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03 Fatboy starting issue

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Old Dec 15, 2017 | 05:58 PM
  #1  
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Default 03 Fatboy starting issue

hi folks, looking for some idea!
My 03 Fatboy is a non starter! I have brand new fully charged battery, i turn on ignition and push start button, nothing happens, no clicking, no sounds, nothing. Bike in neutral, off kickstand, fuel, lights are bright, horn loud, full charge, etc. but not a hint to turning over or any clicking from starter. Any suggestions to check? Many thanks, Neil.
 
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Old Dec 15, 2017 | 08:59 PM
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Buy an service manual...

Is the run stop button set to run?

Lights don't dim when pressing the button, bad run stop switch, wiring to starter relay, starter relay, starter.
 
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Old Dec 19, 2017 | 12:38 PM
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Ditto on service manual.
As a softail, it's probably setup like my '05 FLSTN (Deluxe). There's a fuse panel access inside the rear wheel fender. Requires lowering or taking off the rear wheel. Most of the main power fuses, fusable links, etc., are here. You'll need to check those.

If those look good ( pull each and, if not obviously broken, pass them through an ohmeter - bell/siren should go of indicating conductivity with low ohm reading)....

You could also (with manual by now), determine the positive pole/lead of the starter motor. You'll probably need to remove or pull aside the oil tank to do this:

Hook a voltmeter (DC) red lead up to that + current input on starter and touch the black lead to bare metal bolt or something on the frame. Click ignition button on. Thumb the starter. Be surprising if you're getting 12V there. Probably not (due to broken circuit elsewhere). But interesting if you are. Could then be something internal electrical in the starter...
 
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Old Dec 19, 2017 | 08:46 PM
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This site has schematics.


https://serviceinfo.harley-davidson....0f1bfaf2!!1!12






 
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Old Dec 22, 2017 | 10:28 AM
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try to find the small signal wire on the starter,,,might be hard to reach with the oil tank and lines,,,,not the big positive cabe from the battery!!!!the little one with the plastic connector, unplug it from the starter,,,,take a small jumper wire attached to the + terminal of the battery and touch it to the connector on the starter that you removed the wire from,,,make sure the bike is in neutral and secure and be prepared for the engine to crank,,,,if it does crank when the connection is made, your issue is with your relay, wiring or switches,,,,if it does not crank you have a battery/power or ground or starter motor/soenoid problem.
do this at your own risk, be safe,
m
 
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Old Dec 29, 2017 | 06:24 AM
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Deleted post.
 

Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Dec 29, 2017 at 06:33 AM.
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Old Dec 31, 2017 | 12:16 PM
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Originally Posted by marcodarq
try to find the small signal wire on the starter,,,might be hard to reach with the oil tank and lines,,,,not the big positive cabe from the battery!!!!the little one with the plastic connector, unplug it from the starter,,,,take a small jumper wire attached to the + terminal of the battery and touch it to the connector on the starter that you removed the wire from,,,make sure the bike is in neutral and secure and be prepared for the engine to crank,,,,if it does crank when the connection is made, your issue is with your relay, wiring or switches,,,,if it does not crank you have a battery/power or ground or starter motor/soenoid problem. do this at your own risk, be safe.m
What I hate about softails; starter issues are a serious PITA.
 
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