2013 Softail won't start when cold
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 613
Likes: 17
From: Boston, MA
2013 Softail won't start when cold
Currently trying to figure out if I actually have a problem or not. Seems like it may just be an inherent issue with my particular build. I currently own a 2013 Softail Deluxe with SE255 cams, S&S intake, and V&H duals. This past week, we finally had some decent weather up in Boston. In the morning when I leave for work it still around 40 degrees, and my bike basically just refuses to start. I have it hooked up to a battery tender while it sits. Yesterday morning, I rolled it out of the shed and parked it in direct sunlight for about an hour. When I went out to start it, it turned over really slowly, but did actually start and I was able to ride. Today I tried to start it without warming in the sun first and had no luck. My question is; Is it normal for a cammed (or even stock) 103 to just refuse to start below 40 degrees? I would hate to have to run a lighter weight oil for one month at the beginning and end of the season just to be able to steal a few more rides. Could it be that my battery just needs to be replaced? I'm interested to hear if other people have cold start issues as the engines get bigger and bigger.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,781
Likes: 50
From: Louisville, KY
I would get the battery load tested at the nearest Autozone.
You could also try it with a jump start, and if it cranks at good speed, it would confirm that battery is at its end of life.
Mine was on a tender for a few weeks and when I took it out one weekend it was slow cranking, then two weeks later also after being on the tender, it just didn't have enough to crank the engine.
$95 for a DieHard (East Penn) battery solved the problem.
You could also try it with a jump start, and if it cranks at good speed, it would confirm that battery is at its end of life.
Mine was on a tender for a few weeks and when I took it out one weekend it was slow cranking, then two weeks later also after being on the tender, it just didn't have enough to crank the engine.
$95 for a DieHard (East Penn) battery solved the problem.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 3,185
Likes: 189
From: 90210
^ I agree with the above- test battery. leaving it on a basic tender will still deteriorate the battery over time. One of those fancy extended storage chargers that does the occasional desulphinate stage and can do the occasional deep cycle recharge will help extend life. I don't know how old your battery is but I typically replace a standard battery every two years. they seldom last more than three.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 7,492
Likes: 103
From: Stuttgart, Germany
My battery went bad after 2 years although kept on the tender over the winter...got a replacement battery from my dealer under warranty.
Plus I could imagine that an engine with 255 cams is a bit harder to start due to the overlap characteristics of those cams.
Plus I could imagine that an engine with 255 cams is a bit harder to start due to the overlap characteristics of those cams.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 3,427
Likes: 164
From: Home
Is the inline fuse from the battery tender harness to the battery still in tact?
Sounds stupid but the tender will show that everything is good even though it is not charging the battery.
Sounds stupid but the tender will show that everything is good even though it is not charging the battery.
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