400 maxim won't crank.

foundation982

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Hey guys experienced mechanic here and pretty good with electronics but this ones stumped me. I've been riding the maxim around town for a few days and one day it just randomly shut off and wouldn't crank anymore, the solenoid doesn't click either. It died anytime I put it into gear (and no it is not a clutch issue) I revved it up to about 6000rpms held the clutch in and shifted to first and it died. It seemed whenever the neutral light was off the engine died as well. After shifting it around through gears a few times it stuck the neutral light on and it cranked and started and it worked fine after that.

Just today the same thing happened but I wasn't able to get the solenoid to click or engine to crank. And yes the run switch is on run, The neutral light is always on and I made sure the kickstand switch was pulled out. But I think its one of those. Anyone have suggestions on where to look? Clutch switch? Neutral switch? or the kickstand switch? I'm okay with bypassing any of them considering the bike is pretty butchered, I just want to make it my dependable daily rider.

Cheers.
 
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I know on my Maxim that it won't start unless it's in neutral. Which you stated you are in, so potentially the gear safety switch (pretty sure there is one) could be faulty. Judging by the fact that you said it worked again after going through the gears and say that is probably a good place to start.
 
Thats what I figured too, but I can't find the neutral switch? I've traced the wires down and all I can see is the oil pressure switch, charging system and ignition points. Can anyone lead me in the direction of the neutral switch?
 
I believe the neutral switch is under the side cover where the cluth cable enters the engine. Other issues to look at: starter switch on the handlebars may be going bad, kickstand switch may be going bad, solenoid switch may be going bad.
 
I believe the neutral switch is under the side cover where the cluth cable enters the engine. Other issues to look at: starter switch on the handlebars may be going bad, kickstand switch may be going bad, solenoid switch may be going bad.

I found the neutral switch and it's working as it should, The clutch switch is broken but I wired the ends together to see if that was the problem still won't crank. I tested the kickstand switch and it also is working as it should. It could be the solenoid but whenever it won't crank it cuts ignition too.
 
Update: It may be one of the safety circuits, They still don't quite make sense to me. I can get everything to work except turn signals, cranking and ignition.
 
Try removing the safety relays and installing a wire to join the appropriate wires. If that doesn't work, disassemble and clean the ignition switch contacts.
 
Try removing the safety relays and installing a wire to join the appropriate wires. If that doesn't work, disassemble and clean the ignition switch contacts.

I'm leaning towards its in the safety circuit any idea which ones to jump? The PDF manual I have on it has a very vague wiring diagram, and doesn't go into detail about the safety circuit.
 
well I feel like an idiot literally went through everything on the bike today which turn out to be a good thing I found shoddy electrical connections with wire nuts, I removed those and soldered everything together and covered with shrink tubing. It turned out to be the ignition fuse wasn't making good enough contact. This was one of the first things I checked with a volt meter and was getting readings that contact was fine but apparently wasn't secure enough.

Just a reminder I guess double check the basics.
 
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