battery change-smoking wire-constant starting….HELP

[aufevermike]

OK so this is what I did and what happened to my 1994 K1100LT. Hopefully it'll be an easy fix with the help of you guys. I changed out my battery. When I connected the smaller ground wire (not realizing nor connecting the larger most definite ground wire) and then positive there was a smoking wire that goes to the exhaust sensor. I took the negative off as soon as I could but it did get pretty hot. That's when I realized the larger most definite ground wire. So I connected both ground wires  without connecting the positive. Then when I tried to connect the positive the bike immediate started to turn over even thought the ignition is in the off position. What did I do and how can I fix it??

[johnny]

greetings aufevermike...

when it starts turning over... will it start and run or just turn over...

if it just turning over and not starting and running... flip the kill switch to the run position...

does it still just turn over... or will it start and run...

j o

[aufevermike]

Ok Johnny, I was hoping you would help me. It will start and the starter will stop once started. Using the kill switch will stop the engine but will immediately start turning over in both kill switch positions and whether or not the key in turned off or on. Will only start when key is turned on and kill switch is in run position. Still wants to start otherwise.

[johnny]

so... the starter runs constantly with the positive wire connected... both with the ignition in the run position and the ignition in the off position... and the engine will only start and run with the kill switch in the run position...

is that right...

j o

[aufevermike]

That is correct

[johnny]

look here... its a starter relay that pallum posted up... sounds like those contacts are welded shut... donts know why that exhaust sensor wire woulda sizzled... butts what you are describing now is a stuck starter relay...

click here...

id disco the battery... pull the tank... take the cover off the relay box... give the starter relay a few whacks with a screwdriver and mallet... hook it all up and hope for the best...

j o

[aufevermike]

thanx a bunch Johnny!! A good WHACK usually can fix some things. I gave it a few good whacks and it does not want to continuously want to start. I did notice that the wire that smoked goes is grey and goes from the diagnostic plug down to the sensor into the exhaust. Now to go ride it hard and hope the thing doesn't burst into flames...

[aufevermike]

Good to go!!! nothing abnormal. Runs like a champ. thanx Johnny!!!

[The Mighty Gryphon]

Just a general tip for connecting a battery.  Always connect the positive lead and cover it before doing the ground connections.  You get a lot less tool sparking when connecting the positive when the rest of the bike isn't grounded.