2011 Heritage Softail Classic- Start Problems

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Apr 29, 2016 | 08:55 AM

Dave E

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6th Gear

Joined: Mar 2016

Posts: 12

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From: Cincinnati

2011 Heritage Softail Classic- Start Problems

2011 Harley-Davidson FLSTC - Heritage Softail Classic- I am having intermittent starting problems. When I turn on the main switch, oil pump, lights, everything works. Next I switch on handlebar engine kill switch and then push start switch and nothing happens. Try again and sometimes it will engage starter, sometimes takes several attempts. Sometimes, it will work, no problem. Problem is intermittent. Sounds like handlebar starter switch problem, but where to start without replacing everything?? Anyone else experience same? Getting ready for long ride and would like to eliminate issue before I get stuck somewhere. I have had to kick start on more than one occasion.

Apr 29, 2016 | 10:26 AM

racerkvn

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Joined: Jul 2015

Posts: 316

Likes: 54

From: North Alabama

Check out the link below that Joe wrote up. It may not be your problem, but it definitely shouldn't be overlooked in your evaluation. When ever some one tells me about an intermittent electrical issue they are having, I always tell them to check the switch first. Believe it or not, 8 out of 10 times the switch fixes it.

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/softa...le-riding.html

Apr 29, 2016 | 09:08 PM

paul0311

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Joined: Jun 2012

Posts: 415

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From: FL

Had an intermittent problem with my starter as well. Turned out to be the switch. Easy fix.

Apr 30, 2016 | 02:50 AM

baloot-boy

Road Captain

Joined: May 2014

Posts: 648

Likes: 35

From: San Diego

Had similar issue before. Intermittent starts. Check your starter relay. They go faulty. Easy $7 relay replacement and spare.

And I also added solenoid starter button cover to bypass the switch and relay if they ever became an issue again.