Intermittent starter problem.
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Cruiser
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Intermittent starter problem.
I'm on the way to Sturgis and my Electra Glide Ultra Classic starts most of the time but sometimes I go to start it and press the started button and nothing. Everything else comes on even the fuel pump. After several tries it starts. I had to be pushed once and it started so this is a starter circuit issue. If anyone had any idea what it may be it would be helpful.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,980
Likes: 5,218
From: Michigan
I hada similar problem with my 2000 Ultra last year.
Somtimes is stated great and sometimes when I hit the starter button I got nothing, and sometimes the bike would just quit running.
Turned out to be a defective "kill switch".
Fix it now or you may find yourself stranded.
Somtimes is stated great and sometimes when I hit the starter button I got nothing, and sometimes the bike would just quit running.
Turned out to be a defective "kill switch".
Fix it now or you may find yourself stranded.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
first ensure that the battery and the battery cables are in good shape and secure at both ends
the starter circuit is simple.
there are a number of switches all in series and each one has to be "on" for the starter to get power at the green wire connected to the solenoid... and all the wiring has to be in good shape.
if you have a meter or a test light ( or make a test light with a spare turn signal bulb and a bit of wire...) see if you get power here at the green wire, remove the connector from the solenoid..
if no power when you push the starter button try these checks:
1.) ign. switch- you can tell it is working as the fuel pump comes on- but in a no start situation, try to wiggle this while holding the starter button down and see if that helps.
2.) run/stop switch and start button these rarely fail, but again while holding the start button wiggle the run/stop switch
3.) starter relay, ( usually under the side cover) usually good for 100,000 cycles, but the connections can get corroded,
if you hear it click- then you KNOW that the ign and handlebar switches are all good.
this relay is under $20 at any auto parts store
when this clicks power should go to the green wire at the starter solenoid---
if you do not have power at the green wire- there is a replacement end cover for the solenoid that has a plunger on it which can be used to start the bike--- ALL the catalog houses sell them for about $30--- you should be able to find at Sturgis no problem
here's a link so you can see pics:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trks...arter&_sacat=0
-------------------
if you have power at the green wire, but the starter does not turn- does the solenoid go "ka-chunck" ? if so then the solenoid may need a rebuild which is really quick and easy- pretty much the same as a chevy- just clean the contact disc, or turn it over to the other side.
beyond that it could be servicing the starter ( which anyone with tools and a hacksaw blade can do) or replacing it ( anyone with a wallet can do...)
MANY electrical problems are the result of bad connections, often when parts are replaced, the old part wasn't the problem, it was the connection- which was re-newed when a new part went on.
often just loosening, cleaning and tightening connections is the fix.
hope this helps- Mike
the starter circuit is simple.
there are a number of switches all in series and each one has to be "on" for the starter to get power at the green wire connected to the solenoid... and all the wiring has to be in good shape.
if you have a meter or a test light ( or make a test light with a spare turn signal bulb and a bit of wire...) see if you get power here at the green wire, remove the connector from the solenoid..
if no power when you push the starter button try these checks:
1.) ign. switch- you can tell it is working as the fuel pump comes on- but in a no start situation, try to wiggle this while holding the starter button down and see if that helps.
2.) run/stop switch and start button these rarely fail, but again while holding the start button wiggle the run/stop switch
3.) starter relay, ( usually under the side cover) usually good for 100,000 cycles, but the connections can get corroded,
if you hear it click- then you KNOW that the ign and handlebar switches are all good.
this relay is under $20 at any auto parts store
when this clicks power should go to the green wire at the starter solenoid---
if you do not have power at the green wire- there is a replacement end cover for the solenoid that has a plunger on it which can be used to start the bike--- ALL the catalog houses sell them for about $30--- you should be able to find at Sturgis no problem
here's a link so you can see pics:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trks...arter&_sacat=0
-------------------
if you have power at the green wire, but the starter does not turn- does the solenoid go "ka-chunck" ? if so then the solenoid may need a rebuild which is really quick and easy- pretty much the same as a chevy- just clean the contact disc, or turn it over to the other side.
beyond that it could be servicing the starter ( which anyone with tools and a hacksaw blade can do) or replacing it ( anyone with a wallet can do...)
MANY electrical problems are the result of bad connections, often when parts are replaced, the old part wasn't the problem, it was the connection- which was re-newed when a new part went on.
often just loosening, cleaning and tightening connections is the fix.
hope this helps- Mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Aug 8, 2012 at 12:39 AM.
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