[meese]

Paging Mr Zeiler...

So, my '03 LT has decided not to start.

Key turns on, dash lights up, neutral light on, kickstand up, reverse off, kill switch OK, push start button and...nothing.

I was gonna start by checking the sidestand switch first, but thought I'd gather some advice for what else to look for before I start tearing her open. :bmw:

 

[jzeiler]

First thing is actually measure the battery terminal voltage with the key off, then with the key on. If it is below 11.5 with key on, the interlock relay will not attempt a start. Next if the voltage is above 12.4 then try a large piece of wire between the battery + and the starter tie point behind the battery (it has a plastic cover). This will turn over the starter if the starter is OK.

 

[meese]

Thats right, the starter interlock, to avoid welding the starter relay on when battery voltage is low...

It's been a while, but this LT stuff does come back eventually.

Thanks. <img src="http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Big Grin" class="inlineimg" />

 

[bmwcoolk1200]

Ken, a quick check on the interlocks is that the temp light is lit on the dash( engine not running). If it isn't lit, then one of the interlocks isn't satisfied and you can go looking. If it is lit, then it should be ready to crank with the exception of the low voltage cut out on the 02 and newer starter relays that John mentioned or other electrical or mechanical issue.

 

[jzeiler]

Gordon,

This is not Ken's first rodeo with an LT but it has been awhile since he has had one.>

 

[bmwcoolk1200]

Gordon,

This is not Ken's first rodeo with an LT but it has been awhile since he has had one.>

I can tell that by his signature but unless you pay close attention to ones like Sailor, you wouldn't know about the temp light and the interlocks. It never hurts to jog someones memory. It may save them some time they can spend riding rather than pulling the side stand switch. Besides, he already knew who to " GO TO" for his question. 0

 

[meese]

I'd forgotten about the low voltage interlock, so that was a good reminder.

Using the temp light as an interlock indicator is new to me, and great info.

So thanks all, that's exactly why I posted here.

I did hook up the battery tender to charge overnight.

Now I just need to head out into the cold garage and see if it worked. :bmw:

 

[meese]

Update: It was the low-voltage interlock, due to a bad Odyssey PC680 battery.

I borrowed a GS-911 and saw 10.5 volts at the ECU and ABS units, jumped the LT with my wife's car, and she fired right up.

Charging the PC680 for a few days didn't help, so I ordered a Westco 12V20P AGM battery for $80 shipped.

Turns out, the Westco terminals are vertical, and the PC680 terminal are horizontal, and the LT's battery cables really don't like to be twisted and stretched.

Dug through some old bike parts boxes and found the factory battery terminal adapter brackets, probably from when I switched my old LT to an Odyssey battery so many years ago...

Now I just need to see if I can find the original LT battery hold-down bracket hidden in some other old box...

 

[jzeiler]

Sounds like you are getting close to riding the old girl again - enjoy!

 

[meese]

Took her out for a brief spin yesterday afternoon, just to make sure everything was up to par.

Was 29°F and slightly icy this morning, so left her at home today...

Gotta ride to a customer site tomorrow, so I'll get a few miles in then. :bike:

 

[Chad Albrecht]

Hi Ken,
Did you find a battery hold down bracket? If not, I will look through a parts box in my garage for you. I check the forum every couple of months.....how's the bike running for you otherwise? Have taken the odometer into the 6th figure yet?

 

[meese]

Not yet.

Bike is doing fine after the new battery.

Mostly just commuting for now, but the LT makes that easy.

 

[Sandlapper]

Had a scare just a little bit ago.....Finished my winter maintenance, got it all buttoned up and went to get if off center stand....It doesn't turn over. Thing was I cranked it yesterday. Temp light was on, had 13.74(off) 12.55(on) volts.....So all I knew to do was start cussing, and believe me I strung together some good ones.>

Went in the house and got a beer and ran things thru this old brain....went back out and moved the reverse knob back and forth....tried it again fired right up. Evidently when I put the knob back on and tightened the screw, it move the knob just enough to stop the bike from turning over.....

It's pouring rain so I guess tomorrow is the shake-down cruise.....That last beer worked so good think I'll have another 3 or 4......:beer::beer: