2018 EC300 Will Not E-Start Cold

[Encore243]

Hello everyone!

First off I want to say thanks for all the great information on this site. I cannot seem to find a thread with my specific problem. My 2018 EC300 will not electric start in the mornings but will start with the kick starter on the first or second kick. I have replaced the battery cables with heavier gauge wires and the battery is fully charged. The engine turns over quickly but will not fire. When the ambient temperature rises, the engine will electric start. Even if the engine hasn't been started earlier in the day, the engine will start almost immediately with the electric start if the ambient temperature is above 50-55 degrees F. I have not checked for spark when the engine will not start cold. I have read of a CDI remap but have not found what the remap actually changes.
Does anyone know if the CDI remap addresses this problem? Thanks!

 

[Pygmygod]

Is it a lithium battery? They don't like extreme cold temps when trying to start.

Possible bendix on the starter motor on its way out?

 

[shawbagga]

Lithium batts. Buy a AGM type or lead acid.

 

[(F5)]

Is your choke working properly?

And don't be do frigging lazy. Give it a good kick when cold. Will save wear on the bendix.

 

[Gasser Nate]

It does sound like the symptoms of the CDI needing a reflash, the ones I have seen need it have spun over like there is no plug but won't start. Check with your dealer and they can let you know if it has been done.

 

[GasGas]

If the bike will not start with the button, then it's a 95% chance you need a new starter. Even if it is spinning the motor just fine. Even if it starts the bike when hot but not cold. Replace your starter and you may get lucky and and get a good one. It seems to be about a 50/50 chance it will be a good one. I don't know what dark chinese basement factory they are getting these starters from but they need to find a new source. It's embarrassing the brand in my opinion.

 

[Encore243]

Thanks for the information gentlemen. I have replaced the cable operated choke with a carburetor mounted knob. I do believe that the choke ( or enrichener) needs to add more fuel at initial start up. I have to nurse it along when the temperature is @ 40 degrees F. or lower, but that can be remedied. As I mentioned before, the starter motor spins the engine very quickly but the engine will not fire. I will check for spark when cold while using the electric start. I am not sure my dealer will be able to help me too much since this is the first GG they have sold Thanks again for the info, I'll keep plugging away. Overall, I love the bike but the 'no start' condition gives it a black eye.

 

[Greatdane]

Use a spark tester and leave the plug in the cylinder while cranking. If you take the plug out to check spark there will be no compression and it will spin very quickly possibly giving you a false reading.

 

[Jacob 'Berg]

I would also polish up the inside of the bendix cover pocket as well. My '18 would turn over fine on the button, but would not light up in colder weather or when the bike was cold. Once warmed up it worked no problem. After polishing and greasing the pocket that the shaft mates up to I have had zero starting issues with the button, cold weather, cold engine, etc.

There is a thread on this in the forum. It takes about 5 minutes and costs you a bendix cover gasket.

 

[Jacob 'Berg]

http://www.gasgasrider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=23150&page=8

Not saying this is your problem, but your issues sound almost identical to mine prior to doing this work, and given the negligible cost of time and parts, it is worth a shot.

 

[farmerj]

If the bike will not start with the button, then it's a 95% chance you need a new starter. Even if it is spinning the motor just fine. Even if it starts the bike when hot but not cold. Replace your starter and you may get lucky and and get a good one. It seems to be about a 50/50 chance it will be a good one. I don't know what dark chinese basement factory they are getting these starters from but they need to find a new source. It's embarrassing the brand in my opinion.

Could you be saying that a "bad" starter (even though new) will draw more amps than a good one? If so, that could make sense out of why it seems that some bikes start fine while others seem to have weak (or no) spark?

...But then, why don't the 2019?s have problems? Aren't they drawing from the same batch of starters?