Bike Won't Turn On

TimCov2012

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Oct 19, 2018
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Dallas, TX, USA
I have a 2012 Super Tenere. I had some injuries that kept me from riding for a few months. I kept the bike on a battery tender. When I went to start it up, it wouldn't turn on (no lights, no gauges, nothing). I took the battery in, had it tested, and bought a new one. When I hooked up the new battery, a pump somewhere started running, and it still wouldn't turn on.

Any suggestions on things to look for? I hate diagnosing electrical issues.
 

MFP

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I have a 2012 Super Tenere. I had some injuries that kept me from riding for a few months. I kept the bike on a battery tender. When I went to start it up, it wouldn't turn on (no lights, no gauges, nothing). I took the battery in, had it tested, and bought a new one. When I hooked up the new battery, a pump somewhere started running, and it still wouldn't turn on.

Any suggestions on things to look for? I hate diagnosing electrical issues.
Make sure the ignition kill switch is in the run position, I have made this mistake a few times when I have not ridden for a while.
 

Don in Lodi

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Turning the key on cycles the fuel pump for a couple seconds. Even with a new battery you still get no dash action? Does the starter motor spin the motor over? +1 on the kill switch. Make sure it's in neutral.
 

Juan

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The kill switch must have been on since he heard the pump in action.
 

TimCov2012

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Turning the key on cycles the fuel pump for a couple seconds. Even with a new battery you still get no dash action? Does the starter motor spin the motor over? +1 on the kill switch. Make sure it's in neutral.
The pump is running even with the key removed from the ignition. It starts running as soon as the battery is connected.

Check the kickstand switch. I almost called a damn wrecker because mine was stuck.
I don't even get to the point where that would matter.

I realized I wasn't clear in my original post. When I turn the key to the ON position, nothing on the dash comes on. The LCD screen does not turn on. None of the lights on the dash come on, and the headlight does not come on. I also can not get it to even try to start. The pump running starts as soon as I connect the battery. The key isn't even in the ignition when this happens.
 

ace50

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Assuming the bike was running properly two months ago, and has been parked. I'd remove the fuel tank and the right side upper panel to inspect the wire harnesses for vandalism or rodent damage. Also check all the fuses including the starter relay fuse.
Yes, wonder where the bike is stored?
 

Nikolajsen

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Fuel pump should NOT start when battery connected. Something is very wrong in harness.
And could easily be mouse/rats as others have mentioned.
 

TimCov2012

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Fuel pump should NOT start when battery connected. Something is very wrong in harness.
And could easily be mouse/rats as others have mentioned.
I found one thing I was doing wrong. The battery was connected in reverse. The battery they sold me has the terminals in reverse. Connecting it correctly stopped the pump sound. But, it still won't turn on.

Tomorrow, I will try removing the tank.

I've learned to not try to work on my bike in a dimly lit garage at night when it is raining outside.
 

gv550

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It is possible that connecting the battery terminals backwards has caused some damage to the wiring or components. The service manual has checking procedures for most components, testing resistance and voltages. If the ECU is damaged you may need a dealer to connect it to their scanner.
 

WJBertrand

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You may have blown the main fusible link. Not sure where it is on the Super-T, but follow the positive battery cable. Maybe it’s by the starter relay?


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TimCov2012

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Oct 19, 2018
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Dallas, TX, USA
Well, I drained and lifted the tank on my motorcycle. There is no chewed wiring. So, that means it is a problem with an electronic component.
 
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