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Ignition smoking

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Old Aug 5, 2025 | 06:51 PM
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Default Ignition smoking

Got home tonight killed the engine with the switch.
But the ignition wouldn't shut off
And started smoking around the ignition switch.
Pulled the main fuse to shut off.
Any ideas what would cause this?
Bike is a 06 ultra
 

Last edited by buell95; Aug 5, 2025 at 06:53 PM.
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Old Aug 5, 2025 | 06:58 PM
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Pull the cover and see where the burnt wire is. Is the insulation rubbed off and caused a short? Just spitballing here.
 
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Old Aug 5, 2025 | 07:01 PM
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Yea that switch is fried
 
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Old Aug 5, 2025 | 09:36 PM
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Originally Posted by buell95

Got home tonight killed the engine with the switch.
But the ignition wouldn't shut off
And started smoking around the ignition switch.

Pulled the main fuse to shut off.
Any ideas what would cause this?
Bike is a 06 ultra
You need to start at the ignition switch. I suspect once you disconnect the switch and pull it out, it could be pretty obvious what failed. Or, you may have to play around with a multi-meter to find out. But if there was smoke, there should be a visual clue...

Check the connections and wires for burnt insulation. Could be the ignition switch failed and caused the smoke, or something shorted out, causing an overload of the wire(s).

Good luck with your diagnosis, and keep us posted on what you find..
 

Last edited by hattitude; Aug 5, 2025 at 09:39 PM.
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Old Aug 6, 2025 | 05:51 AM
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And, a quick pass through all the fuses might be in order. Wouldn't hurt to check what amperage fuse(s) are installed, and what SHOULD be in there. Not sure, but I think the recommended amperage for each fuse is below the smoke level. Although, age has a crazy effect on components sometimes. Wouldn't hurt to check though.

I'd be surprised if you don't find (at least) evidence of where the issue is. Good luck!
 
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Old Aug 6, 2025 | 04:26 PM
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I agree, you will find a chafed or wire that has the insulation rubbed thru, in the area of the switch. The switch may still be good, but you'll probably need to redo some of the wiring.,,
 
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Old Aug 8, 2025 | 10:27 AM
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Pulled the ignition today no burnt wires or anything. But looking down into it looks like
a couple springs and look like one messed up.
Now just a waiting game for a new one.
Of course local dealer didn't have one.




 
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Old Aug 8, 2025 | 10:49 AM
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Does it smelled burnt in the plug?
Any signs of heat or burn damage or anything like that?
What plug is that from?
 

Last edited by MURPHCC1; Aug 8, 2025 at 10:52 AM.
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Old Aug 8, 2025 | 10:52 AM
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Originally Posted by MURPHCC1
Does it smelled burnt in the plug?
Any signs of heat or burn damage or anything like that?
Yes the ignition it self smells burnt.
Connector looks fine.
No signs of any burnt wires or connections.
No wires rubbed through or anything.
 

Last edited by buell95; Aug 8, 2025 at 10:53 AM.
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Old Aug 8, 2025 | 11:05 AM
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So you're replacing the ignition switch housing?
Thats the burnt smelling part?
 

Last edited by MURPHCC1; Aug 8, 2025 at 12:06 PM.
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