Hi all. I have a 2007 Softail Custom. I completed stage 1 upgrade with PCIII in Jan. Everything worked fine. Not much riding, though due to weather. After about a week with no riding, I went to take it for a quick spin (this was about 2 weeks ago). The bike would not start. Turned over, but no start. Now fuel was low, but there was at least 1/8th tank in there sloshing around. After trying off and on for about 5 minutes, I could tell the battery was weak.

So I went to Auto parts store and bought battery tender (recommended on this board). I hooked it up for a few hours until good, added a bit of gas (just to be sure), and the bike cranked up fine. I figured it was just the battery sitting for a week and maybe the PCIII makes it drain quicker.

Last weekend the bike ran fine. I installed new baffles, and hooked up the laptop to reset throttle position. Idle was at 6 - the reset put it at 0. Very happy with the bike and the upgrades.

I rode into work last Thursday - no problems. Friday (yesterday) I decided to ride in as well, even though it was raining in the morning (the afternoon was supposed to be nice). Ride was a bit wet going in, but no problem. Now it's 5PM and I'm looking forward to ride home and the weekend, and guess what. Yep - no start.I tried for a few times, and thought I was going to have to take the trainhome, but I tried putting it in gear and rolling/popping the clutch (this worked on aold stick-shift truck I had). I tried starting it in gear andI couldtell it almost started. I put in neutral and it cranked right up.

Today, I washed the bike - it's looking pretty. Went to take a ride and no start. Just a click, now, not even turning over. I tried putting it in gear and same thing. So now I think water is the problem, since I rode in the wet yesterday and washed the bike today. I take the seat up to look at the battery, and maybe hook the tender up. The battery compartment was fairly clean and dry. Tried cranking again (in gear) and it turned over now. Put in neutral and it started.

So I needed gas - rode right to the station. After fueling, no start. Just clicks again. I tried in gear, in neutral, just clicks. I tried rolling in gear, tried starting - nothing. Waited a couple minutes, tried in gear and it turned over. Put in neutral - just clicks. Went it the station for a few minutes. Came out and tried in gear - it turned over. Put in neutral and it started. I rode around for about 2 hours, making 3 more stops. Each time the bike started fine.

So it only happens with a cold engine. Thinking it has to do with the PCIII or the wet or a combination?

Sorry for the long post, but thought it was necessary to explain the problem. Was going to go to a tech forum, but you all are so helpful .

 

Sounds like you need to have that battery checked....Doesn't sound like it has the cranking amps it needs...The EFIs need lots of power to run everything....This will at least eliminate the battery....Let us know what ever it is...Good luck!!

[IMG]local://upfiles/2670/07E67CCA418F4894A3B347A9BA78B4D3.jpg[/IMG]

 

Could be something as simple as bad battery cables, negative cable not grounding correctly, etc...

 

The first thing I would do is disconnect and clean your battery cables. Hook the cables back up and if it still doesn't start, charge the battery. Then if you still have problems, have the battery checked,than the charging system.
With a little luck you might find that your cables weren't snug enough, which allowed corrosion to build up between the cables and battery terminals.
Tom

 

You sure have fine looking fat boy!!!!!!!!

[IMG]local://upfiles/24725/2867E0C4A1664B4582B56349880E76BE.jpg[/IMG]

 

I would check your switch housings. If you get water in them, they can definitely cause problems.

My bike got got in the rain a couple of days ago, a day later, when I hit the start button, I had nothing, not even a click. Toggled the kill switch on and off a couple of times, and then it fired right up.

If you've got water in the right switch housing, you may just not be getting good contact with the kill switch/start button...