Neutral light indicator not working?
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 102
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From: Florida
Neutral light indicator not working?
Went to start up my Sportster yesterday, and the green, "N" neutral light indicator would not work at all. I did not have a problem finding the gear itself (well, it's always hard to actually get into neutral on my bike because it always passes it).
But then when I turned the bike on later, the neutral indicators lit up just fine. Any idea what could cause it to malfunction?
But then when I turned the bike on later, the neutral indicators lit up just fine. Any idea what could cause it to malfunction?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 12,260
Likes: 4,947
From: England
What year is your bike? The newer bikes have LEDs that form part of the loom to the speedo and can fail.
If the switch fails then the bike won't know it is in neutral and probably won't start unless you hold the clutch in.
If the switch fails then the bike won't know it is in neutral and probably won't start unless you hold the clutch in.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2010
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Likes: 12
Funny but I have the same prob
Went to start up my Sportster yesterday, and the green, "N" neutral light indicator would not work at all. I did not have a problem finding the gear itself (well, it's always hard to actually get into neutral on my bike because it always passes it).
But then when I turned the bike on later, the neutral indicators lit up just fine. Any idea what could cause it to malfunction?
But then when I turned the bike on later, the neutral indicators lit up just fine. Any idea what could cause it to malfunction?
is this an easy fix? Or is it something Id have to take to a mechanic?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 12,260
Likes: 4,947
From: England
Unless it is a newer bike with LEDs and then the whole harness has to be changed. Not straightforward as the tank has to come off as well. Probably 2014 onward with CAN bus.
If switch requires replacement, the rear muffler and rear exhaust pipe must be removed to remove the transmission sprocket cover. The drive belt and transmission sprocket must also be removed; there is not enough clearance to allow the removal of the switch without first removing the transmission sprocket.
If switch requires replacement, the rear muffler and rear exhaust pipe must be removed to remove the transmission sprocket cover. The drive belt and transmission sprocket must also be removed; there is not enough clearance to allow the removal of the switch without first removing the transmission sprocket.
Last edited by Andy from Sandy; Sep 2, 2019 at 08:55 AM.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 102
Likes: 4
From: Florida
Unless it is a newer bike with LEDs and then the whole harness has to be changed. Not straightforward as the tank has to come off as well. Probably 2014 onward with CAN bus.
If switch requires replacement, the rear muffler and rear exhaust pipe must be removed to remove the transmission sprocket cover. The drive belt and transmission sprocket must also be removed; there is not enough clearance to allow the removal of the switch without first removing the transmission sprocket.
If switch requires replacement, the rear muffler and rear exhaust pipe must be removed to remove the transmission sprocket cover. The drive belt and transmission sprocket must also be removed; there is not enough clearance to allow the removal of the switch without first removing the transmission sprocket.
Also, the light worked fine when I took it for another ride later that day, so not sure why? Weird...
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 4,890
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From: USA
Perhaps replace your neutral switch...not sure on efi bikes but on older bikes, the neutral switch needs to make good ground when in neutral to complete circuit which will turn on neutral indicator..
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 12,260
Likes: 4,947
From: England
I doubt the switch has been changed between the years. It is a switch to ground on my 2017. Reading FSM it is not easy to get at but it will be easy enough to change once all the iron mongery is out of the way.
http://partsfinder.onlinemicrofiche....L%20CONNECTORS
Looking at the parts list it might be the wire to the switch needs a good clean only.
http://partsfinder.onlinemicrofiche....L%20CONNECTORS
Looking at the parts list it might be the wire to the switch needs a good clean only.
Last edited by Andy from Sandy; Sep 5, 2019 at 03:20 AM.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2014
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From: USA
I doubt the switch has been changed between the years. It is a switch to ground on my 2017. Reading FSM it is not easy to get at but it will be easy enough to change once all the iron mongery is out of the way.
http://partsfinder.onlinemicrofiche....L%20CONNECTORS
Looking at the parts list it might be the wire to the switch needs a good clean only.
http://partsfinder.onlinemicrofiche....L%20CONNECTORS
Looking at the parts list it might be the wire to the switch needs a good clean only.
If it is not the connectors, replace the switch...may not be making to ground in the trans when in neutral.
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