Starter Switch Not Working Sometimes
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 3,315
Likes: 2,110
From: Masshole
Before throwing parts at it you should rule out a few couple things.
1. The neutral safety switch. When it won't start, pull in the clutch, it will bypass it.
2. If you are starting it in gear and just pulling in the clutch, put it in neutral, this will bypass the clutch switch.
If it comes down to replacing the switch you might as well upgrade to the lighted switches. You can buy the kit for practically the same pice as a single.
https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/e...es/p/71500248C
1. The neutral safety switch. When it won't start, pull in the clutch, it will bypass it.
2. If you are starting it in gear and just pulling in the clutch, put it in neutral, this will bypass the clutch switch.
If it comes down to replacing the switch you might as well upgrade to the lighted switches. You can buy the kit for practically the same pice as a single.
https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/e...es/p/71500248C
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,189
Likes: 2,419
From: USA
Ouch!
Then I'd spend a little time with a multi-meter following electricity around the starting circuit to see where it's going, and not going, before throwing that kind of cash down on a switch.
I'd even go so far as to examine the repairability of the start switch if that is indeed the faulty part.
Then I'd spend a little time with a multi-meter following electricity around the starting circuit to see where it's going, and not going, before throwing that kind of cash down on a switch.
I'd even go so far as to examine the repairability of the start switch if that is indeed the faulty part.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 438
Likes: 433
From: Iowa
Check your key fob battery or try using your other fob. I had same issue couple years ago, thought it could be switch or starter, was just a battery in fob right on the edge. Think a new fob battery will reads about 3.2 volt. Once they get to about 2.8 it can be hit and miss.
My 2014 does the same thing. Every once in a while (and it seems to be on the first / cold start of the day) I turn it on, everything lights and primes, hit start and not a sound. Nothing. Cycle power and she starts right up.
Mines done it since day one so I don't worry about it too much. Just like when the radio doesn't come on, I ride without radio for a bit until it gets power cycled.
Mines done it since day one so I don't worry about it too much. Just like when the radio doesn't come on, I ride without radio for a bit until it gets power cycled.
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A lot of people dont know this, or think about this, either way.
I personally do not ever use the Killswitch on the handlebar. It is one sure way to get yourself in trouble in the long run. When I turn my motorcycle engine off, I only use the ignition switch. I have had it happen to me too many times to count, actually 2.. where the on off Killswitch on the handlebar goes bad and then you are stuck in the middle of nowhere. You might file that away for future reference.
I personally do not ever use the Killswitch on the handlebar. It is one sure way to get yourself in trouble in the long run. When I turn my motorcycle engine off, I only use the ignition switch. I have had it happen to me too many times to count, actually 2.. where the on off Killswitch on the handlebar goes bad and then you are stuck in the middle of nowhere. You might file that away for future reference.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 800
Likes: 407
From: Middle Tennessee
My 2012 does that on occasion. I turn off the kill switch, turn the ignition switch to off, wait about 10 seconds, go through the startup procedure again and it fires up normally. A few times it has needed three cycles of the above to fire. This just started maybe four years ago so not a new thing but it has done it a while. Kind of nerve racking when it happens.
Ive only noticed this happen around other Harley bikes, never with my nephews Yamaha or my brother in laws BMW. I wonder if it is a fob thing and interference from another Harley fob.
Mine happens most often with a friends bike around mine but I ride more with that friend often so odds lean toward that bike interfering if thats the case. Puzzling.
Ive only noticed this happen around other Harley bikes, never with my nephews Yamaha or my brother in laws BMW. I wonder if it is a fob thing and interference from another Harley fob.
Mine happens most often with a friends bike around mine but I ride more with that friend often so odds lean toward that bike interfering if thats the case. Puzzling.