Starting problem...need help
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Stage IV
Joined: Aug 2007
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Starting problem...need help
Have a 1999 Sportster 883. Not consistently, but sometimes, when I try to start it I will hear a clicking and clacking noise and then the headlight will go out, the green "N" light will go out as well as the red oil light on the instrumentation panel, and the bike will not start. After a non-consistent amount of time, and usually after I let the bike roll forward or backward, the lights will come on again, and somtimes after repeated attempts doing this, it may start. Other times it will not start at all.
Battery is fine, I had it checked at a Batteries plus for voltage and cranking amps. I replaced the starter relay when it started doing this a month ago, and it seemed to work fine for a while, and back to doing the clickety clack on me.
Any ideas or similar problems with this? Hoping it is not a starter, but just wiring problem.
Thanks for any help...
Battery is fine, I had it checked at a Batteries plus for voltage and cranking amps. I replaced the starter relay when it started doing this a month ago, and it seemed to work fine for a while, and back to doing the clickety clack on me.
Any ideas or similar problems with this? Hoping it is not a starter, but just wiring problem.
Thanks for any help...
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,146
Likes: 50
From: A barrier island in NJ
RE: Starting problem...need help
Bear with me 'cause I've had somewhat similar electrical problems. It sounds like you are only getting a periodic "solid" circuit.
Disconnect your battery cables and check the crimped ends where they attach to the battery, engine (ground),and starter (positive). Check for any build up of "junk" or corrosion on the wire's attachment points. Wire brushall ends where they attachor use emory cloth to physically clean them really well. Check the crimped ends to make sure they still have a good connection with the wire in the cables. Assuming the connections of the crimped ends to the wires are good, reassemble everything using dielectric grease on the crimped ends and attachment bolts.
This will take you upwards of an hour but I have found this process to solve my problem (at least so far!). If any of your crimped ends on the cables appear to have poor connections with the cable wires, replace the cable. Remember to use the dielectric grease when reassembling.
Good luck!
Disconnect your battery cables and check the crimped ends where they attach to the battery, engine (ground),and starter (positive). Check for any build up of "junk" or corrosion on the wire's attachment points. Wire brushall ends where they attachor use emory cloth to physically clean them really well. Check the crimped ends to make sure they still have a good connection with the wire in the cables. Assuming the connections of the crimped ends to the wires are good, reassemble everything using dielectric grease on the crimped ends and attachment bolts.
This will take you upwards of an hour but I have found this process to solve my problem (at least so far!). If any of your crimped ends on the cables appear to have poor connections with the cable wires, replace the cable. Remember to use the dielectric grease when reassembling.
Good luck!
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 63
Likes: 2
From: Ohio
RE: Starting problem...need help
I have a 2007 Nightster and currently having this same problem, the dealer where I had the biketowed to said the battery cables needed to be tightened. Well one week later this started all over again. Can this be more of a starter problem than a battery issue? I only have 2500 miles on the bike, and when I called the dealer and told themthat I was having this problem again the mechanic told me to just tighten down the battery cables. Thanks for any assistance.
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Stage IV
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
RE: Starting problem...need help
I took my battery out, and took it to batteries plus where they said it had a good charge and good cranking amps. I looked at all the wiring connections and everything seemed to be tight. I wiggled the wiring harness at the main fuse box, and then cleaned the contacts of the battery wires, andreinstalled the battery. It seems to work fine now. It may happen again though. I talked to a lot of Harley mechanics that said it could be anything from the starter selenoid to the starter relay (which I replaced a month ago), to loose wires, to the whole starter. I don't think it is the whole starter, otherwise it would not crank over at all. Mine seemed to happen when ever I would roll my bike out of the gargae and out into the street. I usually roll it down the street, with the key off and in neutral,a little ways away from my house, soI do not wake the kids up, then stop and start it. When I start it in the garage or without rolling it, it starts fine. I asked a mechanic about that and he said that would not have anything to do with it,but I am not convinced for sure. I haven't tried rolling it again since it started working. Maybe try your relay first, they are only $10 at a Harley dealer, and very easy to replace. If it is an 07, they should test it out and cover it under warranty. Hope you get it figured out, if you do let me know as well!
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