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The newest problem my sportster has is not wanting to start. When I go to push the start button I hear a click then I lose all power while it resets itself. I replaced the fuses, that wasn't it. Then i checked my battery connection, both cables seemed fine but that's when i noticed something funny.
When i would push the battery in towards my oil tank I'd get power again or if I wiggled my positive battery cable ( not the one the 30a fuse is on) I'd get power and my bike would start. I'm at a loss for how to chase down electrical issues like this. I think it's my positive battery wire giving me grief but I have no clue. Everything seemed connected and tight I think it's a short in that wire? I'm not really sure. Any advice is greatly appreciated
I'll attach better photos or video when I get home today after work. Thanks guys
As the battery starts the bike let's assume the battery is good but that is usually a bad idea. A good idea is to make sure the battery is fully charged and get it load tested.
Remove the ground cable from the engine case and remove the battery. I am suspecting you have also a bad connection on the ground.
Clean the negative terminal and negative wire and make connection again. Put battery in bike. Clean the positive terminals and make the connection. Clean the end of the negative wire and lug on case and make connection.
As the battery starts the bike let's assume the battery is good but that is usually a bad idea. A good idea is to make sure the battery is fully charged and get it load tested.
Remove the ground cable from the engine case and remove the battery. I am suspecting you have also a bad connection on the ground.
Clean the negative terminal and negative wire and make connection again. Put battery in bike. Clean the positive terminals and make the connection. Clean the end of the negative wire and lug on case and make connection.
See if that helps.
So the battery tested at 12.7v off the bike and I cleaned everything real good yesterday but I believe you're right. It's such a tight package all in that area it's hard to trace wires where they lead but I'm about to get into it now. I'll post updates. Idk if its poor condition of the wires shorting or if it's just a bad connection. Would improper ground make the bike lose power like that? Thanks for the advice I appreciate it
It is a tight fit, sliding the battery in can loosen the cable. I suspect a bad ground connection.
I found this when I was having a similar problem, you have to peel back the insulation a bit to actually check. The ground where it connects to the engine sees a lot of vibration and will eventually break. I suggest when you replace the cable you get one a few inches longer to make it easier to pull the battery in the future.
Would improper ground make the bike lose power like that?
No negative wire from the battery and you lose all power. From the picture above that is possibly from trying to pull the battery out with the wire still connected to the engine.
No negative wire from the battery and you lose all power. From the picture above that is possibly from trying to pull the battery out with the wire still connected to the engine.
It was several things I believe. I made sure the ground was tight and clean (no corrosion) and bought a new battery. The charge was good but my terminals on the battery itself looked melted and bubbly, bad connection for sure! The loops on my positive and negative had a good bit of corrosion so I sanded them new and shiny. Lastly I replaced my voltage regulator and checked all my connections and she fired right up. Runs great fellas I appreciate you guys for all the advice.
No negative wire from the battery and you lose all power. From the picture above that is possibly from trying to pull the battery out with the wire still connected to the engine.
My picture above where the cable is breaking from the connector is the engine end from vibration, I would check that. You said it regained power when you pushed towards the oil tank, you could have a loose ground connection at the battery also, or when you pushed it in you manged to get the connection at one end or the other to make a butt connection that won't last. Factory cables don't give any slack and the constant movement of the engine will eventually break the wires. You lose ground you have no battery circuit, dc makes a circle. Till the cable breaks completely it may work intermittently when the cable is moved and sometimes making enough contact to complete the circuit. When starting the bike there may not but sufficient wire to deliver the current required and you get clicking.
Last edited by stereoguy; Aug 5, 2021 at 12:54 PM.
Good to hear, give it a couple of days and check the connections again, then every few weeks, they do vibrate loose, loose connections create heat and can make your terminals look like you describe.
06 1200 XL SUPER FINICKY when it comes to the electrical
system. Check an double check all connections are tight. Blue locktite and star washers on everything.. lol
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