Also posted in General Chat-
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Three times now I have gotten on the '08 nighty and when I push the start button, nothing happens for the first several pushes&nbsp\\;and then&nbsp\\;it seems to struggle a little bit to start.&nbsp\\; Yes it is in nuetral, clutch in and run switch on.&nbsp\\; Before it actually starts, nothing at all happens, no whirr, no tick, no grind and&nbsp\\;lights don't dim.&nbsp\\; Just acts as if the switch or relay isn't working.
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It did this a couple days ago, then no problem for a couple days.&nbsp\\; It started fine yesterday morning, then again at 5 pm.&nbsp\\; Then it hesitated to start at 9:30pm and this morning at&nbsp\\;7am it really took a few times to get it.&nbsp\\; Just tried again and it started up no problem!?
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Could this be condensation/dew forming in the switch housing?&nbsp\\; It seems that the only times it has happened were in the morning or early evening, times when dew would start/ has formed.&nbsp\\; Or maybe could the nuetral sensor/ shift indicator or whatever won't let the bike start in gear is glitching?&nbsp\\; Whattya think?

 

08? Have you talked to the dealer yet?

 

I had intermittent starting problems, it turned out to be the starter relay. The times it doesn't start, you might be able to hear a faint click if you put your ear on the seat. If you hear a click every time you push start, it's probably the starter relay. (Not to confuse clicking from the starter solenoid). Starter relays are easy to replace and there only about $15.

 

Id do what 128 suggests or make sure the battery cables are clean and tight on both ends.

 

bump

 

I have had hard starting problems before on my Street Bob and it was always the negative battery cable coming loose and not making good contact. I finally put some blue loctite on the damn bolt just today.

 

make sure the battery cables are good and tight and clean. Pull your starter relay. If you see white corrosion on the blades , replace it. Thats most likely your problem.

 

Well to begin with I would check the neg cable... then I would take the switch cover off and jump the switch with a piece of wire just to see if it engages the starter... anything more than that I would take it to the dealer...
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Charlie D.

 

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I had the same problem on my 07 1200xlc. It was loose wiring (I believe it was from the battery to the starter), the dealer fixed it with loctite, no cost to me.

 

been putting off pulling the switch housing because the powdercoat on my bars has the integrity of warm butter