Electrical issues, starter switch or relay?
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 122
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From: Cedar Rapids, IA
Electrical issues, starter switch or relay?
I am not electrical guru and troubleshooting is NOT my strong suit.
Bike is an 08 Nightster, battery was checked, and working at 100% so that's out. Also replaced the battery in the security module, no dice. Fuses all fine.
Turn on key, fuel pump cycles, hit start and nothing, not even a click. Connections all are tight. I am leaning towards the relay or the stinkin switch on the bar itself. Can you disable the security system to see if that might be part of the issue?
Weather is finally been nice for 3 days and have had to ride the dual sport around
Bike is an 08 Nightster, battery was checked, and working at 100% so that's out. Also replaced the battery in the security module, no dice. Fuses all fine.
Turn on key, fuel pump cycles, hit start and nothing, not even a click. Connections all are tight. I am leaning towards the relay or the stinkin switch on the bar itself. Can you disable the security system to see if that might be part of the issue?
Weather is finally been nice for 3 days and have had to ride the dual sport around
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 135
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From: CALIFORNIA
starting problem
My brother's softail just had this same issue. He finally brought it over to my garage to check it out. When he clicked on the "start" switch, all you would hear was a clicking sound. So, we removed the starter, had it checked at the local HD shop, starter was fine, re-charged the battery, checked the battery, battery was fine. Figured it had to be an electrical issue, so we followed the clicking sound to the "starter/ignition" relay under the seat. I happened to have a spare relay, switched it and lo and behold...it started right up....It's been running fine ever since.
......Should have checked the relay first....
......Should have checked the relay first....
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 122
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From: Cedar Rapids, IA
The starter and system relays are the same on mine. I tried switching them to no avail. My starter doesn't even click, I get nothing. I plan to dig deeper this week. Frustrated to say the least.
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2010
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From: Cedar Rapids, IA
OK, replaced the relays, no luck. I need SOME help as to where to start looking. Next guess is the starter button itself, but no idea how to test it as it's sealed inside the control. I hate taking my junk to the dealer, let alone the dealer we have here. I have had horrible luck.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2007
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ok your gonna have to check the smaller gauge (starter activate) wire going to the stater itself with a 12v test light. once u got the test light grounded and touching the start wire turn the key on and press the start button. if the testlight lights up then your starter is bad. if the testlight does nothing then double check the starter fuse and check the neutral saftey switch.. good luck.
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 122
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From: Cedar Rapids, IA
ok your gonna have to check the smaller gauge (starter activate) wire going to the stater itself with a 12v test light. once u got the test light grounded and touching the start wire turn the key on and press the start button. if the testlight lights up then your starter is bad. if the testlight does nothing then double check the starter fuse and check the neutral saftey switch.. good luck.
Last edited by 30Bones; May 12, 2011 at 08:09 AM.
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: Cedar Rapids, IA
Upon reading my new FSM I am looking at the security system. If you remove or drain the battery you need to:
Set Engine Stop Switch to OFF, cycle ignition switch IGNITION-OFF-IGNITION-OFF-IGNITION and press the left turn signal twice
Will try this after work and report back
Set Engine Stop Switch to OFF, cycle ignition switch IGNITION-OFF-IGNITION-OFF-IGNITION and press the left turn signal twice
Will try this after work and report back
