Rain storm...won't even crank now!
Rain storm...won't even crank now!
After a torrential rain storm 3 nights ago, my '03 Fat Boy won't start.There was a slight leak in the canopy - that became a huge leak. Unfortunately, I didn't discover it until the bike was soaked.
Now, it won't even crank ("turn over"). At first, the gauge light, headlight, etc wouldn't come on. Took off the battery cables off and cleaned all the battery connections today. I charged the battery, too. It was on 75%... 2 hrs later at 100%. After trying to start several times, it's still at 98%.
Once charged, the gauge light comes on... well, most of the time. If I wiggle the switch, it comes on. The headlight still does not come on. I don't hear the fuel pump cycle either. And, the starter switch and push button start do NOTHING.
PLEASE give me some advice. Is there a good chance I can push start and get it going...or is that not an option without getting to the "cranking" stage?
THANKS!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 100,455
Likes: 19,811
From: Centennial, CO
Sounds like your ignition switch is wet grounded. Agree that the battery should be unhooked til it dries out. Also check the fuse block for water. Don't bother trying to push start it, if the fuel pump isn't turning on, it won't start. I'm pretty sure an electric bike isn't capable of being push started under any circumstance.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 221
Likes: 14
From: Georgia USA
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,477
Likes: 14
From: Western MD
pull up the console and tilt it over and see if water runs out of the ignition switch body. if it does, tilt it around till all the water stops coming out then spray some WD-40 in the switch. WD= Water Displacement. its about the best thing for cleaning water out of switches.
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 392
Likes: 12
Agreed, it needs to dry out. Had similar problem when washing the bike. Start switch and kill switch got wet, dried them out and everything was good.
I have pushed started an '08 Fat Bob. Not enough juice to crank, but it did start. Stator and voltage regulator went bad. Barely had enough juice to get to town.
I have pushed started an '08 Fat Bob. Not enough juice to crank, but it did start. Stator and voltage regulator went bad. Barely had enough juice to get to town.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 827
Likes: 3
From: NW Florida
Once you get everything dried out and running again, go over your bike and disconnect each electrical connector, apply some dielectric grease and reconnect. Should help in the future. I did this to my Fatboy after my first Florida rainstorm and problems. I've been through many more since then and it hasn't missed a beat since.
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