A 1996 Super Glide with carb, with clean tank, filter carb rebuild and new cam/ignition sensor, new circuit breaker began losing power-couldn't maintain 70mph, after 32 miles it died with no electrical power to starter-turn signals, indicator lights. Dead. Techs suggest replacing the ignition module. Would that modules failure cut off power systemwide completely? Could the ignition switch/key be the culprit? What would be the cause?
Thanks

 

Hi from the UK and welcome to HDF. Your Tech doesn't sound like he has a diagnosis worth it's name! If there is no power to those things then the cause needs to be identified, for which you either need a different Tech or a multimeter. It could be as simple as a dead battery, which may be due to battery failure, or a charging circuit problem. Check power at the battery and if below par remove it from the bike and charge it before refitting it. Let us know what you find.

 

I believe it's going to be your alternator not re-charging the battery while running. It ran long enough just off of the battery until it drained the battery of all it's power before it died.

 

Thanks for the input. Couple of facts. Battery was fully charged when I started out ran 32 miles. Bike towed to Harley when it died. No power to indicator lights, horn, starter, anywhere. Failed alternator was my first thought with consequential battery drain. But, Harley the next day as they first looked at it was able to crank the starter (good battery) and test voltage to the ignition module which was low (needs replaced) and new cam sensor had failed. Module,Trigger and new sensor ordered. But what would cause the complete power failure to everything else? Why would it crank the next day. Techs problem is this intermittent problem of electrical failure NOT present when he looked at it. Ignition switch possibly? What else in the ignition circuit would cause this? I am clueless.
Percy Hill

 

It's best not to get too excercised over this! Vehicle electrical installations are not always entirely logical. If a component fails, the electrickery seeks ways around the problem area, which can defy logic, but can also cause distracting symptoms elsewhere around the vehicle. Once repairs or replacements are complete, then order and harmony are restored and all is well once more.

 

News! Igniton module failing 1+ volts versus 5+ volts at spec. Now Replaced. Defective cam sensor replaced Harley warranty-good. Battery had intenal short causing the electrical failure I am told, new battery installed.. Picking it up in a few days and we shall see, Thanks everybody.