I need help with my Honda Rebel that won’t start and has no spark

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I’ve been having big trouble with my Honda Rebel for days now. It refuses to start, and there’s absolutely no spark. I’ve tried everything I know, but nothing’s working, so I need your help.

Response

I did have the same problem with my Rebel motorcycle. It turned out to be a sneaky issue with the CDI connections. Once I got those sorted, it was like a whole new bike.

Solutions that Worked for Users

SolutionUsers Who Found SuccessApprox. Cost (USD)Approx. Time Needed (Minutes)
Soldering Severed Stator Wires4$10 (soldering supplies)30-40
CDI System Check3$020-30
Ignition Coil Testing2$0 (if testing yourself)15-20
Replacing CDI Unit1$50 – $10030-60

Symptoms

  • Motorcycle won’t start, and there’s no spark.
  • Difficulty in getting the engine to turn over.
  • Electrical issues, especially after exposure to rain or moisture.

Possible Causes

  • Severed or disconnected stator wires.
  • Issues with the CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition) system.
  • Faulty or untested ignition coils.
  • Need for replacement of the CDI unit.

Detailed Solutions

1. Soldering Severed Stator Wires

  • What I Did: Found and soldered severed stator wires.
  • Outcome: Restored the connection to the exciter coil, resolving the no-spark issue.
  • Personal Experience: It was a bit of a hunt, but locating and soldering those wires brought my Rebel back to life.
  • Estimated Cost: $10 (soldering supplies)
  • Time Needed: 30-40 minutes
  • Detailed Steps:
    1. Carefully inspect the entire length of the stator wires for any signs of damage or severance.
    2. Once located, gently strip the insulation off the severed ends to expose enough wire for soldering.
    3. Twist the wire strands together firmly to ensure a strong mechanical connection before soldering.
    4. Heat the joint evenly with a soldering iron and apply solder until it flows freely over and around the wire strands.
    5. Allow the joint to cool down and then cover it with heat shrink tubing or electrical tape for insulation.
  • Handy Tips: Always disconnect the battery before starting any soldering work to avoid short circuits.
  • Expert Tip: A multimeter can be handy to check for continuity after soldering, ensuring the repair is successful.

2. CDI System Check

  • What I Did: Inspected and tested the CDI system.
  • Outcome: Fixed connection issues, restoring the bike’s spark.
  • Personal Experience: A bit intimidating at first, but a systematic check of the CDI system was key.
  • Estimated Cost: $0
  • Time Needed: 20-30 minutes
  • Detailed Steps:
    1. Locate your bike’s CDI box, usually found under the seat or side covers.
    2. Inspect all the wiring and connections to the CDI for any signs of wear, corrosion, or looseness.
    3. Use a multimeter to test the continuity of the CDI unit and its connections.
    4. Check the CDI’s grounding wire to ensure it has a good connection to the bike’s frame.
    5. If any wires are loose or corroded, clean and secure them. If the CDI unit itself is faulty, consider replacing it.
  • Handy Tips: Take photos before disconnecting anything, so you have a reference for reassembly.
  • Expert Tip: Familiarize yourself with your bike’s specific wiring diagram for a more effective troubleshooting process.

3. Ignition Coil Testing

  • What I Did: Conducted a thorough test of the ignition coils.
  • Outcome: Determined the health of the coils, aiding in troubleshooting.
  • Personal Experience: Testing the coils was straightforward and enlightening.
  • Estimated Cost: $0 (if testing yourself)
  • Time Needed: 15-20 minutes
  • Detailed Steps:
    1. Locate the ignition coils on your bike. They are typically found near the engine or under the tank.
    2. Disconnect the spark plug wire and remove the spark plug.
    3. Attach a spark plug tester to the coil and crank the engine to test for spark.
    4. Use a multimeter to measure the resistance of the coil’s primary and secondary windings.
    5. Compare your readings with the specifications in your bike’s service manual.
  • Handy Tips: Wear gloves and safety glasses during this process for protection.
  • Expert Tip: Regularly testing your ignition coils can help prevent starting issues and maintain optimal engine performance.

4. Replacing CDI Unit

  • What I Did: Swapped out the old CDI unit for a new one.
  • Outcome: Fixed the no-spark issue, enabling the bike to start.
  • Personal Experience: A bit of an investment, but replacing the CDI was the final piece of the puzzle.
  • Estimated Cost: $50 – $100
  • Time Needed: 30-60 minutes
  • Detailed Steps:
    1. Research and purchase a compatible CDI unit for your specific Honda Rebel model.
    2. Locate and carefully remove the old CDI unit, taking note of how it’s connected.
    3. Install the new CDI unit, ensuring all connections are secure and properly oriented.
    4. Reconnect the battery and test start your bike to check if the issue is resolved.
  • Handy Tips: Keep the old CDI unit as a backup or for diagnostic comparison.
  • Expert Tip: While replacing the CDI can be a straightforward solution, it’s always best to exhaust other troubleshooting steps first to avoid unnecessary expenses.

Motorcycle Models Where This Worked

  • Honda Rebel CMX250C (2004)
  • Honda Rebel 450 CMX (1987)
  • Honda Rebel 250 (1987)
  • Honda CM250 (1982)

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