trying to troubleshoot it and have a few questions. First, I’m able to get it started and running for a couple seconds using starting fluid in the air intake of the carburetor, would this automatically mean that all of the wires are wired correctly and it is most likely either faulty spark plugs, or a dirty carburetor? Do you have any other ideas that I could test out to see if I can get it running for longer than a few seconds? Thank you!

@Scooter_911 3 жыл бұрын

If the bike runs for a few seconds on an external fuel source i can almost guarantee the issue is with the carburetor. I would disassemble it and thoroughly clean the jets and the passages. Good luck my friend!

@user-xt4lf7io9h 5 ай бұрын

Why no ignition coil testing done

@hectordleon241 3 жыл бұрын

Hey bro got a sym orbit 2 need to replace back tire but I can get the wheel out , having hard time Please help!! Thanks

@Scooter_911 3 жыл бұрын

Check out this video I made for the honda pcx. Its a very similar process for the sym! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/pZZmabGC1rSalZc.html

@29madmangaud29 3 жыл бұрын

Good Job Garret,,,,,,,,, ugh,,,,,, all of that wire chasing,,,,, not so fun!

@Scooter_911 3 жыл бұрын

sometimes it can be a little therapeutic, other times...

@blakestewart5057 3 жыл бұрын

What was the tool used to hold the wires while soldering? It's like a mini "helping hands". Anyone got a link to where to buy one?

@Scooter_911 3 жыл бұрын

There's a link to the exact tool in the description and a link to a more affordable option

@blakestewart5057 3 жыл бұрын

@@Scooter_911 Thanks

@bodytemple 3 жыл бұрын

I recently purchased a friend's 2002 Kawasaki Meanstreak 1500, it was sitting in the garage for little more than a year, but its not starting. I checkef the oil level, put in a brand new battery put in fresh gas but mixed it with year old gas...but gonna pull the whole tank off and dump the gas cause its still not turning over, next is to change the spark plugs. Any other suggestions other then taking it to the shop?

@Scooter_911 3 жыл бұрын

I would definitely pull the carburetors off, disassemble and clean them. Gas goes bad and clogs carburetors very quickly these days

@davidferguson461 2 жыл бұрын

Is it cranking and not firing or not cranking? Was it stored with the fuel tank shut off? If so, add a bottle of gas line antifreeze alcohol it will absorb water in the tank and turn it on to run your bike. If not, clean your carbs.

@howtohondafix 3 жыл бұрын

Is it the same diagnostic for the Vulcan 500? I have a service manual that looks like yours, but I've gotten 2 used OEM ignition modules and a sketchy Amazon one, none of them nor my original seemed working according to my service manual. Do these things just fry easily? Also, my ignition switch is not wired correctly, but it does give 12v to the brown and gray wires. I did make sure the gray wire is giving 12v to the igniter. Any advice? Am I just having terrible luck with igniters?

@anthonyberry4607 Жыл бұрын

The gray wire should have a min of 6voilts to the ecu it tells the brain your not trying to hot wire your bike with out it it wount spark

@AngelusFromHell 3 жыл бұрын

Today my VN800 died. Even with the key ignition to OFF, dashboard lights, front and tail light, horn and igniter works, but the engine don't start. The igniter tries to crank up, but the engine looks dead. 😔

@user-cx9ih7uz3c 2 жыл бұрын

How did you fix it. Same problem I'm having

@davidferguson461 2 жыл бұрын

Check your master fuse the 35 amp one, it could also be the relay or a bad starter. And check all your fuses.