Got an 08 FB and I broke the clutch interlock switch off while opening the left switch housing (dumb I know). It's not a real priority to me to replace it (seal the hole) but if I did decide to replace it, where would I get one and has anyone done one of these?

 

Well, I finally got around to fixing this. Obviously this was not of huge interest since no one responded. I got the switch from the dealer (~$61.00 including tax). The only issues with not having the switch operational were not being able to start the bike in gear with the clutch lever pulled in and the annoyance of staring at the red security light (error) while riding. Anyway, the replacement was fairly easy. Move the clutch lever (this time) and open the switch housing. Cut out the old switch, install the new one, splice/solder the wires, heat shrink, and close up (carefully). Clear error b1154. Good to go.

 

Never really knew where that interloc switch was located. Thought it was down at the tranny somewhere. Glad you're fixed up.

 

The left handlebar switch description in the Clymer manual (page 453) stated:

4. Clutch switch (2007-2009 models)
This leads me to believe there are variations for other softail model years.

I think there's another one just like it in the right switch housing so that front brake lever engages the brake light. It's shown on the blown-up diagram view. Just be careful when removing the switch housings. Be patient and always move the levers first.

 

The earlier models don't have one of these. I have an 06 and hit the button with it in gear once. My ******* puckered. haha I never park the bike in gear, so some wise *** must have thought it would be funny to throw my bike in gear...


Mike

 

Now that I think about it, I guess that's not unusual for earlier bikes. My old Yamaha would also "try" to start in gear/no clutch but at least I could push-start it if necessary. If you're not expecting it though, I could see a scenario right out of a TV comedy where you dust off a whole line-up by inadvertantly hitting the GO button.

 

switch makes a big difference if you have cruise control though

 

My buddy has an '07 UC, it will only start in neutral. Mine is '06, will start in any gear. So I'm guessing he has this switch and it doesn't function properly. Previous owner added heated grips. Could he have damaged the switch?

 

Not sure I understand the cruise control comment...
If the cruise is electronic, I would want it to switch off if the clutch is pulled and the interlock switch would be one way to do it. My manual tranny truck does that. If you have a mechanical cruise, you would have to remember to disengage the cruise prior to pulling the clutch lever. Of course 99% of the time you would be in the process of slowing down and want to disengage the cruise anyway.

 

cruise has to disengage moment clutch is pulled (pushed, if in a car/truck) otherwise motor runs away. with switch broken/ not working, what signals actuator to disengage holding throttle at whatever it was set at? nothing! most likely cruise would fail to hold due to open circuit read by control unit. so you would have a problem with the switch broken, an inop cruise control!