Intermittent Ignition Failure
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Lower Alabama
Intermittent Ignition Failure
I have a 2005 Road King (carburated) with 101K miles on which I have encountered occasional, brief starting failure. I would turn the ignition switch "on", press the starter switch, and nothing would happen --- would not even hear a click. I would switch the ignition to "off", then turn it on again, and the bike would start as if nothing had happened. When it first happened earlier this year, it would only happen once during a ride of several hundred miles. I reported this to the Harley technicians when the bike was in for routine service --- of course, the problem could not be replicated.
I rode the bike another 5,000+ miles during the summer without the problem.
Yesterday, I rode 250 miles from north Georgia to my home in Lower Alabama. The failure occurred during the first start-up and the first two re-fueling stops along the way. However, by the time I completed by last two fueling stops, the bike started without any problems.
I don't know what to make of this. At 101k miles, is the bike due for a new starter?
I rode the bike another 5,000+ miles during the summer without the problem.
Yesterday, I rode 250 miles from north Georgia to my home in Lower Alabama. The failure occurred during the first start-up and the first two re-fueling stops along the way. However, by the time I completed by last two fueling stops, the bike started without any problems.
I don't know what to make of this. At 101k miles, is the bike due for a new starter?
I would look at the starter relay first. Check all the wiring going to the relay. If all checks out good just replace the relay. They are cheap and easy to replace. If this doesn't fix the issue I would check the ground cable for the battery. Make sure there is a good ground and that the cable is not worn or broken. While at it I would also check the positive cable. The angle of both cables tend to cause breaks in the cables at the terminals under the conduit. Hope this helps.
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Lower Alabama
First --- my gratitude to chromelens and Ranger73 for the suggestions. I replaced the starter relay after checking the wiring connections --- chromelens was right in that it was an easy and inexpensive approach to search for a remedy.
Took the Road King to north Georgia a few days ago on a 500 mile round trip. At the first fueling stop about 100 miles or so down the road, the problem re-occurred. I shut down the ignition switch, turned it on again, and she then fired up immediately. However, this was the only time during the entire trip that the problem resurfaced.
I don't consider the problem cured, but I am not going to immediately pursue any additional remedies unless the problem occurs again with the frequency it did last month. At that point, I may replace the starter button switch with the logic that the ignition switch provides juice to the lights --- suggesting that the problem is not with the ignition switch.
I really like my old Road King and don't want to replace it, but I am concerned that it may be reaching an age or mileage where it may start "nickle and dimeimg" for little repairs --- or worse, strand me somewhere.
Took the Road King to north Georgia a few days ago on a 500 mile round trip. At the first fueling stop about 100 miles or so down the road, the problem re-occurred. I shut down the ignition switch, turned it on again, and she then fired up immediately. However, this was the only time during the entire trip that the problem resurfaced.
I don't consider the problem cured, but I am not going to immediately pursue any additional remedies unless the problem occurs again with the frequency it did last month. At that point, I may replace the starter button switch with the logic that the ignition switch provides juice to the lights --- suggesting that the problem is not with the ignition switch.
I really like my old Road King and don't want to replace it, but I am concerned that it may be reaching an age or mileage where it may start "nickle and dimeimg" for little repairs --- or worse, strand me somewhere.
Last edited by Swamp Tiger; Dec 14, 2015 at 06:10 AM.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 224
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From: S.E. Missouri
Had a problem like yours on my 02 W/G. Sometimes if I would turn the switch too easy or not really twist it, nothing would happen. No dash light, no head light, no start. I took the switch apart and the grease in in was dried out or dusty. It looked pretty nasty in there. Cleaned it out with break cleaner and lightly scuffed the contacts then put fresh di-electric(sp) grease in it. It was a lot cheaper and faster than a new switch and I got to take something else apart to see what was in it.
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Cruiser
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From: Lower Alabama
Good point, dirtfarmer. Will keep your suggestion in mind before I start replacing components if this problem persists.
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Stellar HDF Member
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From: On a Lake, not far from the Gulf
I would tend to agree with dirtfarmer that either the ignition switch or kill switch, maybe both, is the culprit.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 224
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From: S.E. Missouri
I knew I shouldn't have said anything about my switch as soon as I hit "Submit Reply". LOL. Yesterday afternoon it was almost 60 degrees out so I thought, "what the hell" and went for a ride. 30 miles from home on a rough 2 lane road, putting along about 60mph, hit a pretty good bump. Bike dies, no dash light, no tach, or running lights. Wiggle the switch a little, small backfire and I was off and running again. Damn a Harley ignition switch any way. LOL
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Lower Alabama
I have been riding off and on since 1972 and have found these little electrical issues with bikes can be among the more aggravating --- problems that don't necessarily cripple the bike but can jump up and bite you at the most inconvenient times. My family had a 1973 Honda 350CL that you could count on blowing a main fuse when you least expect it --- never could find the problem, just carried extra fuses all the time. It was probably a nick or short in the bike's wiring harness that was present when the bike was assembled.
My 2007 Dyna Low Rider's alarm would trigger without warning several years ago --- could not find a problem with the components. The Harley technician's found some corrosion on the fuse contacts and tried di-electric grease on the fuses, and that cured the problem.
Anyway, I have no desire to give up my Road King based on an electrical issue, so we will keep at it. I really appreciate the feedback from all.
My 2007 Dyna Low Rider's alarm would trigger without warning several years ago --- could not find a problem with the components. The Harley technician's found some corrosion on the fuse contacts and tried di-electric grease on the fuses, and that cured the problem.
Anyway, I have no desire to give up my Road King based on an electrical issue, so we will keep at it. I really appreciate the feedback from all.