Removing ignition switch instructions
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 9,486
Likes: 4
From: Hico, TX (once home to Billy the Kid)
Here is a video of the procedure:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-QBH1SFyzo
Here is a guy who did something different with the install tool:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/6027110-post57.html
I have never used one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-QBH1SFyzo
Here is a guy who did something different with the install tool:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/6027110-post57.html
I have never used one.
Last edited by rocknrod; Jun 16, 2012 at 01:42 PM.
4th Gear
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: East Coast
Ignition switch removal/reinstall
I just removed and replaced my switch. I somehow got the whole thing out of alignment but figured out what it takes. Here goes.
There is NO special tool to set or reset the system. Look at the rod that is attached to the switch. It has 2 "paddle" sections. To lock the handlebars, you turn the bottom/lowest padded counter-clockwise. To activate electronics, you turn the upper padded clockwise.
The following steps assume you removed the ignition switch yet somehow cannot get it back on and/or working properly.
1. Turn handlebars to left most position. If they are currently in leftmost position AND locked then goto step 3.
2. Insert slotted screwdriver (not phillips), maybe 6" long with a 1/4" width blade. Lower it all the way into ignition switch hole. At the bottom, turn it to the left till it stops. That should lock the handlebars. Again, to repeat, you want to reproduce the function of the LOWER paddle on ignition switch without moving the things the UPPER paddle turns.
3. At this step, the bars are locked left.
4. Try and lower the switch. It must bottom out while in the LOCKED position (left most). Lets assume it does NOT bottom out or perhaps you cannot get it to sink in at all. I removed the switch then reinserted about 1"; until the LOWER paddle aligned with the things the UPPER paddle turns. Turn the switch LEFT 1 click. Now try step 4 again and possibly repeat.
Another thing I learned. If you do NOT have the spring in place when doing above steps, you must lift the switch (after its fully inserted) about 1/4" up to simulate what the spring does. I found I could not unlock the handlebars until I lifted it up like this.
This works, I did it, No custom or fancy or special tools; just a simple screwdriver.
Hope this helps someone. Tom
There is NO special tool to set or reset the system. Look at the rod that is attached to the switch. It has 2 "paddle" sections. To lock the handlebars, you turn the bottom/lowest padded counter-clockwise. To activate electronics, you turn the upper padded clockwise.
The following steps assume you removed the ignition switch yet somehow cannot get it back on and/or working properly.
1. Turn handlebars to left most position. If they are currently in leftmost position AND locked then goto step 3.
2. Insert slotted screwdriver (not phillips), maybe 6" long with a 1/4" width blade. Lower it all the way into ignition switch hole. At the bottom, turn it to the left till it stops. That should lock the handlebars. Again, to repeat, you want to reproduce the function of the LOWER paddle on ignition switch without moving the things the UPPER paddle turns.
3. At this step, the bars are locked left.
4. Try and lower the switch. It must bottom out while in the LOCKED position (left most). Lets assume it does NOT bottom out or perhaps you cannot get it to sink in at all. I removed the switch then reinserted about 1"; until the LOWER paddle aligned with the things the UPPER paddle turns. Turn the switch LEFT 1 click. Now try step 4 again and possibly repeat.
Another thing I learned. If you do NOT have the spring in place when doing above steps, you must lift the switch (after its fully inserted) about 1/4" up to simulate what the spring does. I found I could not unlock the handlebars until I lifted it up like this.
This works, I did it, No custom or fancy or special tools; just a simple screwdriver.
Hope this helps someone. Tom
Novice
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Ca
Did all the things you mentioned. Everything feels good. Occasionally when I lock my forks and then unlock them the power dose not come on. I wiggle the switch and eventually power comes back. What could it be?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,142
Likes: 2,971
From: WACO
This might help.https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...h-removal.html
OOPs. A day late and a dollar short. My apologizes. Sorry. My bad. Hope all works out.
OOPs. A day late and a dollar short. My apologizes. Sorry. My bad. Hope all works out.
Last edited by OLD 96; Dec 24, 2018 at 09:52 PM.
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Thanks Tom this really saved my butt on my 2020 Road Glide I know you helped more than just me!
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