Random Electrical failures
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4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 8
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Random Electrical failures
Not sure WTH is going on here. 1999 Softtail, at random times the bikes goes completely dead. When this happens ( running or not ) I can switch the ignition to accessories and the instrument package comes up. Usually, if will come back up shortly later ( if going down the freeway, this is usually accompanied with an loud backfire scaring the hell out of anyone around me 
. I have replaced the ignition switch to no avail. Any ideas ?
. I have replaced the ignition switch to no avail. Any ideas ?
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 853
Likes: 5
From: Mnpls MN
You may have corrosion in your ignition wiring harness, that's causing a break in electrical connections. A break and short are two different circumstances that would have some of the same effects on the way your bike is running. If it were a short, you would most likely blow your main fuse and you would drain your battery possibly. I'm ruling out a short. It sounds like a break.
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 240
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it certainly does not sound like an ignition switch problem
I assume you do not have fuses, but still were circuit breakers that year
do the lights go out as well?????
it could just be a faulty ign breaker
or loose wire on the breaker
or partly broken wire, usually right by the point of connection
give them a good tug, as the can fool you
I assume you do not have fuses, but still were circuit breakers that year
do the lights go out as well?????
it could just be a faulty ign breaker
or loose wire on the breaker
or partly broken wire, usually right by the point of connection
give them a good tug, as the can fool you
Thread Starter
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4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 8
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more issues
Mine seems to have come with a 30 amp main, I've replaced that as well as the 15 amp Ign breaker as well. Then I replaced the battery, NOW the damn starter doesn't want to engage. This is getting frustrating.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 3,078
Likes: 6
From: Michigan
I'd check all the connections, look at your battery cable ends for corrosion in the crimps, make sure everything is tight.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 234
Likes: 1
30 AMP! That's a new one on me but not surprised. I have chased this issue in circles for two years now. After the dealer put in the recall 50 amp I bought several extras and keep on the scooter. I gave up figuring it out. All seams well until you least expect it, you know, the day your sliding down that back country road with the little lady, your on the return leg of the ride, its late, your in the middle of no where and pop! Down she goes. Some times the only way to make it back home is to change that little bugger. Seams like they get weaker with each pop! I have learned to keep my spot lights off! Have never had the main go down when the spots were off. Good Luck!!
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Thread Starter
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4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2010
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The starter spins, but doesn't engage. I've been told that this is probably the solenoid. The Battery is new, new Main Breaker ( 30 amp however ) new Ign Breaker. So I'm guessing that I'm chasing a problem around.