Starter button issue
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 438
Likes: 433
From: Iowa
Starter button issue
(2012 Ultra Limited) Just beginning to see a little issue that I don't want to become a big issue and strand me. When I hit the starter button there is nothing, hit it a couple more times and usually on the third or fourth push cranks over. Have moved bike around shop over winter months a couple times and would fire it up for a bit, same thing happened.... nothing at first then fire up after a few button pushes. First ride of season yesterday it started on 3rd push then was fine after that. Thinking possible corrosion in switch contacts but have not taken apart yet. Anybody experience anything similar ?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 3,316
Likes: 2,111
From: Masshole
Many things it "could" be, not just limited to the switch itself.
Ignition switch, kill switch, starter button, nuetral switch, clutch switch, starter relay, all are inline (clutch and nuetral are parralel) with the starter circuit. Grab a 2nd set of hands and a meter and follow the flow. Need to keep the botton pushed while troubleshooting thus the 2nd set of hands.
Ignition switch, kill switch, starter button, nuetral switch, clutch switch, starter relay, all are inline (clutch and nuetral are parralel) with the starter circuit. Grab a 2nd set of hands and a meter and follow the flow. Need to keep the botton pushed while troubleshooting thus the 2nd set of hands.
Last edited by chopper_man; May 17, 2023 at 10:28 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,146
Likes: 12,712
From: South Carolina
First, go back and read post #3.
You don`t know that this is a starter switch issue, the only way to find the issue is to troubleshoot the entire circuit.
How old is the battery? Has it been charged and load tested?
Make sure all electrical connections are clean and secure (don`t just wiggle the battery cables and call it good).
Clean the battery cable terminals and the surfaces they connect to.
Clean the start relay connections, and the wire and connector on the solenoid.
With you voltmeter, read the voltage at the small wire/connector on the starter solenoid while the start button is pressed (the wire must be connected to the solenoid while doing this test).
You don`t know that this is a starter switch issue, the only way to find the issue is to troubleshoot the entire circuit.
How old is the battery? Has it been charged and load tested?
Make sure all electrical connections are clean and secure (don`t just wiggle the battery cables and call it good).
Clean the battery cable terminals and the surfaces they connect to.
Clean the start relay connections, and the wire and connector on the solenoid.
With you voltmeter, read the voltage at the small wire/connector on the starter solenoid while the start button is pressed (the wire must be connected to the solenoid while doing this test).
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; May 17, 2023 at 11:26 AM.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 632
Likes: 180
From: Menomonee Falls, Wi
Tap the solenoid cover with a wood dowel and rubber hammer. Sometimes the plunger sticks, OR the contacts in the solenoid are very worn, and the bat voltage is not getting to the starter motor. Either way, sounds to me like starter rebuild time.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,146
Likes: 12,712
From: South Carolina
Sounds to me like pure guesswork.
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 438
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From: Iowa
Update: tried yesterday and would not crank. Began to troubleshoot by removing green wire plug at starter an clean connector, was spotless but gave it a scuff n a dab of dielectic grease. Opened switch on handlebar and gave a shot of contact cleaner. Looked at starter and the fact that i have tru duels exhaust meant not an easy removal. Then it dawned on me that i haven't changed key fob batteries as i usually do at start of new season. Done that and it started, have tried a few more times that day and again today. Has started every time without issue. Battery in fob that i was using measured 2.81v / spare fob was 3.02v but had not tried that one before i performed the other troubleshooting. New batteries in both fobs now that measure just over 3.2v / hope it was that simple. Thanks for the suggestions, will have a good path forward if problem persists.
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