No power in ignition position, OK in accessory position
Thread Starter
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Stage III
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 3
Likes: 4
From: CA
No power in ignition position, OK in accessory position
2007 Fat Boy. Problem started 2 days ago. Went to start the bike, turned switch to Ignition position - nothing. No horn, no lights, no console lights, no neutral light, and nothing at starter button.
Checked battery cables - nice and snug
Checked all fuses - all good
Checked battery - 12.88 V (fairly new battery)
Swapped battery in key fob
(Yes, gearing in Neutral position)
Accessory position was bringing up time/odometer, etc, which i was able to toggle through, but switching to Ignition position brought nothing but darkness.
After a few minutes of trying and head scratching it came to life as normal and i rode away, confused but ...
The bike cut out on me and left me on the side of the road about 20 minutes later. Same thing, and after a few minutes the power returned and i made it home.
But same issue in my driveway today.
Thoughts on what i should check?
Appreciate any help
Keith
Checked battery cables - nice and snug
Checked all fuses - all good
Checked battery - 12.88 V (fairly new battery)
Swapped battery in key fob
(Yes, gearing in Neutral position)
Accessory position was bringing up time/odometer, etc, which i was able to toggle through, but switching to Ignition position brought nothing but darkness.
After a few minutes of trying and head scratching it came to life as normal and i rode away, confused but ...
The bike cut out on me and left me on the side of the road about 20 minutes later. Same thing, and after a few minutes the power returned and i made it home.
But same issue in my driveway today.
Thoughts on what i should check?
Appreciate any help
Keith
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,160
Likes: 11,249
From: San Diego, CA
One possibility is that the main ignition switch has dirty, corroded, and/or pitted contacts in the "On" position.
There are reports that on older Twin Cams with that center console ignition switch, the contacts are causing electrical glitches like yours.
I had a similar thing happen on my 2003 Heritage. I disassembled my ignition switch and found the main contact for the "on" position corroded and a little pitted. I cleaned up the contacts really well, and reassembled the switch with new grease. It's been several years since I experienced that glitch and it hasn't happened since the switch clean up.
Some people just buy a new switch, because there is no "procedure" for disassembling and cleaning of the switch. I took a digital picture at each step of disassembly in case I forgot how it fit back together, I would have a pic to refer to. It all went well, and was easier than I expected...
Here is a picture collage of the various stages of my switch cleaning, just to give you an idea of what's involved should you want to check it out...
There are reports that on older Twin Cams with that center console ignition switch, the contacts are causing electrical glitches like yours.
I had a similar thing happen on my 2003 Heritage. I disassembled my ignition switch and found the main contact for the "on" position corroded and a little pitted. I cleaned up the contacts really well, and reassembled the switch with new grease. It's been several years since I experienced that glitch and it hasn't happened since the switch clean up.
Some people just buy a new switch, because there is no "procedure" for disassembling and cleaning of the switch. I took a digital picture at each step of disassembly in case I forgot how it fit back together, I would have a pic to refer to. It all went well, and was easier than I expected...
Here is a picture collage of the various stages of my switch cleaning, just to give you an idea of what's involved should you want to check it out...
Last edited by hattitude; Feb 22, 2023 at 08:36 PM.
Thread Starter
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Stage III
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 3
Likes: 4
From: CA
thanks for the very detailed response. I'll pick up a new ignition relay at my local NAPA tomorrow ($8.00, so low risk experiment), and will check the switch too.
But just started snowing (in the mountains) so my experiments might have to wait a few days.
Thanks again
But just started snowing (in the mountains) so my experiments might have to wait a few days.
Thanks again
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,069
Likes: 1,351
From: Kansas
2001 Heritage had same issue. Cleaned switch contacts and applied dielectric grease. Issue never returned.
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Thread Starter
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Stage III
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 3
Likes: 4
From: CA
problem solved
Thanks for the comments / responses/ advice/ pics about the switch.
The center of the three male spade terminals on the switch was really dirty. Gave it a cleaning and light pass with sandpaper, and presto .... back in action. But i took the switch off and took it apart to inspect/clean it too.
All back together and good now.
If only it would stop snowing!
Keith
The center of the three male spade terminals on the switch was really dirty. Gave it a cleaning and light pass with sandpaper, and presto .... back in action. But i took the switch off and took it apart to inspect/clean it too.
All back together and good now.
If only it would stop snowing!
Keith
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