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Bike is a 2014 Street Glide. Every now and then I'll turn on the ignition switch, then the first button on the bars...hear the fuel pump just fine. Wait for the red light to go out, and press the starter button...and nothing. I've had to start over the sequence sometimes 4 or 5 times before it starts.
It's never not started yet, but I'd hate to be a couple hundred miles from home and it not start. I've been riding every day for the past week or so, and it's only done it once. The bike did sit a lot over the winter due to other things I had to get done.
Starter switch possibly going bad? Battery is new, and is on a tender anytime it's in the garage.
Does your Harley have any modifications from stock that are electrical?
After getting that first no click and turning ignition off, what is the DC voltage reading on the maintenance charger plug using a hand held volt ohm meter show the battery voltage is at?
Keep in mind, always keeping a bike on a maintenance charger all the time will pretty much guarantee the last start you get will be at your garage.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Apr 26, 2024 at 04:26 AM.
Mine is an '08 FLHT, and has done that a few times over the years. I installed a push button switch on the solenoid. Only had to use it once. Turn on the ignition switch, reach down to push the button, and the engine is running right now.
Is there a click down in the starter when it fails to crank?
If there is, the problem is likely in the solenoid contacts or plunger. They get dirty and fail to conduct.
If there is no click, the problem is likely in the starter switch.
Originally Posted by Musician
Mine is an '08 FLHT, and has done that a few times over the years. I installed a push button switch on the solenoid. Only had to use it once. Turn on the ignition switch, reach down to push the button, and the engine is running right now.
Zero clicks when I press the start button.
Might as well replace the switch.
Adding one on the solenoid would be kinda cool too.
A lot of people don’t 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 can see a real reason. You can't lock it out. Now it won't Starr bur left in gear, if someone hit it, it's going to jump. And if stand is not locked in, it's probably going to go over.
Starter Switch Not Working Sometimes
