IGNITION MODULE DEAD?

TrickDog

Member
I guess I need to start with a little history first. DON'T INSTALL A LITHIUM BATTERY!! I heard about the monster CCA and thought that would be a good thing. Installed it and took the dog for run to the nearest tavern (5.2 miles). Stopped for an hour and then rode home. I got to 5.0 miles and the bike sputtered and died. I heard and evil hissing noise from under the seat and when I ripped the seat off the battery was super hot and the plastic case was splitting. Luckily my son was home and came to the resucue with some tools and we yanked the battery out.

OK, so according to the BD service manual I found that one of the tests for the VR was out. (B+ to ground should be greator than 2 megohm) The other 3 test points passed. Replaced regulator.

Got a new AGM battery and attempted to start but it just cranked over with no ignition. No lights on the ignition module at all.

Should there be lights on the ignition module during the cranking stage? I verified power to the module at 12V with the run swicth selected.

Thanks in advance
 

awg

Guru
Well if you have a stock Thunderheart ignition then it is my understanding that the red light should flicker when the bike is turning over. If not I guess a bad cam senser? Someone else with much more knowage than myself will help you.
 

BigDogBro1

Made in the USA
Sorry to hear the bad news.

The charging system in these bikes is made for standard lead acid or the only battery recommended by Bigdog...a AGM type.

You're lucky the battery didn't catch fire.

Good luck with the repairs.
 
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TrickDog

Member
After some reading and testing: Yes you should have a red light on the ignition module as soon as you press the "RUN" button. If you have 12v coming from the EHC to the ignition module you should get a red light on the module. My stock module died.

Replaced with an adjustable Thunder Heart. (But guess what: The power pin on replacement module had a recessed pin. Really threw me for a loop. pushed the pin into place and problem solved!)
 

nitrod

New Member
7/9/13..I was cranking the bike, for a cold start, took my thumb off the starter button, tired to re crank the bike, and nada....no crank, no horn no high /low beam, no blinkers, nothing.........04 mastiff........anyone have any ideas.........first light on module, usually red, is amber......no other lights visible
 
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