Engine Shuts Off

[chief]

Yeah, I don't think you can push start the bike if there is absolutely no power.  I think it really depends upon whether or not there is enough power to the EFI... otherwise no fuel. I've restarted after a shut down while coasting at higher speeds... but there was power to the efi etc.

[khanawalt]

The early bikes had a problem with the tipover switch causing problems, but I don't know that it affects newer bikes.

[ramakins]

I was replying to 1st post , trying to jump start the bike , by rolling & putting in gear, EfI bikes will not start like that, I don't think. And I believe it takes a lot more than 5/16 " of tilt before tilt over switch will shut bike down.

Peace

[nabrosky]

I finally got around to checking out the tip-over switch. I went with a larger battery replacement and I recall it was it was a tight fit getting it in. Apparently when the battery slides in it pushed the tip switch housing forward and then slightly bends towards the front of the bike. Not much but I guess enought that it disorients the switch from where it should be. The switch mounts with it's own bracket and there is enough play in it that it can be moved from a true plumb position. I pulled it bak into place and anchored it with a cable tie. Just need to see what happens the next time I take the bike out tomorrow. I post the results in a day or two. Must be a really sensitive mercury switch or something because it only moves fore and aft about 5/16". Doesn''t look like side to side movement is possible. It's located directly under the battery bracket mounting screw.

[chief]

Yes, you can jump the bike... just don't run the car when you are doing it.

[Varooom]

Yes, exactly.  The tip over assy is fastened to the frame with the same single bolt that holds the battery hold down bracket and, if you don't remember to drop its tab in the hole before clamping the battery down, it will bob around loose under the gas tank, acting, at times (hopefully not in a corner) like it's sensing a tipped over bike when it's the only thing not level!
Varooom

[chief]

Please Keep us advised.

[nabrosky]

I just did some research on recalls for this problem this morning and apparently a recall notice was issued in 1999 that indicated that the tip over switch on Drifter's can be knocked out of position during battery replacement causing intermittent shut off malfunctions. I just replaced my battery about a month ago and that's when the problem started. Hmmmmmmmm.  I'm gonna check it out and I'll post what I find. Kawasaki even agreed to attach a frame sticker that warns the owner that the switch can be displaced during battery servicing. Thanks to everybody that responded to my original post. I think I found the problem.

[Varooom]

There was a recall way back for the tip over shutoff switch that mounts on the bolt to the front of the battery, on the rear tank resting point.  If that tipover switch is intermittent it might cause this.  Check to see whether that recall applied to your year.
Varooom

[ramakins]

I don't believe u can jump start EFI bikes. Do u have any objects hanging off your key ring that could be pulling on your key in speed and wind? Is your kickstand loose in the up position? Loose wire connector? Sounds like something simple.

[annieoakley]

Yeah, that would be a pain, especially scary while on an interstate. I'm sure Chief will be on here later to give some advice too. He has more experience than I do. But I would start at the kickstand. Maybe it has a little play there that causes the temporary shut down.

[nabrosky]

I'll check it out...........maybe a loose connector or something. Funny thing is it just shuts off on the smooth interstate going 70 too.  It does it at lease 1 time everytime I take it out. A real pain in heavy traffic. Might be good to change the switch, huh?

[annieoakley]

kickstand switch?

[nabrosky]

I have an '04 1500. The bike starts and runs fine 98% of the time.  The problem I'm having is  engine stops running suddenly and unpredictably at any speed or driving condition. I have to coast to the side of the road and turn the ignition switch off and then on again and the bike starts instantly and runs fine e engine control module? When the engine shuts off all the idiot lights come on and I still have full electrical functions on the bike while it's coasting. It will not restart while coasting even if I pull in the clutch, downshift, and release the clutch in gear.