Sorry, still have the problem. I did order a new switch assembly and installed it. I can get it to start by holding the start button and flipping the kill switch between on and off quickly with my other hand. It seems to want to fire when I switch it to off, if I flip it quick enough it'll start when it hits the on position again. The trick is to leave it in the run spot and not kill it after it starts. I've ordered a new alarm unit and am hoping it's the problem. It's about all that's left to replace except things in the actual start circuit like the starter and solinoid. I need to try kick starting it and see if it works right without using the electric start circuit at all. Good luck

 

This seems to be an epidemic!
I have the exact same problem!
In addition, my starter packed it in due to all the cranking...
I got a brushes kit for $40 from a local dealer. Will try a few more things tonite.
Did you guys ever figure out your issues?
What is that alarm unit?

 

There is a Ground in the Control box on the handlebars.
There is Also the Ground coming off the battery. dont laugh,. sometimes that batt ground wire corroed BADly at the frame..
The coil itself is also grounded directly to the frame. Along with Every other Electrical box on the bike.

By you flicking the on/ off switch and it will start is telling me you have a bad ground system. Remove Every thing electrical. Clean and sand ALL! ground connections Reassemble, check for spark. IF it works Paint over the freshly sanded areas to Seal the new grounds.

You said you have replaced the control box on the bars. but have you check to see if its actually getting a good ground Through the bars to the batterys ground?
WAY back iI had a older model bike that had this same problem. I ended up having to sand the !Paint! off the handle bars at under the control box and under the bar clamps to get a proper ground. that solved ALL of my electrical problems..

GL. and chase down that ground issue.

 

I have the same issue with my 88 trx 300 2 wheel drive anyone figure this out yet?

Arkansas Dave

 

went out and worked on mine today I put the spark plug in the boot next to the head so I could see if and when it would spark nothing, so I cycled the kill switch as described and bingo I got a bright blue spark. I put the plug in the head and put in some fresh gas a little carb cleaner in the intake and vroom vroom she roared to life for the first time since 05. Already bought a new wheeler so now I will have a spare. I plan to clean this switch and check it out.


AD

 

I have the same exact problem. I have read every thread on every forum I could find. I have two 1988 TRX300 2wd machines. Finally after weeks of playing with ohm and volt meters I swapped CDI units and finally got spark. Rode the machine for 10 minutes or so and it ran pretty good. Went out next day and no spark. Have checked grounds and even made a jumper ground from ground on starter to frame. Anyone ever figure out the mysterious intermittent spark issue with the 1988? Please help.

 

jesus.. im pondering just selling the thing now. After all the parts i had to put in it (tires, battery, fixing the fuel tank) i am sick of fixing it. I just want to ride the damn thing!

 

Well i guess i need to read this thread now.

Update from this thread yesterday.
http://forums.atvconnection.com/hond...-gremlins.html

I just got home from work and decided to see if the wheeler would start. sure as ****, fired up on the first try. wtfmate

 

could this be a voltage related issue?

yesterday my electrical gremlins killed my battery 99.99%. when i jumped the wheeler and got her running she had a rough poppy idle.. then did the no spark thing

had her on the charger all night long, did not touch a thing other then the charger, fired right up today and had a smooth idle.

so the only thing that has changed was the battery voltage

 

Finally figured it out. I ordered a new CDI and finally got spark. Machine runs but just bogs at full throttle. Now have to figure out whats wrong with the carb or why it bogs. Seems to be lean due it running better with choke on. Thinking it possibly could be the vacuum piston in carb.