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Ignition switch?

Discussion in 'Motorcycle Tech Talk' started by Ben Medley, Oct 24, 2010.

  1. Ben Medley

    Ben Medley New Member

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    I am experiencing some sort of electrical problem on my 2004 Road King.When I try to start it CLICK like a loose connection.Battery shows 12.9 volts,when I turn on ignition it goes to almost zero.Battery is less than 1 month old.Interstate.Now,it wont do anything when I turn it to the right position-no lights,no odometer.Turn to left(acces.)and the odometer is on.There was a buzzing or sizzling sound from the ignition switch.When I replaced the battery I checked the charging system and got a reading of like 14.5 volts as I revved it up.Could the switch be bad? How to check it? Harley wants $125 for one.Are the aftermarket ones just as good?I don't really care if I have to use 2 seperate keys to lock it up.PLEASE HELP!! Thanks,Ben
    Ben Medley, Oct 24, 2010
    #1
  3. whacker

    whacker Active Member

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    sounds like a short somewhere,I know the older bikes better.someone will help you on this.Do you have a manual on the bike ?...It's the best tool you can have...good luck
    whacker, Oct 25, 2010
    #2
  4. Ben Medley

    Ben Medley New Member

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    The battery had no cranking amps.Put a new one in today and charging system puts out 14-14.5 volts.I'm baffled...what could cause a battery to still have a cahrge,but low or no cca's??
    Ben Medley, Oct 25, 2010
    #3
  5. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

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    the electrolyte in the battery somehow got bad.....that is what gives the cranking power along with the plates. as the battery builds up on the bottom the volts will stay the same but the cranking capacity will deminish. possibly the battery sat on the shelf way to long?? it may have been filled with water instead of electrolyte??? when plates short out against each other due to buildup or an accident, the volts will drop off along with the cranking strength....an alternator will show a good charge even to a bad battery. the best test for batteries is, check the state of charge with a hydrometer or a load tester........the battery should be disconnected from the vehicle before doing a load test.....
    chucktx, Oct 25, 2010
    #4
  6. Ben Medley

    Ben Medley New Member

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    So,being that the battery was only like a month old,it was most likely a faulty battery rather than an electrical problem within my motorcycle?If this happens again,I am gonna get a Harley-Davidson battery instead of Interstate-I thought they were the best,but this is the second one that has done the same thing since August 12th.
    Thanks for the help,you guys are the best,Ben.
    Ben Medley, Oct 26, 2010
    #5
  7. whacker

    whacker Active Member

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    Seems strange that the battery went bad only being 1 month old...should be warrenty on it....
    whacker, Oct 26, 2010
    #6
  8. Ben Medley

    Ben Medley New Member

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    Yeah,they replaced it for nothing-but I still had to trailer my bike 60 miles home...oh well,at least I have a friend with a trailer!!
    Ben Medley, Oct 26, 2010
    #7
  9. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Interstate are lead acids
    HD batteries are AGM and better absorb vibration
    and work better with heat, last longer.
    hotroadking, Oct 26, 2010
    #8
  10. Ben Medley

    Ben Medley New Member

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    The Interstate battery I put in my bike was an Absorbed Glass Mat one too.Is it normal for voltage to be around 12.7 when bike hasn't been ridden in a couple days?
    Ben Medley, Oct 26, 2010
    #9
  11. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    last interstate I had wasn't AGM didn't know they had them....
    it didn't last long at all maybe a year..
    hotroadking, Oct 26, 2010
    #10
  12. Ben Medley

    Ben Medley New Member

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    if i keep on having issues with them i will use the one i have as a door stop and get another Harley battery!
    Ben Medley, Oct 26, 2010
    #11
  13. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    East Penn Deka makes HD AGM batteries they have outlets all over the USA

    Next time go here, put in your zip and get a new battery for less than the HD
    dealer pays at his cost LOL

    East Penn deka Batteries
    hotroadking, Oct 26, 2010
    #12
  14. Ben Medley

    Ben Medley New Member

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    Nice! Thanks !!!
    Ben Medley, Oct 26, 2010
    #13
  15. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    they are very good and
    I have them in my softail, buddies all put them in their bikes..
    hotroadking, Oct 26, 2010
    #14
  16. cowboy

    cowboy Moderator Staff Member

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    Man the closes one to me is 300 miles , so unless they cost a lot less then the HD battery , HD shop is only 20 miles from me
    cowboy, Oct 27, 2010
    #15
  17. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    They ship...
    hotroadking, Oct 27, 2010
    #16

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