98 softail starter issue

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May 10, 2011 | 07:26 PM

ironsheik

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From: Kansas

98 softail starter issue

last night after driving for 30 min my bike died. I was under the assumption that this was do to a bad battery because I charged it all winter. Tonight I bought a new battery and all I get a few clicks. I inspected and cleaned wiring and had no success. what is the next step replace the solenoid, spark plugs, starter?

May 10, 2011 | 07:29 PM

ironsheik

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From: Kansas

Whenever the ignition is switched, the bike gets juice but when i go to start all it does is faintly click. I have taken out and cleaned the spark plugs and they both look good. Near the back tire there is an electrical connection red and yellow that is I could tell was hot.

May 10, 2011 | 10:11 PM

the blob

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id do a solinoid rebuild. make sure all fuses and or circuit breakers are good though.

May 11, 2011 | 05:27 AM

Tom84FXST

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From: Farmington ,MS

Quote:

Originally Posted by ironsheik

what is the next step replace the solenoid, spark plugs, starter?

The next step is to get a meter and find out what is wrong. If you do not have one, go buy one...a $10 one will be just fine. Check battery voltage, should be over twelve volts with a fully charged battery. Check all fuses, check voltage at ignition switch etc,etc.Sooner or later the meter will show you where the problem is...more than likely a bad connection.Starter "clicks" are usually caused by low voltage.

May 11, 2011 | 06:46 AM

V-Twins & Bowties

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From: Florida

That faint click is more than likely your starter relay. Check #87 / Green wire for power when you have ignition switch on and starter button depressed.

If no power there check #30 / Red, Black wire for power with ignition switch on.

If power at #30 but none at #87 it's the relay. If power at #87 as tested above, starter needs to be checked.

May 14, 2011 | 02:36 PM

ironsheik

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From: Kansas

Electrical issue with 98 Softail

It has been a week of nice weather with me trying to figure out my electrical issue 98 FXSTC softail. Last Friday I drove my bike to work, driving from jobsite to jobsite I probably shut off and started the bike over 20 times. Sure enough at 5:00 had to jump the battery just figured it was hot . On Sunday I charged the battery and took it for a ride. After 30 minutes while driving my bike died. I was under the assumption the battery was toast therefore I bought a brand new battery and still having issues. the new battery is reading almost 13 volts but the moment I hook it up the voltage drops down to roughly 3. Having the battery properly installed I am not getting any clicking on the starter relay or solenoid, no indicator lights, absolutely nothing.

when my bike died while driving, it would turn over but quickly die. before messing with everything I was also getting a faint click. I have inspected and cleaned all the connections. My question is what should I buy first or do next?

May 14, 2011 | 10:38 PM

the blob

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sounds like its not charging. if you hook up volt meter to battery while the engine is running give it some gas you should see the volts go up wit the rpm. if not id look at testing the voltage regulator and stator. keep us posted!