starter switch or clutch problem

[mdurham]

I have a 2007 FLHRC with 11,000 miles.

It's been running great, but today heading out for a ride... I'll just start at the end and work back:

1. Now; when I turn on the ignition switch, the one that turns on all the initial lights, the switch that's on the gas tank...the bike will automatically start up...without pushing the starter switch on the handle bar. Turn the switch and the bike will start up. Thankfully it's not in gear.

2. It all started out today when I was driving along and I pulled in the clutch at a stop light, there was a weird sound that sounded a little like I had pushed the starter switch. Luckily I was within a few miles from home, so I headed back home, but everytime I pulled in the clutch there was a weird bad sound that sounded like it was coming from the tranny or primary area.

The clutch cables have less than 5,000 miles on them, so when I got home I adjusted the clutch a little, thinking maybe they had streached out a little, now when I turn the ignition switch on, the bike automatically starts without pushing the starter switch.
Everytime I turn on the ignition switch, the bike automatically starts up without pushing the starter switch on the handle bars. Weird

Think this is as simple as replacing the starter switch, and, what does this have to do with the clutch noise I was hearing just before this problem started up?

Anybody ever heard of or had this problem?

Thanks for any advise!!

[mlewis]

Yes, it could be as simple as replacing the starter switch, but it could also be a pinched or bared wire associated with the starter switch circuit. I believe the hand control start button needs only to complete a ground to active the start relay that actives the starter solenoid.

The clutch noise I assume you mean is coming from the primary. There may be some damage to the starter jackshaft and or clutch hub gears from starter engagement while the motor was already running.

You might want to visually inspect both the hand control start button circuit and pull the primary cover off to see what obvious problems you may have.

[mdurham]

I think your right Ironbutt.
The noise I hear is from the primary cover and I'm pretty sure it is the starter trying to engage. When I sit and let it idle, the noise will come off and on intermittenly, it's pretty loud and annoying.

I'm taking it to the Harley shop this weekend...too bad, I had a 2 day poker run planned this weekend :-(

[kevdog]

Please let me know what you find out, my buddy is having the same issue with his 2007 Deluxe.

[claydbal]

check across your stsrter relay for continuity. low amperage will weld the contacts.--------this is a WAG based on small block chevy.

[mdurham]

Originally Posted by kevdog

Please let me know what you find out, my buddy is having the same issue with his 2007 Deluxe.

I took it to the Harley dealer and by the time I got there the problem stopped. They took the starter switch apart, kept it for a few days but the problem never returned. I've got a couple of hundred miles on it and everything has been fine. I'm guessing it must have been some kind of a short or something. I still get a little nervous when I go for a long ride.

I've still got a month on the warrenty so I'll be trying to rack up some miles to see if the problem comes back.

Let me know what your friend finds out.