1989 Honda Foreman wont start - Honda Foreman Forums : Rubicon, Rincon, Rancher and Recon Forum

Cjhelkenn · 09-06-2011, 08:45 PM

Hey everybody, new to the sight, so I'm expecting an enthusiastic response!

I have a 1989 Honda Foreman that is not starting. The problem is that it gives one spark on the first turn over, and nothing after that. I'm baffled as to what could be causing that. Any suggestions?

rich450es · 09-06-2011, 08:55 PM

welcom to the forum !
there are some smart people on here that will help you better then me

martdog420 · 09-06-2011, 09:40 PM

Welcome to the forum... Did you try a new spark plug??

lop3r1 · 09-06-2011, 10:05 PM

google "cdi" or "capacitor discharge ignition". somewhat difficult ignition system to troubleshoot...but there are only 4 major components to this system...assuming your ignition is the same system used on newer models...but cdi has been commonplace since the 60's and 70's...it's gonna be one of those 4 components, but the readings can't be deciphered by a standard multi-meter...needs to visit the local shop. ignition probs can be a major pain to pinpoint on hondas, or you'll be doing some parts swapping!

sspeckerwood · 09-06-2011, 11:19 PM

welcome to the forum

**toodeep** · 09-08-2011, 10:47 AM

Welcome. Is the fuel pump running when you try to start it? Fuses good? Move the kill switch (left handle bar switch) back and forth a few times and see if it makes any difference. CDI is a pretty common problem and the kill switch (I have bypassed a lot of kill switches) but it could be the pulse generator, fuel pump relay, wiring, ignition switch, coil or fuses.

Cjhelkenn · 09-11-2011, 09:36 PM

Hey thanks everybody for the welcome to the forum! I appreciate the responses!

The problem was in the emergency kill switch. The terminal on the handlebar was corroded on the inside, and the switch had shorted. Wired in a bypass, and everything is running good!

Again, thanks everybody!

bmemmott · 11-30-2011, 06:00 PM

I have a machine with the same symptom. How did you troubleshoot the issue down to kill switch??

I my case I have cleaned the Carb, replace the spark plug, spark plug cap., ignition coil. I don't want to go buy an ignition control module (CDI) with out proof that it is defective.

lop3r1 · 11-30-2011, 08:03 PM

man, maybe cjhelkenn can help ya out a little...i'm not to savvy on ignition issues..or wait for toodeep or rich to read this...they'll post something useful.

bmemmott · 12-07-2011, 04:03 PM

I just confirmed as well that my issue was also a corroded kill switch. I simply popped of the red face of the switch, sprayed battery contact cleaner into the switch, then worked the switch back and fourth for a minute or two. Now my machine runs great.

thanks for the info.

09-06-2011, 08:45 PM	#1 (permalink)
Cjhelkenn Honda Rider Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 2	1989 Honda Foreman wont start Hey everybody, new to the sight, so I'm expecting an enthusiastic response! I have a 1989 Honda Foreman that is not starting. The problem is that it gives one spark on the first turn over, and nothing after that. I'm baffled as to what could be causing that. Any suggestions?

09-06-2011, 08:55 PM	#2 (permalink)
rich450es Honda Red Wing Rider Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: ludlow,mass Posts: 10,645	welcom to the forum ! there are some smart people on here that will help you better then me __________________ 2000 foreman 450 es-s the fking pig 14% 300 foretrax gear reduction 30in gorila silverbacks on C-5 wheels 2500lb warn winch superatv disk brake conversion kit 2in ssatv lift kit and progressive 512 shocks the original 4in PVC storage tube hurculined racks with rear cargo box czr loud exhaust , uni airfilter and drilled main jet foreman 450 parts for sale pm me for info**

09-06-2011, 09:40 PM	#3 (permalink)
martdog420 Honda Red Wing Rider Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: ontario canada Posts: 1,225	Welcome to the forum... Did you try a new spark plug?? __________________ 2006 Rubicon Canadian Trail Edition. 1 1/2 inch Quadrax lift 26" Mudlites Motovan B series back seat 2500# warn 1000's of custom scratches 100's of dings n dents 50+ plastic stitches and a few oil changes.

09-06-2011, 10:05 PM	#4 (permalink)
lop3r1 Honda Red Wing Rider Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: gulfport, mississippi Posts: 857	google "cdi" or "capacitor discharge ignition". somewhat difficult ignition system to troubleshoot...but there are only 4 major components to this system...assuming your ignition is the same system used on newer models...but cdi has been commonplace since the 60's and 70's...it's gonna be one of those 4 components, but the readings can't be deciphered by a standard multi-meter...needs to visit the local shop. ignition probs can be a major pain to pinpoint on hondas, or you'll be doing some parts swapping! __________________ 07 foreman s camo 2" hl lift 1" hl wheel spacers 27" outlaws epi/hl outlaw clutch kit hmf utility, uni filter, dynojet kit 3000lb superwinch triangle snorkel kit herculiner on racks/front bumper custom front recovery point

09-06-2011, 11:19 PM	#5 (permalink)
sspeckerwood Honda Red Wing Rider Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: tooele, ut Posts: 8,781	welcome to the forum __________________ 2012 TRX500FM FOREMAN. SSPECKERWOOD 3RD HEADLIGHT MOD QUAD BOSS REAR SEAT 26" SWAMPLITES KFI #3000 WINCH HOT GRIPS HEATED GRIPS & THUMB WARMER HONDA ALUMINUM A-ARM GUARDS 00' FOREMAN 450es HIGH LIFTER SPRINGS FRONT & REAR MAXXIS TIRES OFF A 2012 FOREMAN 500 SSPECKERWOOD 3RD HEADLIGHT MOD http://www.flickr.com/photos/sspeckerwood/ http://www.youtube.com/user/sspeckerwood Official hondaforeman.com stickers IF YOU WOULD LIKE OFFICIAL HONDAFOREMAN.COM STICKERS PM ME.

09-08-2011, 10:47 AM	#6 (permalink)
toodeep Administrator Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: south dakota Posts: 6,653	Welcome. Is the fuel pump running when you try to start it? Fuses good? Move the kill switch (left handle bar switch) back and forth a few times and see if it makes any difference. CDI is a pretty common problem and the kill switch (I have bypassed a lot of kill switches) but it could be the pulse generator, fuel pump relay, wiring, ignition switch, coil or fuses.

09-11-2011, 09:36 PM	#7 (permalink)
Cjhelkenn Honda Rider Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 2	Thanks guys! Hey thanks everybody for the welcome to the forum! I appreciate the responses! The problem was in the emergency kill switch. The terminal on the handlebar was corroded on the inside, and the switch had shorted. Wired in a bypass, and everything is running good! Again, thanks everybody!

11-30-2011, 06:00 PM	#8 (permalink)
bmemmott Honda Rider Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 6	I have a machine with the same symptom. How did you troubleshoot the issue down to kill switch?? I my case I have cleaned the Carb, replace the spark plug, spark plug cap., ignition coil. I don't want to go buy an ignition control module (CDI) with out proof that it is defective.

11-30-2011, 08:03 PM	#9 (permalink)
lop3r1 Honda Red Wing Rider Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: gulfport, mississippi Posts: 857	man, maybe cjhelkenn can help ya out a little...i'm not to savvy on ignition issues..or wait for toodeep or rich to read this...they'll post something useful. __________________ 07 foreman s camo 2" hl lift 1" hl wheel spacers 27" outlaws epi/hl outlaw clutch kit hmf utility, uni filter, dynojet kit 3000lb superwinch triangle snorkel kit herculiner on racks/front bumper custom front recovery point

12-07-2011, 04:03 PM	#10 (permalink)
bmemmott Honda Rider Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 6	I just confirmed as well that my issue was also a corroded kill switch. I simply popped of the red face of the switch, sprayed battery contact cleaner into the switch, then worked the switch back and fourth for a minute or two. Now my machine runs great. thanks for the info.

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