Headlights I have an '03 vt750cd shadow ace, with 35.000km. I'm having problems with the starter button. Sometimes the starter won't engage and the headlights won't turn on either. Sometimes the lights will randomly turn on while I'm driving and then turn off again. I checked the fuse the wiring, everything that I thought would cause a problem. any suggestions? thanks a lot.

The button is supposed to turn off the headlight when pushed in halfway and engage the solenoid when pushed in the rest of the way. It is not supposed to engage the starter halfway but NOT all the way. I think the button is either dirty , shorting ,or damaged. You can carefully take it apart and try cleaning it . If that does not work, you will have to replace the switch assembly. New or used , either is fine as long as it works. Honda only sells the switch with the housing as an assembly.

The starter button on a Honda does two things. When pushed in half way it turns off the headlight so there is more juice for the starter, then when pushed in the rest of the way it engages the solenoid going to the starter. It's pretty obvious that you need a right switch assembly. Or a good starter button removed from another switch assembly. Honda only sells the button as part of the complete switch assembly. Sometimes you can take a switch apart and clean the button contacts(I have done this) But you must work carefully so you dont damage or lose pieces.Sometimes the only option is to buy a different switch.Good Luck.

If it has the original seat, there is nothing to open. You remove the seat. First, remove the passenger seat by removing the bolt behind it that secures it to the fender, then lift the back of the seat, and push it forward until the front bracket is disengaged from the front bolt (if you lift the back and look closely, you will see a keyhole slot in the bracket that engages the top of the front bolt). This front bolt secures the back of the rider seat; remove it, and you can lift the seat from the back, pull, and it is free of the motorcycle. My ACE 750 is a 2002 model, and I think they are all the same.

I had a similar problem -- headlight out and bike would not start -- but it would run if you pop started it .. A little monkeying got the headlight on, but still no starter.
I am assuming you checked the fuses and they are fine..

I was told the two weak links in the ACE electrical switch and the starter relay. A little contact cleaner might fix it.
You can see the electrical diagram here:
http://www.750ace.com/files/750ace_wiring_1998_2000.gif

When you turn the key do you hear a "click" from somewhere on the bike? You said you checked the battery, I assume you meant the connections and that it has 12.5V?

the problem more than likely lies in your start button or the ignition switch. check the start button first. it may have corroded contacts.

bad connection on starter or batt check bof of em

Yes the tab should spin when the wheel turns

if the headlight and starter switch are in the same block(throttle side)you may find that the little screw that holds the earth plate down has come loose.hope this helps...cheers

20 ft lbs