1988 FXSTC electrical problem
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2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2010
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1988 FXSTC electrical problem
i put a new ignition switch on and i turn it to the igniton position and the oil light comes on but wont start i turn it to the lights position and the lights came on then i pushed the start button and the lights turned off and the starter relay clicked once and thats it the lights wouldnt come back nor would the bike start
does anyone have any idea what it could be i cant seem to figure this out
does anyone have any idea what it could be i cant seem to figure this out
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
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From: Farmington ,MS
Some of the aftermarket switches are different than the factory ones, as far as what wires go on what terminals...so if you can't use a meter you are SOL. Where did you get you replace switch?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
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From: Ohio
I have an '88 fxstc. Had an after market ignition switch that lasted a few months. It was junk. I went with a genuine HD switch and it's lasted 10 years so far. So it could be the switch. Not highly likely. But possible. You need a meter to check it out. They have them at Lowes for cheap price. You say all the wires are connected correctly. Well, maybe not. Try rewiring it again after checking out your switch. Also look for hidden breaks within in the wire insulation. They're old and can get brittle from the elements. I had that happen and it was hard to detect. Did you check all fuses? This why a meter helps. One other thing. Check out the kill switch. Those old ones are a little flaky and sometimes don't make contact. Good luck.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 15,705
Likes: 22,718
From: Farmington ,MS
J&P sells 2 switches...one is a Harley knock off that will work exactly like the Harley one. They also sell what they call an "electronic" switch...the poles are not in the same place as a stock switch and if my memory still works, it seems I even had to use a jumper to make it work. You can tell by looking at the back of the switch...if you can't see the bar and contacts...you have the electronic one
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2nd Gear
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i have the one with the bar and contacts that you can see its exactly the same as the old one and the wires are on exactly how they were on the old one and same as what the manual said
the manual also said that from the starter relay the ground goes to the rear fork bumper stud and i dont see where the ground wire goes other than back into the wiring harness
the manual also said that from the starter relay the ground goes to the rear fork bumper stud and i dont see where the ground wire goes other than back into the wiring harness
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Thread Starter
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2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
I have an '88 fxstc. Had an after market ignition switch that lasted a few months. It was junk. I went with a genuine HD switch and it's lasted 10 years so far. So it could be the switch. Not highly likely. But possible. You need a meter to check it out. They have them at Lowes for cheap price. You say all the wires are connected correctly. Well, maybe not. Try rewiring it again after checking out your switch. Also look for hidden breaks within in the wire insulation. They're old and can get brittle from the elements. I had that happen and it was hard to detect. Did you check all fuses? This why a meter helps. One other thing. Check out the kill switch. Those old ones are a little flaky and sometimes don't make contact. Good luck.
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2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2010
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ok so i tested all the wires on the ignition they have no resistance in them i can get the head light to turn on but when i push that start button i can hear the starter click once and then all the power goes away then you can see all the lights slowly get brighter and brighter till its all the way on then you can push the start button and you hear the starter click once then does the whole process over again
i was told maybe it was the starter but wouldnt i be able to push start the bike if it was the starter becuase i try'd push starting it and i got nothing
i was told maybe it was the starter but wouldnt i be able to push start the bike if it was the starter becuase i try'd push starting it and i got nothing
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