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Slow crank on cold start - 2015 FXDL

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Old Jan 10, 2026 | 07:30 PM
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Default Slow crank on cold start - 2015 FXDL

Hello. Searched and ran details through chatgpt (LOL). 2015 Low Rider FXDL. Battery tests at 99 percent state of health. GPT suggested a bad battery ground cable. I replaced it today (OEM HD ONE) with a freshly charged battery, same issue.

It feels like its dragging and the odometer will even flash bit (not sure if it did flashed today). It will start. Once I am up and riding, the "slow dragging" goes away. In the past, I've had it straight off of the tender - with the same issue.

It has a flash (power vision), FM air cleaner and a 2 bros exhaust.

My friend thinks it has something to do with the starter or solenoid. A while back I cleaned the both cables (pos and neg) as well as the mounting points (the starter and the trans). I cleaned the trans grounding point again, which looked really clean anyway.

Any ideas will be appreciated (this place helps a lot).
 
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Old Jan 10, 2026 | 07:55 PM
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Was the ground cable replaced or was it the battery?

Put a volt meter on the battery terminals and see what it reads when you crank the starter. If you crank for a few seconds, does it continue to drop?

Post your results.
 
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Old Jan 10, 2026 | 08:07 PM
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Classic symptom of a failing starter. They often drag when hot, but on these bikes it's common when cold too, especially with age. Your cables and battery are good. The starter itself is likely worn out brushes tired or armature dragging. Solenoid is possible but less likely. Swap the starter with a known good one to test before buying. A quality aftermarket starter (like a Denso) is often better and cheaper than OEM if it's bad.
 
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Old Jan 10, 2026 | 08:20 PM
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Originally Posted by John CC
Was the ground cable replaced or was it the battery?

Put a volt meter on the battery terminals and see what it reads when you crank the starter. If you crank for a few seconds, does it continue to drop?

Post your results.
I replaced the ground cable today. I sliced the old one open, which did show some discoloration. The battery was charged off of the bike as a precaution (it's the battery that came with the bike, which I've owned for about 2 years now).

I will try that testing idea first, thanks.

Originally Posted by Bass-M
Classic symptom of a failing starter. They often drag when hot, but on these bikes it's common when cold too, especially with age. Your cables and battery are good. The starter itself is likely worn out brushes tired or armature dragging. Solenoid is possible but less likely. Swap the starter with a known good one to test before buying. A quality aftermarket starter (like a Denso) is often better and cheaper than OEM if it's bad.
I am trying to think if I can get my hands on another Dyna starter to test. Thanks.
 
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Old Jan 10, 2026 | 08:38 PM
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Originally Posted by John CC
Was the ground cable replaced or was it the battery?
Put a volt meter on the battery terminals and see what it reads when you crank the starter. If you crank for a few seconds, does it continue to drop?
Post your results.
^^^^^This
 
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Old Jan 10, 2026 | 08:52 PM
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I got these results with my tester. I will still hit it with a multimeter. Also, it did another "slow, dragging" crank.

"cranking normal", supposedly. How do those numbers seem?


Also, tested the battery immediately after the crank test and the stats look like crap now (below):
 

Last edited by baba booey; Jan 10, 2026 at 08:54 PM.
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Old Jan 11, 2026 | 02:02 PM
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Bad Battery Indicators:

Below 12.0V: Discharged or low on charge; likely won't start the bike.

Drops below 10V-10.5V during cranking: Indicates poor health or dead cell, even if it reads high when resting (surface charge).

Doesn't reach 10.5V when charging: Suggests a dead cell or sulfation.

How to Test:

Let it rest: Wait at least an hour after riding for an accurate reading.

Use a multimeter: Set to DC volts (20V setting).

Connect probes: Red to positive (+), black to negative (-).

Check resting voltage: Aim for 12.6V+.

Check under load: Have someone try to start the bike while you watch the voltage; it shouldn't drop below 10V
 
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Old Jan 11, 2026 | 04:54 PM
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Originally Posted by GREENOHAWK69
Bad Battery Indicators:

Below 12.0V: Discharged or low on charge; likely won't start the bike.

Drops below 10V-10.5V during cranking: Indicates poor health or dead cell, even if it reads high when resting (surface charge).

Doesn't reach 10.5V when charging: Suggests a dead cell or sulfation.

How to Test:

Let it rest: Wait at least an hour after riding for an accurate reading.

Use a multimeter: Set to DC volts (20V setting).

Connect probes: Red to positive (+), black to negative (-).

Check resting voltage: Aim for 12.6V+.

Check under load: Have someone try to start the bike while you watch the voltage; it shouldn't drop below 10V
It dropped as low as 5-6v while cranking.
 
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Old Jan 11, 2026 | 05:06 PM
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Get a new battery and charge it on the maintenance charger before trying it
 
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Old Jan 11, 2026 | 08:45 PM
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Originally Posted by baba booey
It dropped as low as 5-6v while cranking.
That could mean the battery is toast, or it could also mean the starter is drawing to much current (also toast). Did the voltage continue to drop the longer you cranked?

If you have access to another battery, or can safely jump it, does it crank OK?
 
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