I have a 1988 Heritage Softail Classic. When I turn the ignition switch to Ignition, the bike will turn over and start. Signals and brake lights work. When I turn the switch to Lights, the bike shuts off. If I try to start the bike with the switch turned to Lights, nothing happens when I try to start the bike, but the lights dim a little and the signals are very slow. Everything worked fine yesterday, but today, AFU.

Electrical stuff is far from my strong suit....any thoughts on where I might start with this?????? Thanks much.

 

Remove the negative battery cable

Remove the switch and clean all the contacts - reconnect the battery and test it.

You've identified it starts and runs until you change the switch position, so it's either the switch, or other terminals and wiring associated with the lights.

 

It really sounds like you have a ground problem , check your battery cables -- clean them follow to where they go and clean there also with sand paper or something of the same. a 88 is getting up in the years with paint rust and corrosion of alum to steel and paper gaskets you just might need to run a couple of extra ground cables say 1 from bat to starter mounting bolt and 1 from bat to frame . Clean clean all of your wire ends

 

Thanks guys...now I have some starting points.

 

If you have a volt meter, check the voltage of the battery. If it is 12-13 volts battery could be good. Check the voltage again as you try to start the bike, if it drops to 8-9 volts, battery is probably shot.

 

That tells you that the battery is good...and the ground is good.

The problem is most likely switch related. That model should have a jumper wire so the lights are on in both the ignition and light position...if not someone removed it.

First thing I would do is check the terminals on the switch, and make sure they are tight.