[mikemccloskey]

I have a 1999 Shadow Aero 1100. When I push the start button, the headlight dims but it won't start. For a while, it would start fine sometimes but now it won't. Should I pull the switch out and clean the contacts? The switch doesn't look serviceable. Thanks!

 

[Troy Jollimore]

Sounds like it does need cleaning. There is a second set of contacts that are supposed to turn the headlight OFF while the Start button is pushed. From there, you might want to check your battery as well. It could be weakening.

 

[D's Spirit]

Your start switch will look something like this...

Carefully pry apart the housing from the contacts...there's also a ball bearing on the bottom of the switch that is not shown...

You'll see that the switch housing and the contacts will only go back together one way...

Done!

 

["Captain D"]

When cleaning these switches, I use Electrical Joint Compound to keep cleaning the contacts and seal water out, insteadda silicone which merely keeps moisture out...

I`ll study up on "dielectric compound",
Dennis

 

[mikemccloskey]

Your start switch will look something like this...
View attachment 302250
View attachment 302251
Carefully pry apart the housing from the contacts...there's also a ball bearing on the bottom of the switch that is not shown...
View attachment 302249
View attachment 302252
View attachment 302253
You'll see that the switch housing and the contacts will only go back together one way...
View attachment 302254

Done!

Wow! Thanks for the super thorough explanation with pics. I'll try that.

 

["Captain D"]

Yes, we got us some SUPER GREAT Gurus...
Thanks @D's Spirit

 

[h13man]

Switch cleaning 101

My turn signal was starting to act up, not signaling left unless I monkeyed with it. Time to clean. I thought I would post this, to help anyone who is having the same problem. It's easy to do and only takes a few minutes. My bike is a 2000 ACE T, I assume most other Honda switches are similar...

www.hondashadow.net

 

["Captain D"]

I spread a white sheet on the ground, to catch any fallen parts >I pull my bike onto it, then start disassembly...
Be careful/Watch that itty bitty ball,
Dennis

 

[mikemccloskey]

I spread a white sheet on the ground, to catch any fallen parts >I pull my bike onto it, then start disassembly...
Be careful/Watch that itty bitty ball,
Dennis

 

[Roland the Headless]

My Paw told me that most mechanicing that I would do, 85% was cleaning.
So after scraping gaskets, cleaning grease off of blocks and scrubbing many parts in a bucket I was a believer.
I later graduated to electric contacts ( My ho trains tracks were so shiny. ).
So keep it clean, and keep it running.