'13 FXDF random starter issue
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Road Master
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 848
Likes: 30
From: CO
'13 FXDF random starter issue
So randomly, a few times a week, my FB with just over 5K on it has a strange starting issue. I engage the starter and it makes a loud metallic sound and the starter freezes and all the lights stay off as long as I have the button held down. I let go of the starter button, all lights come back on, then hit it again and it starts normally. It's not the battery, as the starter spins normally the second time and all other times. It sounds to me like the starter gear is somehow binding on the transmission gear when this happens...as if the gears aren't mating properly. Sometimes it sounds like it's grinding. Definitely seems to be a physical problem with the gears. Anyone know what might be causing this?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,293
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From: Honah Lee
Your battery cables may be loose. You say it's not the battery, but have you checked the connections at the battery. It will do that if they are not tight. Only way to check is to check with wrench since they can get to the point where it does not appear loose, but the heat at the connection from high resistance is what makes it appear to be suddenly OK.
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Road Master
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 848
Likes: 30
From: CO
Your battery cables may be loose. You say it's not the battery, but have you checked the connections at the battery. It will do that if they are not tight. Only way to check is to check with wrench since they can get to the point where it does not appear loose, but the heat at the connection from high resistance is what makes it appear to be suddenly OK.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9,278
Likes: 1,138
From: southeast PA
At first it sounds like the battery cable but you say the cables are tight. I assume you also checked the ground at the starter. The fact that your lights go out when you hit the switch is weird, but it could also be the starter clutch making that noise.
At least you're under warranty, right?
P.S. That's a lot of beer there.
At least you're under warranty, right?
P.S. That's a lot of beer there.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,252
Likes: 7
From: SLC, UT
I've noticed quite a few bikes do this.... It typically comes with the VINERR code on the dash, which has a million theories in of itself. do a search for it and you'll see what I mean. Its not an uncommon problem, and seems to have no apparent cause, or fix. Something to do with getting a low voltage signal.
Chances are your bike is in this category, and is completely fine.
Chances are your bike is in this category, and is completely fine.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 848
Likes: 30
From: CO
At first it sounds like the battery cable but you say the cables are tight. I assume you also checked the ground at the starter. The fact that your lights go out when you hit the switch is weird, but it could also be the starter clutch making that noise.
At least you're under warranty, right?
P.S. That's a lot of beer there.
At least you're under warranty, right?
P.S. That's a lot of beer there.
Want a beer?
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Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 848
Likes: 30
From: CO
I've noticed quite a few bikes do this.... It typically comes with the VINERR code on the dash, which has a million theories in of itself. do a search for it and you'll see what I mean. Its not an uncommon problem, and seems to have no apparent cause, or fix. Something to do with getting a low voltage signal.
Chances are your bike is in this category, and is completely fine.
Chances are your bike is in this category, and is completely fine.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,293
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From: Honah Lee
My though was being not shaky loose, but the connection being maintained by simple the pull of the stiff wires would cause resistance generating enough heat which would temporary cause it to be tight. Did not know you had electrical experience.
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Road Master
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 848
Likes: 30
From: CO
Yeah I get what you're saying but it would have to be pretty high resistance to heat them up that much and if the connection were that bad I'd be having frequent electrical issues.