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For the 1st time ever, my Fatboy didn't start and left me stranded. Bike has been running normal. Stopped at a friends building, got ready to leave, dash lights come on, no headlight, nothing happens when I press the start button. My 1st guess would be the starter relay. But would the headlight go off if it failed?
Time to get the VOM out and do some diagnostics.
I started to replace the power relays on my bikes due to age. They are not expensive. Could also check battery for the heck of it. I have had dash come on, little draw, but had a loose battery connection. its amazing, just a tiny turn can do it. Or simply bad battery or charging system. Get the meter our, check votlage on battery. If you get busy through a charger on over night, and see if it starts tommorrow. You would know it is probably not a relay then.
While checking battery volt statically, also keep the meter on the terminals and see what the voltage drops or if it drops when you hit the starter button. Gives you a place to start.
If the battery is bad. I would charge over night, and check the charging system the next day. If it is really old, I'd probably just replace. But for me old is around 7 years.
If I was bored, I might put it on 10 amp charge for a couple minutes, and see if you get some clicks when trying to start. Don't leave on 10 amps.
So strange tonight. I forgot my VOM but I went to the building to check on the bike. Turned the key on, headlight came on then went out. Still no power to anything.
Gonna have to study the electrical on this bike to figure out what circuit is powering the accessories and start up.
So strange tonight. I forgot my VOM but I went to the building to check on the bike. Turned the key on, headlight came on then went out. Still no power to anything.
Gonna have to study the electrical on this bike to figure out what circuit is powering the accessories and start up.
After the battery condition, and battery connections (especially the ground bolt from the neg battery terminal, on the frame just forward of the battery, under the nose of the seat) have been checked as mentioned above.... If they check out all good, and the problem persists... I'd check the ignition switch on the tank console.
That's a make/break switch that develops corrosion, or even pitting, on it's internal contacts over time.
There have been recent reports from older softail owners, who have had electrical problems such as yours. The issue was fixed by replacing that switch, or disassembly of that switch and cleaning of the contacts...
I had similar problems with my 2003 Heritage with random power ups when turning on the ignition switch... I remembered some of the switch threads, so I disassembled and cleaned my switch. All has been well since that repair.
If you choose to disassemble the switch to clean it, before buying a replacement, makes sure to do it on a flat, clean surface where you can easily keep track of its parts. There are some small springs, small switch detent pins, and small contact pieces that can get dropped/lost... I also took plenty of pics during disassembly and it helped during reassembly, when I forgot the orientation of a cast piece..
On a 2000, if the switch has not been disassembled before, you will find dried out grease on the contacts of the interior of the switch and plenty of corrosion. You may even find some pitting. I found all that, but was able to clean it up really well...
Here's a collage of some of the disaaaembly/reassembly pics on my ignition switch...
Good luck with your diagnosis and repair...
Last edited by hattitude; Jun 20, 2022 at 10:07 PM.
Hattitude, that is awesome. Appreciate the advice and sharing of your experience. I will start with the switch and study the relays on the bike. I think it's something pretty basic.
Thanks!
My gut tells me it's the ignition switch like others have posted. Tomorrow I will have testing tools and trace this issue down.
I'd luv for it to just be the starter relay. Plug in solution
Checked the relay 1st, not the problem. Then I pulled off the speedo and took a look at the switch. I thought I took a picture of the switch too, but you get the idea from this pic:
I ordered a new ignition switch. Trying to figure out the part number for the plug that uses it.
Anyone know that number? I am looking on Ronnies but not having any luck.
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2000 Fatboy failed me
