intermittent starting problem.... PLEASE HELP
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
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intermittent starting problem.... PLEASE HELP
I have an 05 Ultra that has been acting up and I can't seem to locate the source of the problem. Once in a while, I'll get on it and hit the starter, and all I get is a "click" out of the solenoid. The voltage reads around 12-12.5 volts. After trying several times, the voltage will eventially drop to around 10 volts. I get off and come back to it 10 minutes later, and it fires first hit. I've had it in the shop, but naturally, it won't take it's hissy fit then. I have changed out the negitive cable, they did a load test on the battery and it checked out OK, and the charging system has been checked out. This is REALLY getting frustrating. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 503
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From: AZ
RE: intermittent starting problem.... PLEASE HELP
You probably have a bad start relay...it's a known problem. When they are going bad or get hot they act like a fuse and kill the bike, when they cool off everything works fine. If youre not getting the check engine light, can't get the starter to engage, etc. it's most likely the relay. There are 3 or four under your seat, it's the one most close to the frame on the left side. Switch it with one of the others (they are for lights) to see if it is the problem. There is also one under the fairing at least on the older models and there are some smaller relays under the left side cover. You can get them at Harley or any parts store, just take one with you so that they can match the prongs. They cost about 5-8 bucks, buy several so you can carry a spare.
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Road Warrior
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RE: intermittent starting problem.... PLEASE HELP
This is happening when the bike is cold. It's favorite time to act up is after work.. after it's been sitting for 10 hours, and I want to go home. The other day, I rolled it out of the garage in the morning.. and "click".."click".
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 503
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From: AZ
RE: intermittent starting problem.... PLEASE HELP
It dosent matter when it's happening. Check the relays.
But since you brought that up, you could have a bad battery. They are not hard to take out, do so and go to a parts house or Harley, they can check it for you.
But since you brought that up, you could have a bad battery. They are not hard to take out, do so and go to a parts house or Harley, they can check it for you.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2006
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RE: intermittent starting problem.... PLEASE HELP
Next time it does this, hold the start button for a few seconds and then feel the battery cable ends and the ground cable ends on the engine and frame (both ends). It sounds like a bad connection and by doing this, the bad connection will usually get hot (resistance). Clean it with a wire brush and put it back together.
Could also be a bad terminal in the starter solenoid (on the starter) if the bike has some miles on it. They carry a big load and burn eventually causing carbon on the terminal which causes exactly what you have here.
You canisolate the bike wiring as a source and also the relay by jumping the big positive lug where the battery cable attaches on the solenoid to the terminal that has the small wire on it at the solenoid. Make sure you are in neutral and you will get a spark out of it when you do it.
With the ignition switch on, the bike should start doing this if it is in the "no start " condition. If it starts like this, then your problem lies in the wiring or starter relay on the bike. If it still doesn't start, then your problems lie in the solenoid or starter or even a bad cable.Don't dismissthe starteritself as a source of the problem like a bad spot on the commutator in the starter that would happen intermittently.
It's a process of elimination with a problem like this one.
Could also be a bad terminal in the starter solenoid (on the starter) if the bike has some miles on it. They carry a big load and burn eventually causing carbon on the terminal which causes exactly what you have here.
You canisolate the bike wiring as a source and also the relay by jumping the big positive lug where the battery cable attaches on the solenoid to the terminal that has the small wire on it at the solenoid. Make sure you are in neutral and you will get a spark out of it when you do it.
With the ignition switch on, the bike should start doing this if it is in the "no start " condition. If it starts like this, then your problem lies in the wiring or starter relay on the bike. If it still doesn't start, then your problems lie in the solenoid or starter or even a bad cable.Don't dismissthe starteritself as a source of the problem like a bad spot on the commutator in the starter that would happen intermittently.
It's a process of elimination with a problem like this one.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
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RE: intermittent starting problem.... PLEASE HELP
Thanks Glide. I'll give it a shot. The bike is an 05, and I put the HD chrome starter on it about 16 months ago. Original battery from Aug. 04. The battery checks good on a load test, but I have been suspecting a dead/short cell.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Upstate New York
RE: intermittent starting problem.... PLEASE HELP
look in your manual..
12-12.5 volts is way low
Id have to go get my book,,, but I think bad battery
not charging
good battery should read over 13 volts I think,, again I'd need to look in my book
12-12.5 volts is way low
Id have to go get my book,,, but I think bad battery
not charging
good battery should read over 13 volts I think,, again I'd need to look in my book
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
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RE: intermittent starting problem.... PLEASE HELP
Found the problem. The + battery terminal had come loose. I have SEVERAL electrical accessories added, and there are several clips on it. I guess they just rubbed back and forth, and worked their way loose. Never underestimate the power of something simple being the problem. Thanks for all the other possibilities to check out.
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