Topic: Question about the ignition switch on my cb550

[kemmer]

My bother in law just gave me a CB550 that hasn't run in 5 years.  I hooked up a battery and turned the key to the red dot and got lights to come on.  There is no spark when I kick it over though.  It looks like maybe there might be another key position, but I'm not sure.  It looks to me like there's "Off",  "red dot" and "Ignition".  Is that correct?  I can't get my key to turn past the red dot.  If that's the case, can someone tell me how to hotwire the bike so I can see if it will run?

[tsflstb]

If it's like my 400F, you can uplug the multi-connector thing from the ignition swith, and then jumper between the RED wire and I think the BLACK/RED.  There's a BROWN/WHITE and some other color in there that are for the head/tail lights.  Get a copy of the wiring diagram to make sure.  I broke my ignition switch and had to do this for a while.

[Dennis]

My bother in law just gave me a CB550 that hasn't run in 5 years.  I hooked up a battery and turned the key to the red dot and got lights to come on.  There is no spark when I kick it over though.  It looks like maybe there might be another key position, but I'm not sure.  It looks to me like there's "Off",  "red dot" and "Ignition".  Is that correct?  I can't get my key to turn past the red dot.  If that's the case, can someone tell me how to hotwire the bike so I can see if it will run?

Don't get carried away with the excitement. I wouldn't attempt to HOTWIRE anything until I knew exactly what was going on (and just FYI, I am very experienced with DC Electrics).
Without knowing exactly what model you have, I think that we can guess that there are probably 3 positions for the switch. Usually the first position will control the ignition. The second will usually give the so-called parking lights. On some models it also operates the fork lock and will not function unless the wheel is turned to the stop.
Considering that you can turn the key and get lights, I'd be looking for the reason that there is no spark.
Is the "kill" switch on? How about the condition of the ignition components?

There is a FAQ page on this site. It has a vast amount of information and also the locations of several downloadable manuals. You might want to look at the manuals.

[kemmer]

Without knowing exactly what model you have, I think that we can guess that there are probably 3 positions for the switch. Usually the first position will control the ignition. The second will usually give the so-called parking lights. On some models it also operates the fork lock and will not function unless the wheel is turned to the stop.
Considering that you can turn the key and get lights, I'd be looking for the reason that there is no spark.
Is the "kill" switch on? How about the condition of the ignition components?

There is a FAQ page on this site. It has a vast amount of information and also the locations of several downloadable manuals. You might want to look at the manuals.

The kill switch is in the "run" position.  I have parking lights and the neutral indicator light, but thats it.  The reason I thought maybe the ignition switch isn't turned all the way is that the electric start isn't working either.  Isn't the fork lock position counter clockwise of the "off" position?  Just so you know what I'm talking about, one click to the right of "off" is a red dot.  This position gives me parking lights.  The key won't turn any more to the right, but further to the right of the dot it says "IGNITION".  What I was asking is, should I be able to turn the key farther to the right, and if so, how to I hotwire it until I decide if I want to go anyfurther with the bike.

[SteveD CB500F]

Which 550 do you have?  Is the switch down by the tank or up on the bars?

Once we know which model, one of the wiring diagrams on this site will tell you which wires to short to test the switch.

[Dennis]

Your description of the switch isn't helping me. Sounds like on I'm not familiar with. As Steve mentioned, tell us specifically which model 550 you have and someone may be able to help. You may also want to look at the owners manuals available on line to identify the switch function.

[kemmer]

Hey, sorry, it's down by the tank.  Its a 75 CB 550 K.  Does that help at all?  I'll see if I can find an owners manual somewhere.

[Dennis]

.... it's down by the tank.  Its a 75 CB 550 K.  Does that help at all? 

If it is down by the tank, I'm going to guess that it is just like my 500. Steve (or anyone else) can you confirm this?
A 3 position switch. Off position to left, nothing operates. Second position - center, everything works, ignition, electric start, lights, etc. Third position to right, parking lamps only, no ignition, no electric start. Key can be removed in first and third positions.
No steering lock is incorporated into this type switch.
Does that sound like it?
Can't tell you about wires, don't have the 550 diagram.

[Jay B]

On my '74 350f the "run" position on the switch connects the hot wire to the wire diagonal to it in the 4 pin connecter. Don't remember the color. I jumped mine after I rescued it from the salvage yard as it didn't have a switch on it. I test my switch for continuity after I got it, and sure 'nuff that's how it tested. Just letting you know how my 350 is set up. I think the low mount switches are the same, but do this at your own risk.

[DiscoEd]

Here is a diagram that might help... Can't remember where I got this from, but "Thank You" to whoever created it.

http://www.sohc4.us/gallery/v/members/personal/DiscoEd/CB550_ElectricalDiagram.JPG.html

-DiscoEd

[csendker]

From my '75 550K:

KeyOff: Left or down is 'Off'; key pulls out.
KeyRun: Middle is bike running position key cannot be removed.
KeyPark: Right or up is parking lights only, key may be removed.

Besides the pictures, check to see if the key pulls out; if so, wrong position to run the bike.  Or your ignition switch is busted.

[kemmer]

#$%*, mine looks just like yours and the position I can't get it into is just the "park" position.  Looking at the diagram, since I'm getting the neutral light, I should be getting juice to the coil.  I guess I've probably got an ignition problem, either that or a bad kill switch.  Thanks guys, good info there.

[Dennis]

#$%*, ......  I guess I've probably got an ignition problem, either that or a bad kill switch. 

Possible. If so there is more than one problem. The ignition problem would affect the ignition. The kill switch disables the coil and kills the ignition in that manner.
You mentioned that the electric starter doesn't work. The kill switch does not disable the electric start.