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-   -   Fatboy Won't Start - Please help (https://www.hdforums.com/forum/softail-models/619218-fatboy-wont-start-please-help.html)

Studman Mar 12, 2011 02:32 PM

Fatboy Won't Start - Please help
 
Ok long story but I will try to give you as much info as possible – Here goes….
Background – I have a 2004 Fatboy with a few mods, changed the exhaust, installed a power commander, had a dyno and map written, chromed a ton of stuff (front and rear ends) install mini apes with chrome switches… all done pretty much in the 1st or 2nd year
Ok back in July of 2010 I leave my house to meetup with a buddy to go riding and 1 block from my house the bike dies, after 2 or 3 attempts she fires up and we are off. Get to buddy’s house , wait around for like ½ an hour and go to leave and the bike won’t start. (buddy is a car mechanic) poke around and find the ignition switch is fried, so we remove and jump it and off we go ( I know, I know). Bike starts and runs fine. Next day go down and order a new switch from Harley dealer and wait for it to come in. A week later get the new switch and install it and all is good. Continue to ride every couple of days with no problems. Then in Oct. we do this big all day ride to Long island ( I live in CT) head over on the ferry, ride all day, like 200 miles and head home. On the way home after getting off the ferry, like 4- 5 miles, on the highway, doing like 70 the bike shuts off, WTF, ok look to move over and try to restart the bike and she fires and we continue home ( yes all while doing like 70). About 5 more miles , get off the highway , head down the road and it shuts off again, this time it won’t re- start, so I figure try and coast as far a possible ( less I got to push) all the while trying to re-start the bike. All of the sudden she fires and we are heading home which is about a ¼ mile away. Finally make it home and get it in the garage. At this point I am disgusted and just throw the cover on it. With the weather changing and not much time to ride I decide to winterize and park it for winter and worry about it in the spring. Hello it’s spring, try to start it and no deal, she won’t start. Gas is good, battery is ok , but I am not getting any spark at the plugs. Checked the wires and they are good. Also checked the fuses ( under the seat ) and tried to start with the power commander removed, Not sure what else to look for and any help would be great.
Thanks
Studman

Mike T Mar 12, 2011 02:59 PM

Is this bike carbed or fuel injected? Did the engine light come on when it was going dead?

snook592 Mar 12, 2011 03:57 PM

:icon_munching:???????

soft 02 Mar 12, 2011 04:03 PM

Did you check the starter relay or maby swap it with another relay. Is there voltage going to the coil.

Stiggy Mar 12, 2011 04:10 PM

Breaker popping? Fried ignition switch? Check Voltage output. It's possible regulator isn't regulating and voltage is too high.

Studman Mar 13, 2011 08:51 AM


Originally Posted by Mike T (Post 8036250)
Is this bike carbed or fuel injected? Did the engine light come on when it was going dead?

The bike is FI and I don't remember if the light came on. I do know that when I try and start it now after a few cranks the engine light comes on

Studman Mar 13, 2011 08:52 AM


Originally Posted by soft 02 (Post 8036454)
Did you check the starter relay or maby swap it with another relay. Is there voltage going to the coil.

not yet but will do, thanks

Studman Mar 13, 2011 08:58 AM


Originally Posted by Stiggy (Post 8036480)
Breaker popping? Fried ignition switch? Check Voltage output. It's possible regulator isn't regulating and voltage is too high.

Breaker?? where would I find this

Mike T Mar 13, 2011 09:16 AM

See if you're getting fire from the coil.

cork44 Mar 13, 2011 12:25 PM

Mine did the same thing. For me it was the system relay. $5 at HD. Do you hear the fuel pump when you turn the ignition. I didn't on mine, and I had no spark. Hope this helps.


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