Starter problem
Thread Starter
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4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
From: Missouri
Starter problem
Hello all, I have a 2007 Electra Glide UC that I just purchased. A few days ago it wouldn’t start...I would hit the start button and would only get a single, faint “click” from the engine. I have checked the battery and there’s plenty of voltage.
I can start it by removing the side cover of the starter and manually pushing in the plunger (for lack of a better word), and the battery has more than ample juice to fire the bike up.
It was starting fine until I adjusted the foot shifters. The toe shifter was a bugger to remove (I had to fabricate a puller to get it off), so I am wondering if I knocked something loose in the midst of all the jostling and yanking, maybe a sensor or switch that tells the ECU whether it’s in gear or not. I’ve been on Yamahas for about 20 years, but I’ve never owned a HD before. The local dealership is 3 weeks out on repairs and I have a ride planned next week so I was hoping to find some help on here.
Thanks in advance.
I can start it by removing the side cover of the starter and manually pushing in the plunger (for lack of a better word), and the battery has more than ample juice to fire the bike up.
It was starting fine until I adjusted the foot shifters. The toe shifter was a bugger to remove (I had to fabricate a puller to get it off), so I am wondering if I knocked something loose in the midst of all the jostling and yanking, maybe a sensor or switch that tells the ECU whether it’s in gear or not. I’ve been on Yamahas for about 20 years, but I’ve never owned a HD before. The local dealership is 3 weeks out on repairs and I have a ride planned next week so I was hoping to find some help on here.
Thanks in advance.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 856
Likes: 373
From: Duke City, NM
There are a lot of things to check. Start with all around where you worked. All connections. Unplug and replug a couple times then apply dielectric grease and reconnect. Next I would check all battery cables and also ground straps. It sounds like the battery is not the issue if you can bypass it.
Last item is disconnect the negative battery cable for a few minutes and reconnect. This should clear the ECM in case you grounded out or caused an error.
I am assuming you checked codes already.
Last item is disconnect the negative battery cable for a few minutes and reconnect. This should clear the ECM in case you grounded out or caused an error.
I am assuming you checked codes already.
Thread Starter
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4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
From: Missouri
There are a lot of things to check. Start with all around where you worked. All connections. Unplug and replug a couple times then apply dielectric grease and reconnect. Next I would check all battery cables and also ground straps. It sounds like the battery is not the issue if you can bypass it.
Last item is disconnect the negative battery cable for a few minutes and reconnect. This should clear the ECM in case you grounded out or caused an error.
I am assuming you checked codes already.
Last item is disconnect the negative battery cable for a few minutes and reconnect. This should clear the ECM in case you grounded out or caused an error.
I am assuming you checked codes already.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,999
Likes: 916
From: Madisonville, La
Yes minor codes will not always set the engine check light. If the bike turns over freely and starts with the starter drive manually engaged I think you found your problem area. Either the wiring from the switch to the solenoid or the solenoid itself is where I would start looking. For wiring issues look for voltage drops between connection points and loose/corroded connectors.
Thread Starter
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4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
From: Missouri
Yes minor codes will not always set the engine check light. If the bike turns over freely and starts with the starter drive manually engaged I think you found your problem area. Either the wiring from the switch to the solenoid or the solenoid itself is where I would start looking. For wiring issues look for voltage drops between connection points and loose/corroded connectors.
thank you
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
Likes: 7,173
From: Oxford, Nc
There are a few relays under your seat and when you push the starter button, one should 'click.' Swap that one with another nearby (they're all the same,) and you'll eliminate one potential relay problem.
Thread Starter
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4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
From: Missouri
I’ll check that, thanks. That would be a fortuitously simple fix.
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 856
Likes: 373
From: Duke City, NM
Don’t forget which one you traded. It still will need to be replaced if it is bad.
I would still look at any places I touched before the issue to check connections. Just kind of seems likely.
I would still look at any places I touched before the issue to check connections. Just kind of seems likely.
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 400
Likes: 10
From: Buckeye State
On the 07 they relays are under the side covers. I don't remember which side. I've had the same problem with mine. A quick way to check the starter is to pull off the small green wire off of the starter and jump it with 12 volts from your battery. Just be sure that you have it in neutral because it bypasses everything and it will take off on you if it is in gear.
Thread Starter
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4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
From: Missouri
that’s what’s confusing to me. I haven’t tinkered with anything but the shift levers. Anything down there that could cause this type of issue?