Sudden electrical failure
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Stage II
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2
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Sudden electrical failure
Hi, I pulled the Sportster out for a ride a few days ago, turned the key, the gauges illuminated & starter turned over maybe once, then all electrical functions quit. No starter, no gauges, no headlights, no taillight. The battery's new, fully charged and solidly connected. Fusible link? Solenoid? Sun spots?
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 123
Likes: 1
RE: Sudden electrical failure
Make sure your battery cables are tight and connections clean. My 1200 did the same thing, I tightened the cables, fired right up. And I thought my cables were on tight too. Chalk it up to vibration. Good luck.
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Stage II
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
RE: Sudden electrical failure
I pulled the battery and, although connections were visibly clean and tight, I unscrewed the leads, rinsed the screws, washers and spacer-tubes with contact-cleaner and I wire-brushed all. The battery, disconnected, had 13.2 volts so I reassembled all. And it worked! I can't guess why--everything was cleaned and wirebrushed a month ago when the then-new battery was installed and it all looked fine before I cleaned it today. Thanks, NEW2HD!
Stage II
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
RE: Sudden electrical failure
My 99 did the exact same thing. I pulled the battery out, started looking and found the positive cable had pulled loose where the wires attach to the connector hidden by the rubber boot down by the starter. I figured it out after reading someone else say they had the problem with the ground. Mine just happened to be the positive. I think it was because the cable was so short. I went to auto zone and bought a cheap (longer) replacement. Works great now. Good Luck.
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