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Ignition issues, need help

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Old Oct 8, 2014 | 06:55 PM
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Default Ignition issues, need help

Hello

I have a 1995 Heritage softial classic FLSTC

I am trying to locate the main 30 amp circuit breaker on the bike ? Can anyone tell me where it is located on my 1995 Heritage softail Classic FLSTC ? I found the other 3 located under the dash , but can;t find this one ?

Please let me know if you can

Thanks
 
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Old Oct 9, 2014 | 02:38 AM
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The main 30 amp breaker is located in front of the splash guard in front of the rear tire. Remove the splash guard and you'll see it. These breakers are not waterproof and should be replaced every few years. It has 2 connection post, one colored copper, the other colored silver. The regulator and ignition switch wires connect to the silver post. The heavy gauge wire leading to the starter connects to the copper post. Use lots of dielectric grease.
 
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Old Oct 9, 2014 | 05:44 PM
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Thank you !

The problem I am having is no power when I turn the ignition switch to the start position or any position for that matter. I have the 6 pole type ignition switch which I removed and cleaned up completely. All the contacts are good now and the switch works perfectly on the bench.

I put it back on the bike and still nothing. I have 12 volts on 2 of the pins on the switch when it is in the off position. When I turn it to start , or accessories the headlight does not light up nor does the dash. I then no longer have 12 volts on the 2 pins that had 12 volts before turning the switch to the start position. On the pins I believe to be the ones to have 12 volts ( I have no service manual ) to start the bike , I only get 0.10 volts ?

Any one have this issue before or can anyone help me out in getting to the bottom of this problem?

I have ordered the service manual from Harley for my bike but it has not come in yet.

Any help with this issue would be greatly appreciated

Thanks !
 
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Old Oct 10, 2014 | 05:30 PM
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olongapo1
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Attached are photos of the 30 amp breaker with the cover removed to illustrate how these devices are prone to corrosion. The breaker is inexpensive and I recommend replacing them every few years just for preventative maintenance.

-The positive battery cable connects to a post on the starter. Connected to this same post on the starter is a cable running to the Copper Colored post on the breaker. Attached to the Silver Colored post on the breaker are 2 wires. One is from the voltage regulator feeding current back into the battery and the system, the second wire provides voltage to the ignition switch. Since you have 12 volts at your ignition switch the breaker is presumed to be in good order and not the cause of your problem however I would replace it just as a maintenance item.

-It's my assumption that your ignition switch is faulty even though it passes a bench test. Perhaps the fault occurs when the switch is mounted into the dash console. These switches often fail over time by being cycled so much. The internals become loose preventing contact. I carry a spare in my saddlebags. If your switch is original, it's almost 20 years old. Ignitions switches are relatively inexpensive. I purchase mine from JP cycles which are better quality than the Harley OEM. Comes with 2 keys for less than 60 bucks.
 
Attached Thumbnails Ignition issues, need help-p1070522.jpg   Ignition issues, need help-photo-1.jpg  
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Old Oct 11, 2014 | 09:47 AM
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Thank you for the detailed reply !!

I was able to find the 30 amp breaker with your instruction .

Here is an update , Like I said regarding the ignition switch , I have 12 volts on the right side pins ( 2 of them connected with a jumper ) But when I turn the switch to start position , I only get 0.10v dc not even a full volt on the pins in the start position. As well I loose the 12 volts on the right side as I had mentioned above.

This led me to think that there must be a short or a bad breaker because I should always have 12 volts on the right side of the switch.

Ok with your instruction I found the 30 amp breaker and took it out of its holder while still connected to the wire . The connections and posts do look rusty and dirty. while looking at it still connected I ended up ( by mistake and carelessness ) touched a bolt to one end of the posts and it sparked and I heard a click noise.

After that I tried the ignition switch and it now works fine in all positions and I can start the bike no problem !! I do not loose the 12 volts on the right side of the switch when turning it to the start position and I now have 12 volts in the start position.

I now believe I have a bad breaker or bad or faulty connection to the main 30 am breaker.

I am going to replace all 4 breakers on the bike and make sure that all the connections are clean and good. I will also purchase a spare ignition switch to have like you had mentioned. My switch had Japan stamped on the under side so I do not think it is an original Harley part.

So I am off now to buy the needed replacement breakers etc... and will do a clean install.

I will update you when done and let you know how it works out. Thank you so much for your help !! I really appreciate that very much !

Oh one last quick question . while looking for the 30 am breaker I also found a relay under the seat which I unplugged and plugged back in again. It does not seem to have anything to do with starting the bike or the ignition switch. Can you tell me what it is for ? Again I have not yet received my service manual for this bike yet

Thanks Again !!

Cheers !
 
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Old Oct 11, 2014 | 05:31 PM
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olongapo1
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Glad to hear that your problem is fixed however it would have been nice if you were able to definitively identify the source of the problem but sometimes that just doesn't happen. As I stated, given the age of your bike I recommend replacing the breaker and the ignition switch. Put the old switch in your saddlebags in the event that a roadside repair is needed. I've ridden with guys that had their ignition switches burn and melt. Luckily there's always someone in the group with a spare switch.

I believe the relay you found under the seat is the starter relay. As a test: (1) pull the relay, (2) turn the ignition to ON and verify power to the console and headlight, (3) attempt to start the bike.

I should have a wiring diagram for your year and model. Send me a mail at olongapo2@gmail.com
 
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Old Oct 11, 2014 | 07:45 PM
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Awesome !! email sent !

Thank you again for going the extra mile ! I really appreciate your help !

Thanks !!
 
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