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intermittent electrical problem

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Old May 10, 2008 | 05:57 AM
  #1  
Barrington61's Avatar
Barrington61
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Default intermittent electrical problem

Hi, i have a 1999 Fatboy that has developed an intermittent electrical problem. The Taco and Speedo both "die", the trip meter flashes and the indicators stop working (headlight and driving lights still work). This comes and goes and dose cause a back fire and a miss fire if engine is under stress (overtaking etc).

Dose anyone have any suggestions on what it might be?

In advance, thanks for looking and any help you may be able to offer.

Phil Marks
 
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Old May 10, 2008 | 09:32 PM
  #2  
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rjrivero
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Default RE: intermittent electrical problem

Intermittent connections are a pain in the butt.

Start with your battery connectors and grounds. Make sure they're tight.

Is this carbed or EFI?

The system relay would be another component to check. The ignition switch could be faulty too. Any of these will cause the issues that you describe, and then some.

If you could tell us EXACTLY WHICH COMPONENTS FAIL, we will be able to help more.
 
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Old May 11, 2008 | 04:37 PM
  #3  
Rocket Man's Avatar
Rocket Man
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Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Gulf Coast Mississippi
Default RE: intermittent electrical problem

Could be the battery is getting weak. If it's a few years old, youmight try replacing it. Just a thought.
 
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Old May 17, 2008 | 11:42 PM
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Default RE: intermittent electrical problem

phil have exact same problem 1999 fatboy. speedo does wierd things. sometimes shows odometer and sometimes shows mph. also intermittent engine fireing. seems like missing or something. new battery changed nothing. starts hard and when warmed up will not idle now just stalls. pops an sometime a small flame out exaust. lights all work fine. starter. kill switch. just increasingly worsening engine intermittent problem. went from sorta to constant and like i said engine dies. now. any ideas or help yet? Jim
 
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Old May 20, 2008 | 09:36 AM
  #5  
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Barrington61
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Default RE: intermittent electrical problem

Not found the problem yet. Has new Battery and I've cleaned all terminals. It's booked in at local Harley dealer, not looking forward to the bill!!!

Thanks to all of you who answered my question.

Regards,

Phil
 
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Old May 20, 2008 | 04:30 PM
  #6  
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cooper57M
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Default RE: intermittent electrical problem

just read somthing in american iron magazine tech section. may have to look at the regulater see if under or overcharging system
 
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