Starter/Starting Woes

[NJ K-9]

Hey Guys, help me figure out what' ailing my '06 K-9. To start, the battery is 4 months old, has been load tested twice in the last 2 weeks (different testers used each time) & came up fine, no problem here. Before starting the bike I check voltage and come up with 13.36 volts, I'm still figuring no problem here. Go to start the bike, cold, after sitting overnight or whatever, I get the starter cranking for about 1 second before the horn & flashers come on. I also checked to feel if the CR's are working & you can feel them pop when hitting the start button. If I use a "jump box" it will start fine. If the bike has been warmed up or run & still warm, it will start fine over & over. The initial start seems to be giving me the problem. Took the solenoid apart & cleaned up some soot, then used some emery cloth to finish it off. Also cleaned the contacts & sprayed the housing out before hitting it with emery also. Same no start. Today I took the plugs off the EHC & used electric contact cleaner to clean all, then filled with die electric grease. Also lightly sanded the battery terminals & cables to promote good contact. Same no start. Here's my thoughts, (hope I'm not sounding too long winded, just want to present as much info as possible), 1.Battery & charging are fine 2.Starter is fine Is there a missed step, or electrical circuit I'm not aware of? I'm not crazy about a slam button, but if it's necessary. Thanks for any & all help, insight, or guesses that get me heading in the right direction.

 

[KaptinAmerika]

What are the CCAs, cold cranking amps, on your battery? If its less than 300 get a battery that has at least that or more. When I bought my 06 K9 it was okay for a few months then it started doing the exact same thing yours is doing. After extensive trouble shooting BDM's own electrical tech guru came to the conclusion that the batteries amperage, while the battery was perfectly fine, was dropping to low, during the start phase, which was causing the ECH to reboot, thats what all the flashing is about. The shop I was using ran down to Harley matched up the battery size and came back with a unit that has 439 CCAs. Since that battery was installed, 3 years ago, I have yet to have a single problem although I do keep it on a tender when parked at the house. In addition the better battery solved an issue I was shaving with my speedo as well.

 

[TCALZ06]

I think the Kaptin is right.
Does your speedo work when it does start right after this?

I've got a similar problem and it's been since I switched to a HD battery. I never checked the CCA rating and I just ordered a braille battery so we'll see.
Only difference on mine is the horn & flashers don't come on

 

[V]

Also check your cables at the ground on the starter and the hot wire on the starter make sure nothin is loose or corroded.

 

[NJ K-9]

Thanks, but said that I cleaned & checked in the posting. Even double checked all cables after reading your post. Sooner or later something will pop. Appreciate your time.

 

[Little-Boo]

What are the CCAs, cold cranking amps, on your battery? If its less than 300 get a battery that has at least that or more. When I bought my 06 K9 it was okay for a few months then it started doing the exact same thing yours is doing. After extensive trouble shooting BDM's own electrical tech guru came to the conclusion that the batteries amperage, while the battery was perfectly fine, was dropping to low, during the start phase, which was causing the ECH to reboot, thats what all the flashing is about. The shop I was using ran down to Harley matched up the battery size and came back with a unit that has 439 CCAs. Since that battery was installed, 3 years ago, I have yet to have a single problem although I do keep it on a tender when parked at the house. In addition the better battery solved an issue I was shaving with my speedo as well.

What he said :iagree:

Carlos

 

[DemonK9]

Does it honk at you? Turn key...varoom varoom, die and honk? If so I wish I had a cheaper way for you replace EHC and the little silver box with the lights next to it....give turn over. Hey shit happens and it seems I'm always infront of the fan.

 

[NJ K-9]

Turn key, hit run, press start. Get about 1 second of engine cranking (at a good speed, not struggling) then stops cranking, get the horn & 4 ways. That's the story for now.

 

[mobsta]

hd battery keep it on a tender

 

[kona dawg]

I've got the exact problem and have for a month or so. I ordered the braille battery and no change. Does it seem like the colder it is the worst chances of it starting? If mine ever starts I"m good for the day, but that first initial crank is a do or die. I hope you figure it out so I can fix mine

 

[mobsta]

are you keeping it on a tender?maybe a slight draw overnight,alarm or anything?

 

[NJ K-9]

Yo Kona Dawg, glad it's not just me. Should make it easier to get it figured out. I didn't want to spring for a battery just to see if it would make a difference. The one I have, an Interstate that is 4 months old has been load tested on 2 different testers & the results were that it was fine, no problem. Mine is the same as yours "exactly". The first start is a "no start", honk, flash. Use a jump box & it's good to go for the day. I shut it off & started it 6 times in a row to check this out. If the battery showed any signs of not making the grade I would definitely replace, but it's okay. I leave the battery tender on it when it's in the garage so that's another thing that "it's not that". Also do not have an alarm or anything extra added on so that's another "that's not it". Check the battery voltage before attempting to start & it's anywhere from 13.36 to 13.42 so it's definitely not there either. Don't worry brother, we'll get this one figured out with people like gasman & others around. If you come up with anything that works you can e-mail me direct carlmyman@aol.com.

 

[mobsta]

i have aslam buttom but havent used it since i installed my hd battery,you could try charging your battery before that first start and see what happens,everyone says battery and when you jump it i starts fine,that would make anyone say battery,hope you get it figured out

 

[NJ K-9]

Battery is on Battery Tender, shows 13.4 volts before attempting to start, load tested twice, GOOD. Kona Dawg's listing says he has the same exact symptoms. He installed a new Braille battery, no change. This is not a battery problem, maybe EHC or what I don't know, but it's definitely not the battery. I thank you all for trying & to continue trying to help us. We'll get to it sooner or later. Just got a new/used EHC that I'm going to have tested & talk with the dealer before installing that to see if it helps.

 

[GDOG_PITBULL]

I swear the starter clutch is fucking everyone!!!!
G

 

[Five Five]

What are the CCAs, cold cranking amps, on your battery? If its less than 300 get a battery that has at least that or more. When I bought my 06 K9 it was okay for a few months then it started doing the exact same thing yours is doing. After extensive trouble shooting BDM's own electrical tech guru came to the conclusion that the batteries amperage, while the battery was perfectly fine, was dropping to low, during the start phase, which was causing the ECH to reboot, thats what all the flashing is about. The shop I was using ran down to Harley matched up the battery size and came back with a unit that has 439 CCAs. Since that battery was installed, 3 years ago, I have yet to have a single problem although I do keep it on a tender when parked at the house. In addition the better battery solved an issue I was shaving with my speedo as well.

yup what the Kaptain said......i had the same problem with mine until i went with a 425 CCA.....haven't had a problem since....

 

[KaptinAmerika]

Kona which "Braille" battery did you buy?

 

[KaptinAmerika]

Battery issue aside, One thing I can assure you of is the dying, flashers and weird speedo behaviour are the indicator that the EHC has suffered some form of low amperage syndrome and it is trying to reboot. How your particular BD has arrived at that situation may vary depending on wether you have loose connections or not of course. As in Kona's case it is intermittent which would lead me to believe that he has some loose connection issues. Forget the voltage it literally means nothing, unless of course your battery is low which is a different story. The only thing that matters for the BDs when you are hitting that starter button is how low have the amps been allowed to drop as you release that starter button.
If they are too low then the BDs EHC doesn't like that and you will suffer the above stated symptoms.
I don't know anything about the Braille batteries in terms of use I only know that every individual I know who was suffering the same symptoms has used the same HD battery as I used and it has solved their issue. No I don't know the part number, I haven't been able to find my receipt. I will have the battery out in a couple of days and I will get it then.

Just sayin

 

[DRBarnhart]

Turn key, hit run, press start. Get about 1 second of engine cranking (at a good speed, not struggling) then stops cranking, get the horn & 4 ways. That's the story for now.

After your bike does this what happens if you turn the key off then back on and try it again, same thing? And have you checked the battery voltage while you're cranking it?



Dennis

 

[oldmutt]

I had the same problem with my 08 Mutt. Harley AGM 65989-97C. Put it in 6 weeks ago without a tender and after a week sitting it starts right up.