Softail Models Standard, Custom, Night Train, Deuce, Springer, Heritage, Fatboy, Deluxe, Rocker and Cross Bones.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Intermittent Ignition switch?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 4, 2007 | 10:45 AM
  #1  
soulman's Avatar
soulman
Thread Starter
|
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Default Intermittent Ignition switch?

Good morning all,
New member here (I'll post an intro in a while) but first I've got a question for those who are mechanically inclined.
I've got a 1994 Heritage Softail (I'm the original owner) and just got it out several days ago now that the weathers coming around. Anyway several times now when turning the ignition switch, nothing happens, no lights, nothing. As if the battery is dead (but it isn't). So far each time if I turn the switch on and off seval times eventually it will make contact.
I'm thinking that maybe the switch contacts have oxidized just enough over the winter months that it is effecting the ignition ...........does this sound probable?
Like I said, the battery seems plenty strong so I dont think it's the problem but then again I am no mechanic.
Any ideas are appreciated.
thanks
-soulman
 
Reply
Old Apr 4, 2007 | 10:50 AM
  #2  
glide's Avatar
glide
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,281
Likes: 8
From:
Default RE: Intermittent Ignition switch?

I would start with removing , wire brush both the battery terminals and theterminal endson the cables before looking any further. It is the biggest source of the problem you are experiencing.

If that doesn't do it, check the back of the ignition switch for corosion or loose connections.
 
Reply
Old Apr 4, 2007 | 10:56 AM
  #3  
fmbeach's Avatar
fmbeach
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 341
Likes: 0
From: Sarasota/Bradenton FL
Default RE: Intermittent Ignition switch?

Soulman,

I have a similar problem with my '97 Heritage. Ocassionally lose head and tail lights (but not dash lights)due to a corroded connection in the ignition switch. They come back after I work (turn) the switch a couple of times.

Ispray the switch with contact cleaner every few months to clean the connection and then hit the switch with Corrosion-X (boat product) to protect. Mine is due as I lost lights 4x last evening on a dinner cruise.

Usually happens after I have left the bike out overnight (dew) or after riding in the rain. Scoot got both along with salt air in Daytona last month.

Probably condensation corrosion in your case. A good cleaning and protection and you should be good to go.

Glenn
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
schlawin
Sportster Models
4
Jun 13, 2016 11:20 AM
steve. m
Ignition/Tuner/ECM/Fuel Injection
9
Apr 11, 2016 08:23 PM
jcmoran1
Electrical/Lighting/Alarm
3
Aug 28, 2015 07:19 PM
PKS98S
Touring Models
18
Sep 3, 2012 08:20 AM
kpb46
Ignition/Tuner/ECM/Fuel Injection
0
Sep 18, 2011 11:11 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:58 AM.

story-0
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-2
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-3
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-4
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-5
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE
story-8
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider

Slideshow: Graeme Billington's left-hand-drive Shovelhead is as much about problem-solving as it is about classic Harley form.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2025-12-30 11:27:08


VIEW MORE
story-9
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025

Slideshow: A clear-eyed look at what actually worked for Harley this year, and what quietly undermined its progress.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2025-12-29 17:10:48


VIEW MORE