Any Softail Owners Have Ignition Switch Delay?
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 492
Likes: 139
From: Bel Air, MD
Any Softail Owners Have Ignition Switch Delay?
Do any of your softails delay between the time you turn the ignition switch on and when the indicator lights come on?
My 2012 Fatboy has always lit up without delay. A few times this winter I needed to wiggle the switch to get it the indicator lights on. But mostly now the pattern is that I turn the switch on--about a second later the "input code" flashes--and then a second later the indicator lights come on and all is well. My key fob is in my pocket close by. Once the indicator lights come on the first time I can turn the switch on and off with no delay and no problems.
I'm OK with the delay, but don't want to ignore something that could get worse and leave me stranded.
My research shows some people removing the ignition switch, cleaning, and applying dielectric grease to the connections. I work on my bike, but know my limits--not sure how difficult it is to remove the ignition switch--or even if that's the problem.
Advice appreciated.
My 2012 Fatboy has always lit up without delay. A few times this winter I needed to wiggle the switch to get it the indicator lights on. But mostly now the pattern is that I turn the switch on--about a second later the "input code" flashes--and then a second later the indicator lights come on and all is well. My key fob is in my pocket close by. Once the indicator lights come on the first time I can turn the switch on and off with no delay and no problems.
I'm OK with the delay, but don't want to ignore something that could get worse and leave me stranded.
My research shows some people removing the ignition switch, cleaning, and applying dielectric grease to the connections. I work on my bike, but know my limits--not sure how difficult it is to remove the ignition switch--or even if that's the problem.
Advice appreciated.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,780
Likes: 69
From: Al Bu Ker Key, New Mexico
Once in awhile when I turn the switch on my StreetGlide to Run and hit the Start button I get a "dead" hit, nothing. If I switch off and then on again, it starts right up, no problem. Dont know if this is the same experience you are having. Never thought about cleaning the contacts inside the switch. Interested to see responses to your post.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,356
Likes: 1
From: Lansdale, Pa
I solved the problem with a new key fob battery.
This video saved me a lot of time and money troubleshooting.
So simple, I almost overlooked it.
How to replace a Harley-Davidson Key FOB battery - YouTube
This video saved me a lot of time and money troubleshooting.
So simple, I almost overlooked it.
How to replace a Harley-Davidson Key FOB battery - YouTube
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Florida
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,938
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From: North Florida
That is routine mantanince on a ignition switch on an older bike to take it apart , clean and use dielectric grease. Easy to do. Any bike ten years old or bikes with lots of miles.
Last edited by Harleycruiser; Mar 19, 2015 at 02:46 PM.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Honah Lee
Man, it sure must have gotten cold up there this winter. Sounds like you may have a failing relay or the switch. Going to be hard to tell unless you can put a meter in line and catch it. Look at your fuse box and see if the start and system relays have same number (usually are). If so, switch them and see if that fixes it. If so, think the relay is pretty cheap. If not, pull console and flip over on a blanket. Have someone standing by with extra blankets and stuff. And for heavens sake, cover front fender and anything else that can get scratched. Pretty easy to spray it with electrical cleaner. That alone should suffice. Dirty grease is making it hang or hanging could have already burnt it pretty good and it may need replace. Now you can really have fun taking it apart and matching the old pins in your new switch so your key still works in forks..
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Mar 19, 2015 at 02:18 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2013
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From: Louisville, KY