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Starter made a 'grinding sound' but started...

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Old Jan 13, 2016 | 11:12 PM
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Default Starter made a 'grinding sound' but started...

I ride an '06 Ultra Classic. It was a wet, stormy night (I live in Seattle) tanked it up at the gas station and started it up as described; rode it home with the Red Key Light on and now my tach and speedo lights don't work nor do my brake lights or turn signals.

What happened!?!
 
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Old Jan 14, 2016 | 04:25 AM
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Oddly enough, it could be battery related. Could be it needs to be replaced, and/or connections are spotty.
 
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Old Jan 14, 2016 | 06:53 AM
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Could be the Starter Clutch going out. Happened to myself.
 
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Old Jan 14, 2016 | 06:54 AM
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There is a mechanical clutch in the starter which does that when on it's way out. However as Keith suggests, check your battery and clean all power cable connectors, to ensure your starter is getting max output from the battery. If you have a friend with a similar bike you could swap batteries, to see if it does the same.
 
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Old Jan 14, 2016 | 06:59 AM
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Check your charging system as well. Stator/voltage regulator output.
 
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Old Jan 14, 2016 | 10:51 PM
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Thanks guys! Checked connections at battery and they were good. Now I'm looking at replacing the battery. Got my fingers crossed... don't want to mess with the starter - just yet!
 
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Old Jan 14, 2016 | 11:03 PM
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Mine had similar problems. Battery was week. If not that check the stator, rectifier regulator.
 
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Old Jan 15, 2016 | 03:55 AM
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Originally Posted by ticksmeoff
Thanks guys! Checked connections at battery and they were good. Now I'm looking at replacing the battery. Got my fingers crossed... don't want to mess with the starter - just yet!
Before you spend any money, check the connections at the other ends of those main cables! They are the ones that are unloved and can get dirty, loose, corroded and can rob the starter of some of the power it craves.
 
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Old Jan 15, 2016 | 09:33 AM
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Originally Posted by aroacha5446
Could be the Starter Clutch going out. Happened to myself.
This.
It is one of the weak links in the HD charging system.
Change it out, you won't regret it.
Mine started getting weak 2 years after I bought it.
Thought it was the battery. Wrong.
Starter clutch.
 
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Old Jan 16, 2016 | 06:09 PM
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Alright Gentlemen, found a blown fuse (Accessory) and that fixed it. Still going to look at the starter/regulator, but for now, I'm trying to find the short that's blowing my fuses...
thanks for your input! It was very helpful!

jmh
 
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