Clean your Ignition Switch - Prevent Stalling While Riding
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,302
Likes: 275
From: Milton, Delaware
2 years ago I was coming home at 9 at night when every light on the bike went out. Every one of them! But the engine kept running. Nothing to do about it and I was leary of pulling over and shutting it down. It might not start again. So I rode it 30 miles home. The next day I decided to trouble shoot it. When I turn the ignition switch on every thing lit up like normal. Turned the switch off and back on..no lights. Drove the 2 miles or so to the dealer and picked up a new switch. $90. After I replaced the switch (used lots of dielectric grease) I decided to look at the old one a little closer. When I checked the wire connections they were all corroded looking. Aha! I cleaned all the contacts and now have a spare ignition switch.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,721
Likes: 103
From: St. Louis, MO
My buddy went through two aftermarket switches before going back to HD.. the HD switch has been fine for years.
Now this dates back a few years perhaps they are higher quality now, but I thought I'd mention it.
Now this dates back a few years perhaps they are higher quality now, but I thought I'd mention it.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 5,649
Likes: 430
From: MASS_hole
2 years ago I was coming home at 9 at night when every light on the bike went out. Every one of them! But the engine kept running. Nothing to do about it and I was leary of pulling over and shutting it down. It might not start again. So I rode it 30 miles home. The next day I decided to trouble shoot it. When I turn the ignition switch on every thing lit up like normal. Turned the switch off and back on..no lights. Drove the 2 miles or so to the dealer and picked up a new switch. $90. After I replaced the switch (used lots of dielectric grease) I decided to look at the old one a little closer. When I checked the wire connections they were all corroded looking. Aha! I cleaned all the contacts and now have a spare ignition switch.
Who woulda thought that an ignition switch could cause so many issues
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,721
Likes: 103
From: St. Louis, MO
I've linked this thread twice this week to folks with no-start issues. As guys are dusting off their bikes from their winter nap, this simple maintenance item can prevent you from stalling on the road like I did.
My road king stalled on the highway and I was frantically waving my arm cutting traffic to get off the road, when the switch "reconnected" and I got power again. I noticed the switch was intermittent and I made it home where I took the switch apart and saw the gummy mess inside. Cleaned it and had no problems again.
Happened again on my 03 - I thought no way this "new" bike has the same problem. Well, it sure did.
It was dangerous, don't risk it, clean the switch, it's easy.
My road king stalled on the highway and I was frantically waving my arm cutting traffic to get off the road, when the switch "reconnected" and I got power again. I noticed the switch was intermittent and I made it home where I took the switch apart and saw the gummy mess inside. Cleaned it and had no problems again.
Happened again on my 03 - I thought no way this "new" bike has the same problem. Well, it sure did.
It was dangerous, don't risk it, clean the switch, it's easy.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 15,402
Likes: 19,512
From: Upstate N.Y.-Rochester Area
Thanks everyone, This gives me a start.
Joe_G, very thorough info, thanks.
I can't get the image link to work. I do get a photobucket page, and it shows tiny images, but they do not go up into the larger screen section, nor do they Slideshow.
Not sure what I am doing wrong.
Joe_G, very thorough info, thanks.
I can't get the image link to work. I do get a photobucket page, and it shows tiny images, but they do not go up into the larger screen section, nor do they Slideshow.
Not sure what I am doing wrong.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,721
Likes: 103
From: St. Louis, MO
Thanks everyone, This gives me a start.
Joe_G, very thorough info, thanks.
I can't get the image link to work. I do get a photobucket page, and it shows tiny images, but they do not go up into the larger screen section, nor do they Slideshow.
Not sure what I am doing wrong.
Joe_G, very thorough info, thanks.
I can't get the image link to work. I do get a photobucket page, and it shows tiny images, but they do not go up into the larger screen section, nor do they Slideshow.
Not sure what I am doing wrong.
Try again later or tomorrow....But it's super easy to do, just one clip to remove just release the back carefully after removing the clip as it's under spring pressure and you don't want to lose the springs or terminals. It's not like they will go flying but be ready for them to move out of place if you don't remove the back gently.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 15,402
Likes: 19,512
From: Upstate N.Y.-Rochester Area
Thanks again.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,721
Likes: 103
From: St. Louis, MO
Excellent. I'm back in business too.
Take a picture of the insides of your switch. I'm curious if it's as gummed up as both of mine were.
Take a picture of the insides of your switch. I'm curious if it's as gummed up as both of mine were.
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This happened to my 02 Springer too. It kept shutting off mid ride but when I wiggled the ignition switch I could restart the bike. Luckily my Indy cleaned the switch for me and only charged $30. Next time I'll call you Joe and buy you breakfast afterwards!!