Starter problems...
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 189
Likes: 39
From: Guildford, UK
Starter problems...
Hi, and before anyone asks, I have read the above sticky.......
Since my '95 Fatboy came out of its Winter hibernation, i've been having the starter motor problems everyone hates. It was starting on about the third or fourth pressing of the button, but it's very intermittant now.
Things I've done:
Fitted a starter button to the solenoid and cleaned the contacts at the sam time. (best thing I did as I can easily start the bike)
As cheap, replaced the relay.
The battery was a bit of an unknown item as it was fitted before I bought the bike 3 years ago, so that' been replaced too. Cleaned all contacts on it and to the frame at the same time.
The symptoms now are that when I press the starter button when the bike is cold, nothing happens except the igntion/oil lights all dim. When the bike is hot, the bike starts with the button on about the third pressing.
The bike always starts from the solenoid button fitted.
Now, before I start messing with the standard wiring loom, could it be the solenoid itself not working properly, or is it definately the wiring somewhere?
Since my '95 Fatboy came out of its Winter hibernation, i've been having the starter motor problems everyone hates. It was starting on about the third or fourth pressing of the button, but it's very intermittant now.
Things I've done:
Fitted a starter button to the solenoid and cleaned the contacts at the sam time. (best thing I did as I can easily start the bike)
As cheap, replaced the relay.
The battery was a bit of an unknown item as it was fitted before I bought the bike 3 years ago, so that' been replaced too. Cleaned all contacts on it and to the frame at the same time.
The symptoms now are that when I press the starter button when the bike is cold, nothing happens except the igntion/oil lights all dim. When the bike is hot, the bike starts with the button on about the third pressing.
The bike always starts from the solenoid button fitted.
Now, before I start messing with the standard wiring loom, could it be the solenoid itself not working properly, or is it definately the wiring somewhere?
Last edited by splittie65; Jul 15, 2014 at 09:42 AM.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 44
Likes: 1
From: Cincinnati
Got the same thing going on with my '94 Heritage. Pretty sure it's "The Dreaded Click", and it needs a second solenoid run for the starter circuit. I'm putting it off until the winter since the button on the starter is working well for now.
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,066
Likes: 4,568
From: Haslet Texas
I think you can just add the fused wire.
What you are describing is about what I went through before I did and nothing worked for long.
I haven't had a problem since I added the wire.
What you are describing is about what I went through before I did and nothing worked for long.
I haven't had a problem since I added the wire.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 44
Likes: 1
From: Cincinnati
Wait... What? I've read the Dreaded Click sticky like 5 times. Don't remember reading anything about a simple fused wire. If that's all I need, I'll do it this weekend!
Last edited by Ziggie; Jul 15, 2014 at 12:34 PM.
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,066
Likes: 4,568
From: Haslet Texas
For the fused wire fix you need a fused wire (20 amp) and run it from the positive battery post to pin 30 on the starter relay.
Make sure to tape off old wire so you don't have grounding issues.
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 44
Likes: 1
From: Cincinnati
D'oh! Thanks THC... Clearly I did not. Just re-read the thread again, and must have completely glossed over that paragraph every time! I need to do this. Like, yesterday.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,484
Likes: 272
From: Canton, GA
take a good look at the ignition switch and if corroded, use DeOxit with fiberglass brush to clean it and dielectric grease to lube it ..... my 95 Fatboy was filthy and after servicing the switch it starts every time, the lights are brighter and it charges as it should .... no dreaded click!
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,066
Likes: 4,568
From: Haslet Texas
On rare occasions there is something else going on.