Alton electric start doesnt work anymore

Status
Not open for further replies.
I would contact Alton directly as AN will probably just pass you on to them anyway. You may have to Email them more than once it is best to phone them. There is of course issue of language an time difference but once you have got in touch an they are dealing with your issue then Email can also be used.
 
BUT...First I would ensure that all the appropriate connections are in good condition. IOW, be sure that the problem is with the Alton components (relay or starter motor) not a wiring or battery issue.

Was the starter working fine one day and suddenly quit working? Was any electrical work done on the bike just prior to the "failure?"
 
MexicoMike said:
I would contact Alton. In my experience, their customer service was superb; AN, not so much. ;)
Click to expand...
Agree and if there are warranty issues AN presumably will want the whole thing back.. surely easier to test the solenoid by eliminating it from the circuit as has been suggested
 
Hi.
Thank you to Andover for the prompt answer.
I will send them the Alton and they will repair or replace.
Piero
 
MexicoMike said:
BUT...First I would ensure that all the appropriate connections are in good condition. IOW, be sure that the problem is with the Alton components (relay or starter motor) not a wiring or battery issue.

Was the starter working fine one day and suddenly quit working? Was any electrical work done on the bike just prior to the "failure?"
Click to expand...
Battery is full charged and all the wires are hold in place.
Bridge done directly in the starter: it doesnt work.
Piero
 
So I installed an Alton this weekend, did it by the book. Push button.....nuthin.
I wired it to the white/red wire from the handlebar. Do I need to do anything with the two white/red wires that hang loose under tank and by battery?
I’m going to jump the solenoid terminals tomorrow and see if it kicks over.
Any input greatly appreciated
C
 
The long wire which Alton provide should be connected to the spare white/red coming from from one of the grey handlebar switch looms ( normally the right hand one).

Is your bike pos or neg earth?


Cheers,

cliffa.
 
Did you check to be sure the "spare" button/wire on the OEM switch gear actually supplies power when depressed? The connection in the old switches can be corroded/broken or the connection between the switch/OEM harness bad/broken/not connected.
 
Where did you pick up the white/red wire connection? If you found the end of it in your battery compartment, it doesn't connect to the push button.
 
cliffa said:
The long wire which Alton provide should be connected to the spare white/red coming from from one of the grey handlebar switch looms ( normally the right hand one).

Is your bike pos or neg earth?


Cheers,

cliffa.
Click to expand...
Pos ground
That’s exactly how I wired it
The switchgear is new
 
MexicoMike said:
Did you check to be sure the "spare" button/wire on the OEM switch gear actually supplies power when depressed? The connection in the old switches can be corroded/broken or the connection between the switch/OEM harness bad/broken/not connected.
Click to expand...
Brand new switchgear, connections under tank seem good too
Getting voltage from white/red when pushing button
C
 
maylar said:
Where did you pick up the white/red wire connection? If you found the end of it in your battery compartment, it doesn't connect to the push button.
Click to expand...
Directly from the grey bundle from the new handlebar switchgear
What about the white/red under the tank near the carbs, should I do anything with it?
C
 
Last edited:
I think it’s either a bad solenoid, bad ground or perhaps battery (but it’s less than a month old).
 
Is there also a starter relay? With my CnW kit the button activates a small relay which in turn supplies power to the starter solenoid. Should be easy enough to trace with a voltmeter.
 
maylar said:
Is there also a starter relay? With my CnW kit the button activates a small relay which in turn supplies power to the starter solenoid. Should be easy enough to trace with a voltmeter.
Click to expand...
With the Alton it’s the switch direct to the solenoid. No intermediate relay.
 
To surgeon said:
Pos ground
That’s exactly how I wired it
The switchgear is new
Click to expand...
Do you at least hear a click from the solenoid when the button is pressed? Is the other low current wire connected to the +ve battery pole?


Cheers,

cliffa.
 
The first time I pushed the button a small click and the ignition warning light would go off as I pushed button. Now, no click, ign light remains lit.
Yes wired as per Alton directions, exactly.
 
The ignition warning light is really a charging light, when the engine starts and the alternator outputs power the light goes out. That it went out when you pressed the button suggests your battery voltage dropped so much the bulb was unpowered, so your battery is suspect, I also think your solenoid has now given up the ghost but that could be wrong and the battery now totally useless except for lighting the charging light.

I have had a battery that tested good on voltage and looked to take a charge, but it could provide little current due to internal high resistance.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

J
Crankshaft Nut When fitting Alton Electric start
Replies
3
Views
515
DennisMo
D
T
  • Locked
Alton electric start
Replies
1
Views
709
Nortoniggy
Nortoniggy
baz
  • Locked
What batteries are people using with an Alton electric start?
2
Replies
23
Views
3,132
cliffa
cliffa
P
  • Locked
Alton Electric Start
2 3 4
Replies
69
Views
14,799
N0rt0nelectr@
N0rt0nelectr@
P
  • Locked
Timing cover point 1969 Fastback: fit Alton Electric Starter
Replies
14
Views
1,280
yves norton seeley
yves norton seeley
Back
Top