2017 Softail Slim S Ground Issue
2017 Softail Slim S Ground Issue
So lately my bike has had a hard start. When I go to start the bike it almost sounds like its dead and pauses then cranks over. Thought it was the battery. I got a new battery and it has done the same thing. I have checked all the grounds from the battery, they are all tight.
Where else could I have issues?
I read somewhere about a ground under the oil tank possibly but dont know what I am looking for.
I do have videos of me starting it and what happens. Also my odometer changes from what I have it set to back to the mileage on the bike like it resets.
Where else could I have issues?
I read somewhere about a ground under the oil tank possibly but dont know what I am looking for.
I do have videos of me starting it and what happens. Also my odometer changes from what I have it set to back to the mileage on the bike like it resets.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 247
Likes: 59
From: California
Your ground cable should go from your battery to the left ground bolt directly in front of it, it's easily accessible there. Otherwise, disconnect the battery, and make sure the starter positive cable is tight, it's on the starter, under a rubber cap, and is not the most accessible thing, even grabbing it and checking for tightness will do.
I'm assuming that if it's not a H-D battery, that you've used spacers and the correct bolts as necessary for the battery? We see a lot of loose connections from long screws, or missing spacers, and the cable end connections end up barely making contact.
I'm assuming that if it's not a H-D battery, that you've used spacers and the correct bolts as necessary for the battery? We see a lot of loose connections from long screws, or missing spacers, and the cable end connections end up barely making contact.
Last edited by Crotonrz; Dec 28, 2019 at 10:36 PM.
Yes Im thinking its the ground to the starter, both batteries are HD and everything is tight on top.
I am guessing its the ground on the starter because this only happens when I go to start it. I could start it just fine ride a good 20 miles pull into a gas station turn it off fuel up then go to start it again and it would click or do the same thing. Also not sure why the odometer keeps resetting. I like to watch either my RPM or the fuel I have left until empty and for some reason after I start it it jumps back to how many miles are back on the bike.
I am guessing its the ground on the starter because this only happens when I go to start it. I could start it just fine ride a good 20 miles pull into a gas station turn it off fuel up then go to start it again and it would click or do the same thing. Also not sure why the odometer keeps resetting. I like to watch either my RPM or the fuel I have left until empty and for some reason after I start it it jumps back to how many miles are back on the bike.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,175
Likes: 12,747
From: South Carolina
Why would you only suspect the ground side of the circuit?
It takes two paths for the current to complete the circuit, Positive and Negative, both are equally important.
Check all connections, Positive and Negative, dont just try to wiggle them, take them apart and clean them.
Have the battery load tested.
It takes two paths for the current to complete the circuit, Positive and Negative, both are equally important.
Check all connections, Positive and Negative, dont just try to wiggle them, take them apart and clean them.
Have the battery load tested.
So tinkering around and after checking to make sure all connections were tight. Went to start it and once again a real hard start. My buddy was standing there and was like I wonder if its your starter. Took a dead blow hammer and tapped on the starter and went to start and BAM! It started it just normal no long dying start and everything seemed to be back to normal.
So most likely I guess the starter is going bad which Im not sure why it would since the bike is only 3 years old.
My next question is, is the starter covered under warranty? I did get the extended warranty when I bought it.
So most likely I guess the starter is going bad which Im not sure why it would since the bike is only 3 years old.
My next question is, is the starter covered under warranty? I did get the extended warranty when I bought it.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 268
Likes: 36
From: Athens Greece
starter is going bad on a 17 slim?!?! thats disappointing to say the least
check your wiring brother.. if the starter draws excessive amps due to bad connections, the next starter will do the same and eventually start the same song and dance.. something is up..
did you check the pos cable attached the starter solonoid? if you tapped the starter and everything is good now.. look into that cable
check your wiring brother.. if the starter draws excessive amps due to bad connections, the next starter will do the same and eventually start the same song and dance.. something is up..
did you check the pos cable attached the starter solonoid? if you tapped the starter and everything is good now.. look into that cable
Last edited by ghost183; Jan 3, 2020 at 05:58 PM.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,175
Likes: 12,747
From: South Carolina
Disconnect the battery cables at both ends, clean the connection points and reinstall the cables.
Remove the end cover of the solenoid and take a look at the contacts.
Get out your votmeter, and put your wallet away, it`s almost certainly not a bad starter motor.
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Jan 4, 2020 at 05:05 PM.
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