Common reasons a Honda Grom motorcycle won’t start include:
- Dead Motorcycle Battery
- Low Engine Oil
- Clutch Issues
- Safety or Electrical Issues
- Ensure Kill Switch is in the run position
Reasons Honda Grom Won’t Start
There are many underlying reasons that could cause your Honda Grom motorcycle not to start. From a dead battery, low engine oil, clutch issues, safety or electrical issues, or just simply your kill switch in the wrong position, the underlying causes of why your Honda Grom won’t start can be extensive.
In this article, we will discuss the most common reasons that can prevent a Honda Grom from not starting and how to deal with them.
1. Dead Motorcycle Battery
A dead battery is one of the primary reasons and a main cause of why a Honda Grom may fail to start. The battery is a crucial source of electrical power for starting the engine and running the various electrical components of the motorcycle.
The Honda Grom relies on the battery to power the spark plug, creating the spark needed to ignite the fuel-air mixture and start the internal combustion process. When the battery is depleted or completely dead, there is insufficient power to engage the starter motor and ignite the engine.
It’s worth noting that the Honda Grom does not have a kick-start mechanism and relies solely on the battery to start the engine.
What To Do For Dead Motorcycle Battery
If you have access to jumper cables and another vehicle with a charged battery, you can jump-start the bike.
Personally, I prefer to use a battery charger with a start aid option (link to Amazon). If the battery is just slightly below the needed voltage to start your motorcycle, the start aid device should be sufficient to provide the needed boost in energy to start your bike.
2. Low Engine Oil
Low oil levels in a Honda Grom can significantly impact the motorcycle’s ability to start and run properly. Oil plays a crucial role in lubricating various components within the engine, reducing friction and heat buildup. When the oil level is low, several issues can arise, leading to starting problems.
Low oil levels can also trigger a safety mechanism known as an oil pressure sensor or oil pressure switch. This sensor monitors the oil pressure within the engine. When the oil level is too low, the sensor detects the pressure drop. It sends a signal to the engine control unit (ECU) or ignition system, preventing the motorcycle from starting as a protective measure. This is to avoid further damage to the engine that could occur without sufficient lubrication.
To ensure the proper functioning of a Honda Grom and prevent starting issues due to low oil, it is essential to regularly check the oil level and adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended oil change intervals. You can read our article, How To Change Oil in Honda Grom, to learn more about how and when to perform oil maintenance.
3. Clutch Issues
Issues with the clutch could also prevent a Honda Grom from starting or make starting difficult. The clutch is integral to the motorcycle’s transmission system and transfers power from the engine to the wheels. When there are problems with the clutch, it can disrupt the starting process in several ways.
The Honda Grom utilizes Programmed Fuel Injection technology in a PGM-FI clutch system. The PGM-FI optimizes fuel delivery and throttle response, allowing for smoother acceleration and precise control over the engine’s power output.
However, if the clutch system is damaged in any way, it could severely impact the Grom’s ability to start correctly. Below are some common clutch issues in a Honda Grom:
- Worn or damaged clutch plate: The clutch plate engages and disengages the engine’s power from the transmission. If the clutch plate is worn out or damaged, it may not correctly engage the engine’s power, resulting in a loss of torque transfer to the wheels. As a result, the engine may struggle to start or fail to start altogether, as insufficient power is transmitted to turn the wheels.
- Malfunctioning clutch lever or cable: The clutch lever is the mechanism that allows the rider to engage or disengage the clutch. If the lever is loose, stuck, or not functioning correctly, it can prevent the clutch from fully disengaging, which means the engine remains connected to the transmission even when the clutch lever is pulled. This can make it challenging to start the Honda Grom because the engine is still engaged with the transmission, making it harder to turn over.
Proper clutch function is vital for starting, shifting, and overall control of the Honda Grom. You can ensure smooth operation and an enjoyable riding experience by addressing clutch issues promptly and accurately.
4. Safety or Electrical Issues
Safety issues can undoubtedly prevent a Honda Grom from starting as a protective measure to ensure the rider’s well-being. The motorcycle’s design incorporates various safety features and interlocks that may prevent the engine from starting under certain conditions where safety could be compromised.
Kick Stand Switch
A faulty kickstand switch is a standard safety issue that can prevent the Honda Grom from starting. The kickstand switch is designed to cut off power to the engine if the kickstand is down while the motorcycle is in gear. This safety feature aims to prevent the rider from inadvertently starting the engine and attempting to ride off with the kickstand still lowered, which could lead to losing balance or control. If the kickstand switch is malfunctioning or improperly adjusted, it can falsely signal that it is down, preventing the engine from starting.
Ensure The Motorcycle Is In The Proper Gear
Another safety-related reason for the Honda Grom not starting is if the motorcycle is not neutral when attempting to start the engine. Many motorcycles, including the Grom, have a neutral safety switch that prevents the engine from starting if the transmission is not in the neutral position. This prevents the motorcycle from starting and potentially moving unexpectedly, reducing the risk of accidents if the rider engages the clutch and releases it with the transmission in gear.
Electrical Issues
A simple loose wire or the battery connectors being incorrectly positioned could prevent your Honda Grom from starting. You can take the seat of your Grom off to examine it for any abnormal wire placements and check your battery hookup to ensure everything is in the correct location.
Another electrical issue could be a faulty ignition switch. If the switch is damaged or not functioning properly, it can disrupt the electrical connection and prevent the engine from starting. Furthermore, a potential issue could be a blown fuse, which can interrupt the flow of electrical power to critical components, including the ignition system.
If you cannot easily diagnose the problem yourself, the best course of action would be to take your Honda Grom to a certified mechanic who can locate and fix the problem for you.
5. Check the Kill Switch
The kill switch on a Honda Grom is a safety feature that can prevent the motorcycle from starting. When activated, the kill switch interrupts the ignition system, cutting off the power supply to the engine and disabling the starting process.
This switch is typically located on the handlebars within easy reach of the rider. Accidentally leaving the kill switch in the “kill” position can result in the engine not starting, as it effectively prevents the ignition system from receiving the necessary electrical power. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the kill switch is in the proper position (usually in the “on” or “run” position) before attempting to start the Honda Grom.
Conclusion
Your Honda Grom motorcycle not starting when you want to go out for a ride could be a major bummer. From a dead battery, low engine oil, clutch issues, safety or electrical issues, or just simply your kill switch in the wrong position, your Honda Grom won’t start. Addressing and checking these most common issues first will certainly make the troubleshooting process easier.
