fright night with no lights!

hey, Big Doggers, I have a problem and it was a bit over the top leaving the bar:

I turn my key, bike starts, turn key to secondary for lights, they come on and GO OUT! I rode home with my foot on the brake pedal not to get rear ended. I survived.

I have brake lights, turn signals and good power. all other accessories work, nothing else has been changed or added to the charging system and 2 hours previously, all was well. no rain or excess moisture. I pulled the battery and checked all the connections and underneath the battery tray to check for a short but to no avail. I was at a loss for ideas. does this sound like an ignition switch failure at the 2nd run position (lights)? I had the EHC kit installed 2 mos after I bought the bike 2 years and 2 months ago.

any ideas?

thanks to all for listening and helpful ideas.
 

BadDawg Bill

Well-Known Member
I'd say the ign switch since most bikes only have a 1 position switch. You may have an aftermarket switch. See if you can jump the wire from the second position to the first and see if the lights come on...
 

bigkelk9

Well-Known Member
Wish I could help, my dog only has two pisitions.. on and off.. it's a Harley ignition.. I'd do what Bill says.. or u could just test ur power lead at the ignition with it in that third position.. good luck
 

Brew

Troop Supporter
Hmmm wonder if its a wires plus on the scoot? Kinda sounds like it with the Harley switch. Maybe one of the grounds came loose...
 
Hmmm wonder if its a wires plus on the scoot? Kinda sounds like it with the Harley switch. Maybe one of the grounds came loose...
that IS possible. maybe all I have to spend is time! thanks for the help. I kinda like the 3 position ignition tho.......:) I will take it apart this weekend. any ideas on who and what kind to buy? 2 position, 3 position?
 

Th3InfamousI

Administrator
Staff member
that IS possible. maybe all I have to spend is time! thanks for the help. I kinda like the 3 position ignition tho.......:) I will take it apart this weekend. any ideas on who and what kind to buy? 2 position, 3 position?
I have a brand new 3 position sporster switch if you need to replace. Let me know. $25 should cover it with shipping.

Sent from my 831C using Tapatalk
 

Th3InfamousI

Administrator
Staff member
I beleive the wire plus kit came with an older style sportster key. I have my wire plus instructions stuck back somewhere around my shop.
Yes it did I have a spare key switch too I won't need.

Sent from my 831C using Tapatalk
 

Mr. Wright

Knows some things
Supporting Member
Before you go through all that, take your head light apart and see if the plug is melted. These bikes with all this vibrations, the head light plug get loose, then it gets hot, and melts the plug. How ever you fix it, put a tie strap around it, to hold it tight.
 
Before you go through all that, take your head light apart and see if the plug is melted. These bikes with all this vibrations, the head light plug get loose, then it gets hot, and melts the plug. How ever you fix it, put a tie strap around it, to hold it tight.
Agree! This happened to me and very similar experience. Easy fix ! If I was a betting man this is my bet!
 

BadDawg Bill

Well-Known Member
that IS possible. maybe all I have to spend is time! thanks for the help. I kinda like the 3 position ignition tho.......:) I will take it apart this weekend. any ideas on who and what kind to buy? 2 position, 3 position?
The BIG problem with a 3 way switch is IF you go to a bar at night in town and forget to turn on your lights you will see blues and jail... Ask me how I know. A 2 way on/off is a better way to go IF you put in a LED headlight which doesn't take much juice when starting.
 
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