Ignition Switch Maintenance
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3rd Gear
Joined: Oct 2007
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Ignition Switch Maintenance
This is about my '03 Fat Boy I bought new in Feb 03. It now has 39k miles.
On sunday when Connie&I were on our way to a restaurant, my Fat Boy died as we
approached a red light. It wouldn't restart and I pushed it to the side of the
road to wait for Connie to go after the truck and trailer. I continued to try
starting it, but it would not turn over. The indicator lights on the tank panel
would not even light up. I rode in a steady rain last Wednesday night coming
home from my CVAMC meeting, so I figured it had something to do with that.
After numerous tries, maybe 25 or 30, it started and I made my way home. I
removed the ignition switch and found that all the electrical contacts were
badly corroded. I cleaned them well with a wire brush, put it back together and
have had no more problems. My conclusion is that the ignition switch needs to
be taken apart and cleaned about every 3 or 4 years. Take care, Randy
On sunday when Connie&I were on our way to a restaurant, my Fat Boy died as we
approached a red light. It wouldn't restart and I pushed it to the side of the
road to wait for Connie to go after the truck and trailer. I continued to try
starting it, but it would not turn over. The indicator lights on the tank panel
would not even light up. I rode in a steady rain last Wednesday night coming
home from my CVAMC meeting, so I figured it had something to do with that.
After numerous tries, maybe 25 or 30, it started and I made my way home. I
removed the ignition switch and found that all the electrical contacts were
badly corroded. I cleaned them well with a wire brush, put it back together and
have had no more problems. My conclusion is that the ignition switch needs to
be taken apart and cleaned about every 3 or 4 years. Take care, Randy
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 185
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RE: Ignition Switch Maintenance
The switch has been know to go bad. Takes 10 minutes to change mine out. I would suggest you put some dielectric grease (auto parts store) on the connections since you cleaned it up and it works now. The grease will stop the corrosion. Every time you do some work w/electrical put this grease on the connections throughout your motorbike (end ofsignal bulbs/connections also), save you alot of this type problems in future.
May our Moderator Rest in Peace
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,386
Likes: 35
From: Rochester, NY
RE: Ignition Switch Maintenance
Gramps is right, a little preventive maintenance with some dielectric grease will save you a ton of trouble later. Stuff is less than $5 in the auto parts store and you only need a little bit and it won't dry up in the tube (or on the bike) so a 4 or 6oz. tubewill last damn near forever.
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
RE: Ignition Switch Maintenance
I wonder if that's what my problem is. Even with a full battery, when cold, I have to hit the start button
many times to get it to turn over. Some times I get worried it's not going to turn over, but always does.
I was thinking starter solenoid but not sure. It's an 87 Heritage.
many times to get it to turn over. Some times I get worried it's not going to turn over, but always does.
I was thinking starter solenoid but not sure. It's an 87 Heritage.
May our Moderator Rest in Peace
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,386
Likes: 35
From: Rochester, NY
RE: Ignition Switch Maintenance
Take a look, won't hurt to do that. If you see any corrosion in the contacts get some tuner cleaner from Radio Shack, and old brush and have at it. When your done use the dielectric grease to protect the contacts from the elements.
And any overzealous bike cleaners.
And any overzealous bike cleaners.
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