Bike now starts without pressing start button
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,895
Likes: 1,908
From: East Coast, USA
Bike now starts without pressing start button
My 2011 Ultra today suddenly developed a strange problem. Starting today, as soon as I switch the run/stop button to run. the bike will actually start without pressing the start button. I know with many electrical issues, it's very helpful to step back and analyze what has recently changed/installed on the bike.
The only thing that has recently changed on my bike was that I installed a new CB antenna since the antennas on my bike were installed backwards and I damaged the old CB antenna removing it due to it being slightly rusted on the mount.
Anyways, I installed the new CB antenna and today tested the CB out and was able to communicate with a friend that also rides an Ultra.
Later on this evening I noticed the following things:
1. I was getting static on my radio when I pulled in the clutch or brake lever. Static stopped when I released the levers
2. When I stopped for gas, that's when I noticed the bike started as soon as I hit the run button
3. When I hit the stop switch, to turn off the bike, I hear a strange sound that almost sounds like a gear spinning down.
I have a multimeter, HD electrical service manual and I'm familiar with performing some basic electrical tests.
Any suggestions on where to start or maybe someone else had a similar issue?
Also, I'm guessing even though the bike starts, that I should not use it till this is fixed?
The only thing that has recently changed on my bike was that I installed a new CB antenna since the antennas on my bike were installed backwards and I damaged the old CB antenna removing it due to it being slightly rusted on the mount.
Anyways, I installed the new CB antenna and today tested the CB out and was able to communicate with a friend that also rides an Ultra.
Later on this evening I noticed the following things:
1. I was getting static on my radio when I pulled in the clutch or brake lever. Static stopped when I released the levers
2. When I stopped for gas, that's when I noticed the bike started as soon as I hit the run button
3. When I hit the stop switch, to turn off the bike, I hear a strange sound that almost sounds like a gear spinning down.
I have a multimeter, HD electrical service manual and I'm familiar with performing some basic electrical tests.
Any suggestions on where to start or maybe someone else had a similar issue?
Also, I'm guessing even though the bike starts, that I should not use it till this is fixed?
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 104
From: Mississippi
Check under the left side cover ...The fuse panel has a starter relay in it...I have seen them go bad...Swap it with one of the other relays in the panel to see if that solves the problem...If not I would start looking in the right handlebar switch for a pinched wire.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,537
Likes: 4
From: The Great River Road, Wisconsin
Something electrical is engaged "stuck on" be it the relay mentioned above, or the starter solenoid. Something that typically gets remote control from a switch is already made just waiting for power to giddy up and go. Just a matter of process of elimination to figure out which component is it.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 887
Likes: 1
From: Spring, Texas
Why would you ride the bike like that??
The noise you heard when you shut the bike off was your starter, it was probably engaged the whole time you rode the bike. I am surprised it still works!
Have you tried starting the bike again?
In fact, don't try starting it again. If you don't know how to work on it, get the bike to a shop before you do any more damage.
If your starter is still good, it won't be for long, and they are not cheap!
The noise you heard when you shut the bike off was your starter, it was probably engaged the whole time you rode the bike. I am surprised it still works!
Have you tried starting the bike again?
In fact, don't try starting it again. If you don't know how to work on it, get the bike to a shop before you do any more damage.
If your starter is still good, it won't be for long, and they are not cheap!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,504
Likes: 12
From: DOWN SOUTH
OMG, your bike is turning into Christine, lol.... starter button, starter relay or starter solenoid is stuck energized (bad contacts/corroded or shorted) If you dont have a service manual, now is the time to get one!! You should checkout the entire starting circut to find the problem. Or load it up and take it to someone who knows before it messes anything else up and that will = more $$$$$. Just as a precaution, I would unhook the negative battery cable while its waiting to get fixed, you really dont want Christine to come alive while you are not there, just in case. That is my redneck guess. If I am full of chit, someone will correct me shortly,lol..
Last edited by my67pnycar; Aug 22, 2013 at 06:39 AM.
Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,895
Likes: 1,908
From: East Coast, USA
problem determined
Thank you everyone for the suggestions of things to check. It's now obvious to me that the strange sounds I heard was the starter and not static on the radio. I just assumed it was static since I was recently working on a CB issue.
Anyways......
1. I swapped the starter relay with the system relay. Problem still exists. Starter relay is good.
2. Pulled the outer fairing off. Found the connector for the engine stop and start switch [22]. Testing pins 4 and 6, saw continuity, hence we have a problem there. Off to the dealer to pick up new switches.
It's just a little frustrating since I've never had an issue like this in the past with my other Harley's and I had much more mileage on them.
Anyways......
1. I swapped the starter relay with the system relay. Problem still exists. Starter relay is good.
2. Pulled the outer fairing off. Found the connector for the engine stop and start switch [22]. Testing pins 4 and 6, saw continuity, hence we have a problem there. Off to the dealer to pick up new switches.
It's just a little frustrating since I've never had an issue like this in the past with my other Harley's and I had much more mileage on them.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 66,948
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From: TOAK western branch
Solenoid is stuck then. But since you ran it with the starter engaged you might need a starter now.
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Tourer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 385
Likes: 4
From: Ontario Canada
OMG, your bike is turning into Christine, lol.... starter button, starter relay or starter solenoid is stuck energized (bad contacts/corroded or shorted) If you dont have a service manual, now is the time to get one!! You should checkout the entire starting circut to find the problem. Or load it up and take it to someone who knows before it messes anything else up and that will = more $$$$$. Just as a precaution, I would unhook the negative battery cable while its waiting to get fixed, you really dont want Christine to come alive while you are not there, just in case. That is my redneck guess. If I am full of chit, someone will correct me shortly,lol..
Safe trip home!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,459
Likes: 2,896
From: Oklahoma
Pull the trigger wire off the starter (spade plug). Turn on the juice. If there is no start, you have a problem in trigger circuit (start button to the starter relay). That should narrow your area of checking. If it is the starter button circuit and you want to ride the bike to the shop, you can turn everything on, momentarily connect the trigger wire to the starter and after the engine is running, pull the plug off again. Now you can ride the bike without the starter running continuously. Don't kill it in traffic.
If it starts without the trigger wire, the solenoid is indeed stuck and you'd be doing a starter tear down anyway. Don't drive it if this is the case, the starter will run 'till it melts or you fry the electrical system.
If it starts without the trigger wire, the solenoid is indeed stuck and you'd be doing a starter tear down anyway. Don't drive it if this is the case, the starter will run 'till it melts or you fry the electrical system.