Electrical problem no power
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 315
Likes: 154
From: Upstate NY
NVM, did not see it was a resurrected thread or that the fix was found or why it showed up as a new posted thing when I was in touring not sportsters..... wtf....
Last edited by sechracer; Aug 21, 2019 at 02:24 AM. Reason: old thread...
Stage I
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: San Bernardino, CA
Look at the ground cable where it touches the plastic shield in the battery box.
If there are signs of heat melting the plastic your problems are most likely
a bad ground wire or loose connections.
This happened on 2004 XL that I was working on.( bad wire with original battery only
14,000 miles) Everything checked out fine until a load was put to it then, poof no lights and no start.
If there are signs of heat melting the plastic your problems are most likely
a bad ground wire or loose connections.
This happened on 2004 XL that I was working on.( bad wire with original battery only
14,000 miles) Everything checked out fine until a load was put to it then, poof no lights and no start.
Stage IV
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: South Mills, NC
Hi, new guy here with the same problem on '04 sporty 883 without security system: Battery, cables, fuses good. Turn key switch to accessory and I get the lights on the speedo cluster. Turn key to on and it all goes away. After searching and reading the forum, I tested the key switch and it reads continuity. Still no workie. Thinking the contacts might be dirty in the unservicable key switch and won't hold a load, I replaced it. Still no workie.
I was hoping to find a simple answer without having to take the bike apart and going through the wiring harness completely.
I was hoping to find a simple answer without having to take the bike apart and going through the wiring harness completely.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 311
Likes: 52
From: Virginia Beach, VA
I had the same problem. Lights come on, battery fine, hit the start button and everything goes dark. The cables looked fine. It turned out to be the positive cable though. It was corroded under the insulation where it couldn't be seen near the starter. It just about fell apart when I took it off. New cable, all good now.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,174
Likes: 12,745
From: South Carolina
Stage IV
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: South Mills, NC
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Stage IV
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: South Mills, NC
Apparently, you aren't aware of a common failure with these bikes either. I have the wiring diagram and the multi meter I stole from the Navy I will start taking the bike apart and tracing wires as a last resort..