Hard To Start Suzuki Marauder 800
This FAQ deals with the electrical problems that can be present in a hard-to-start Suzuki Marauder VZ800. This does not address all the problems that may be present with a non-starting Marauder. It requires a certain number of tools to troubleshoot a slow or non-starting bike. Among them are a multi-meter, jumper wires and a can of contact cleaner. Contact cleaners are generally flammable. Do not get the contact cleaner on your paint or on your skin. Clean connectors before putting them back together.
1. Battery. Make sure it is fully charged. A 12-volt battery that is in good condition and fully charged will indicate about 12.2 to 12.6 volts with everything turned off. If you have any question about the status of your battery, get it load tested. Your battery terminals should be clean, dry and tight. Now turn the key ON but do not start the engine. The battery voltage should still be about 12.2 volts. If the voltage drops sharply when the key is turned on, suspect a bad or inadequately charged battery. [ If your battery is not charging properly, see the Marauder charging system FAQ ]
2. OK. Battery is in good shape and charged. Remove the LH side cover on your bike. You will see a funky looking green plastic cover over a small black box. This is your starter relay. Pull back the funky cover. See those 2 big red wires? CAUTION: DIRECT LIVE BATTERY POWER IS AVAILABLE AT THE RH (LOOKING FORWARD) TERMINAL! Make sure the transmission is in neutral. Double check that it is in neutral. If it is not, your bike will take off on it is own, possibly coming off the kickstand, falling, damaging your bike or injuring you. Just make sure it is in neutral, OK? With the key turned on, use a heavy gauge wire (14 or bigger) or a large tool like a screwdriver or allen wrench and carefully short across the two large terminals that the red wires are connected to. You will see some sparks and hear a loud click. The starter should engage and the engine should turn over. If it spins over nicely, go to #5. If nothing happens, or the engine still turns over very slowly, go to #3.
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