Hello all! Have an 2018 Heritage Softail and been noticing recently at times while starting in gear with the clutch pulled (something I don’t do often) that I have to pull my clutch twice in order to start or have to wait a bit before contact is made. Assuming the clutch switch is getting lazy or possibility sticking. I know this was a known issue on the Touring models but have any of you softail guys experience this also? Thought I’d post this here since I haven’t seen it posted unless I missed it. Before I run out and replace the switch pack was just curious if anyone has taken it apart etc and found a problem. I’ll probably take it apart this weekend when I get some free time and do some investigating. Thanks

 

I just traded in a 2014 Heritage that had this issue. Started like yours...had to pull the clutch lever two or three times for it to "catch" then it would start. Unfortunately, it only got worse until it stopped working all together. I tried to hack it and glued a little piece of rubber on the nub of the clutch lever that pushes the switch in. That worked for maybe a couple of months, but even that stopped.

After seeing that the switch itself was not replaceable (had to get the whole thing that holds it), I just decided to live with it. I did not have any ESP on that bike, so I'm not sure if they would cover it or not, but if you have the coverage, it's worth a shot.

 

Mine is in the shop now for that. 25k on the clock. And most importantly, 2 weeks left on warranty!

Its a deluxe, but I have added the cruise. So its the same switch assembly as the Herritage

 

Make sure the switch is being pressed in far enough, aftermarket grips or levers can cause a problem.
Give it a shot of contact cleaner won't hurt either.

 

So the shop ordered a new switch set, stock one. I have added the cruise option, 15 months ago, so no warranty, I have the original switch set still, any issue with me cutting the clutch switch wires and soldering the good switch in? I am not sure how picky the canbus system is with resistance...

 

Does it not plug in? I think the part number is 71500117, and a quick google search shows that comes with 2 terminated wires ready to slide into a connection.

 

Pretty sure that is for a non canbus system.

 

The part number I listed is for a 2018 Heritage which does have a can bus system.

 

Update! I ordered a switch since it’s actually sold separate from this switch pack on this particular model which is awesome! Was only $12 so that’s a plus. However, I removed the clutch lever from the perch, cleaned and lubricated and would still do it. I shot some WD40 into the actual switch area and some gunk came out. I manual pressed the switches a few dozen times and has been good ever since which has been over a month now. I have the switch in my toolbox just in case for future use!