Starter won't stop running

[NC Triker]

2006 GL1800 with Motor Trike kit. Starter stays engaged and continues running even with ignition switch turned off. Replaced both starter relays and starter. Problem continues intermittently. I am thinking start/reverse switch but how can starter get power with key off?

[Papa Zook]

Your "A" starter relay has welded it's contacts. Since it continued to crank with the ignition switch off, it's not your starter button switch. You will have to remove the bolts that hold the left saddlebag on and pull it away from the bike enough to get to the relays and change them, A and B. The parts are listed on the "battery" parts diagram

The A relay is the culprit, but I recommend changing both, A and B since they both work equally to start the bike and back it up in reverse. Here is a diagram that shows them in relation to the battery.

[Gold Rush]

2006 GL1800 with Motor Trike kit. Starter stays engaged and continues running even with ignition switch turned off. Replaced both starter relays and starter. Problem continues intermittently. I am thinking start/reverse switch but how can starter get power with key off?

That is interesting to say the least. If you hadn't already changed the starter relays and starter I'd sure be looking there also. I agree with Bazooka in that the start/reverse switch is probably not the cause. The GL1800 start/reverse system is one of the biggest bucket of worms I've ever seen. It will have you chasing your tail all day long!! If you do not have a service manual it's nearly impossible to troubleshoot.
GOOD LUCK with this one..

[NC Triker]

I did use aftermarket relays. I will order OEM relays and reply if that helps.

[Jack Klarich]

Or solenoid contacts are burned, u can pull the starter off and rebuild the solenoid OR disconnect the battery

[GoldWingrGreg]

2006 GL1800 ... starter stays engaged and continues running even with ignition switch turned off.

Does your trike have backup lights ???

[Gold Rush]

Starter Relay Switch B feeds power to the motor so I guess that is as close to a solenoid as we get on a GL1800. The OP said he did change bother relays and the starter so that step did get accomplished.


Hey Greg, I'm curious. What are you thinking with the back up light question? Thanks in advance.

[GoldWingrGreg]

Hey Greg, I'm curious. What are you thinking with the back up light question? Thanks in advance.

Can't remember, but it seems like I had one that had a bad "back-up light relay." A bad relay can feed power to the yellow/red wire coming out of relay 'B' and possibly engage the starter relay instead of getting power from it.

However, after re-reading the post. The OP is probably doing the right thing by replacing his relays with OEM ones. Cheap relays are rarely a "good value." Hopefully, he's at least removed the starter and inspected it too. Not only will they electrically cook themselves from running to long, but their shaft seal that keeps oil out of the planetary gear area gets fried and starts letting engine oil in.

[Gold Rush]

Can't remember, but it seems like I had one that had a bad "back-up light relay." A bad relay can feed power to the yellow/red wire coming out of relay 'B' and possibly engage the starter relay instead of getting power from it.

However, after re-reading the post. The OP is probably doing the right thing by replacing his relays with OEM ones. Cheap relays are rarely a "good value." Hopefully, he's at least removed the starter and inspected it too. Not only will they electrically cook themselves from running to long, but their shaft seal that keeps oil out of the planetary gear area gets fried and starts letting engine oil in.

Good advice Greg. Hopefully the OP got the power shut down before any damage was done.

[NC Triker]

Does your trike have backup lights ???

No backup lights

[NC Triker]

Does your trike have backup lights ???

No backup lights.