Ignition switch

BADOG

Active Member
Question;
I have gone throuh now my 4th ignition switch since I had the WP install done about a year ago. The switch gets really hot and busts up the third position, making the lights inoperable. The bike does turn over and run but the position for lights is fried. My mechanic keeps telling me that because of the location of the switch, near the engine and the way the bike vibrates that this is an issue. He now is ordering in his words a beefier Harley switch.
I know from being on this site there has been hundreds of WP installs done. Has anyone had this issue, and what was the fix? When the WP install was done he changed the original BD switch out to a new one.:angry::bang::angry:
 

awg

Guru
I kept my original switch and used a relay that was supplied from Jake. I haven't had any issues. Don't think where the switch is located is causing the problem. Don't make sense.
 

Olde Man

Active Member
I had a problem that looked like a tack failure at high rpm and high loads. It was the switch contacts vibrating and loosing connection. I took my switch apart and installed three 1/8" ball bearings under the switch springs to increase the pressure on the contact plate. Easy to do and the balls can be purchased at the hardware. Problem was solved. This was the first time I could hit my rev limiter since the WP install. Also mount the switch with RTV as others have suggested.
 

vej

Active Member
Switch Replacement

I've still got my EHC in my 08 Mastiff, but my ignition switch is bad. I've been going through the boards to see if I can replace the switch with something other than the $80 OEM switch... but I haven't been able to detiremine if I can yet. Looks like most people that change out the switch are running WP, not stock EHC's....

Can someone let me know what switch I can use in place of the stock POS switch?? The shop says I have to have an OEM because it "doesn't let direct current through". Claims that due to the bike being digital, the ignition switch cant be replaced by a normal after market switch...

Please help.
 

Brew

Troop Supporter
I've still got my EHC in my 08 Mastiff, but my ignition switch is bad. I've been going through the boards to see if I can replace the switch with something other than the $80 OEM switch... but I haven't been able to detiremine if I can yet. Looks like most people that change out the switch are running WP, not stock EHC's....

Can someone let me know what switch I can use in place of the stock POS switch?? The shop says I have to have an OEM because it "doesn't let direct current through". Claims that due to the bike being digital, the ignition switch cant be replaced by a normal after market switch...

Please help.
Several of us have changed out our BD switches because the keys would no longer stay locked in or could be started with any ole key (easly could be stolen). Here's the key assembly that we've used. Not too expensive and works great! :D You can also drop by your local tractor supply company, if ones near you...

Ignition Key Switch Ford Tractors 8N 2N 9N NAA | eBay
 

vej

Active Member
Several of us have changed out our BD switches because the keys would no longer stay locked in or could be started with any ole key (easly could be stolen). Here's the key assembly that we've used. Not too expensive and works great! :D You can also drop by your local tractor supply company, if ones near you...

Ignition Key Switch Ford Tractors 8N 2N 9N NAA | eBay
Thanks! I already bought the damn expensive OEM, but now I know for future, and I let the local shop know too...

So this will work without modification even when we still have the stock EHC and associated BD crap?!?
 

Brew

Troop Supporter
Thanks! I already bought the damn expensive OEM, but now I know for future, and I let the local shop know too...

So this will work without modification even when we still have the stock EHC and associated BD crap?!?
Yep just remove your old and put this one in. Installs the same way as the old one...:2thumbs:
 

vej

Active Member
Switch replaced, carb tuned, plugs replaced... Still just quits at random during my first 10miles or so. It's electrical, no stutter, all lights and things still powered on. Sometimes it'll fire back up while coasting, sometime a quick flick of the key and it works. Gateway and others say it isn't the ehc, the switch was just replaced, ignition is an ASM5013 ( did this before I upgraded ignition ).... Ideas??
 

vej

Active Member
Issue Resolved.... i think

Well... I think the issue has been nailed. Rode to work no stutter, no cut-outs, wonderful 40mile ride. Left work to head home, and rolled into the throttle.... xxxxxxxxxx dead, ALL power went this time, not just ignition. Pushed the bike back to work (was only about 1/4 mile, maybe a little more), but a lock on the brake, got a ride home. Brought trailer the next day and took it home (first time I've ever left it somewhere). Took my cousin's EHC off and connected to my bike... fired up fine.

So, WirePlus, GatewayBD ehc replacement or the kansasmotorcycleworks EHC R.I.P. kit????

Think I'm going with the R.I.P. kit from kansasmotorcycleworks.com ... those guys came from BigDog...

Had some great conversations with them.... looks like the BigDog may rise and come back...

anyway, give me your opinion on the 3 options!
 

BigDogBro1

Made in the USA
Is your mastiff EFI?

If it is, do a search on EFI cutout and my old threads amoung others.

Make sure whatever EHC replacement you go with supports the EFI functions "Service Engine and Low fuel LEDs".

Wire+ would NOT be my first choice. The KMcW looks like it has a billet aluminum case and is a clean install.
 

Jwooky

Well-Known Member
Based on you description, its not convincing it is EHC. Just the act of unplugging/reinstalling could have got it working again.

If you determine it is for sure.....Do NOT use a WP....on my third, what a massacre.

All I've heard and read about KMW module appears great. You could also try and find another EHC.
 
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