Ultra Starting Issues

By Mark DiPietro

Question for Fix My Hog 2007 Harley Ultra classic. It seems to have a good strong battery and I hear the starter clicking, but nothing happens. No motor turn, no nothing, just tick……tick……tick……tick and it’s not fast like in a car where it’s tick tick tick tick. I’m not sure what it should sound like and where to look next. I’ve been studying the charging system, but basic theory/knowledge is a lot different when it comes to a big bike like the FLHTCU. Plus, I can’t seem to find or see the spot where to run the 10 gauge wire directly into the starter from the battery. Also, I don’t know if it’s possible, but would it be possible to do a video troubleshooting or testing a starter system from every piece in the path and how to test voltage and drop / what to look for on each piece? There is one video Bob did on the charging system that was really good, but the end result was limited to getting it started if you’re stranded, which was great, I just need to go a little further.

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Fix My Hog Answers Other than the possibility of having a bad starter; ticking is typically an indication of a lack of voltage/amperage. Make sure you are using a known, good, quality battery. The battery should be removed and load tested. It is not out of the question to have, even, a new Harley or Yuasa battery that is broken inside. Check the condition of your battery cables. Both ends of each cable. Make sure that they are clean & tight. Check for trouble codes and Thoroughly test the charging system when the m/c is finally started again.

Related Fix My Hog Videos:

Tips on Why Fuel Injected Harley Won’t Start

https://www.fixmyhog.com/video/troubleshoot-with-harley-error-codes-008010/
https://www.fixmyhog.com/video/charging-system-diagnosis-002187/
https://www.fixmyhog.com/video/evo-charging-system-checks-pre-1999-001262/

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11 Responses to “Ultra Starting Issues”

  1. Rich

    My bike would not start. It was showing error. I did have power and looked up the error codes and found that it was in theft mode. Because my batteries in my fob were bad. After resetting codes, the bike started. I made it home change the batteries in the fob, and it has not happened since. I don’t know if it was a coincidence, but I have no problems for a couple seasons of riding so far.

  2. chaspick2

    I have replaced battery,starter,battery cables,cleaned all grounds and contacts and all it will do is click when button is pushed on my 03 ultra

  3. Anthony Alessi

    How do you check in replace 1998 stater

  4. Steve Brustman

    I have a 99 FLHTC twincam I have starting issues .When cold I hear click,click from relay .After pushing the start button a dozen times it will start. When warm it will start always.Most recently I broke the bendix gear on the jack shaft pushed the start button and it spun every time.I am thinking because it din't have a load to push.Also I installed a fail safe button on the starter itself and that works every time .I am thinking the starter is not getting enough power to turn the moter over Therefore I am loosing power from the relay to the starter. It just bothers me that this happens all the time. HELP PLEASE!!!!

  5. Daniel lopez

    I have to replace starter relay app every 2 month 2000 heritage softail

  6. Ivor Maddock

    Hi i have a Harley Softail Heritage Vlasic 1450 YOM 2002 When i have been riding and the bike is hot if i stop and turn the ignition off, i cannot get the alarm to deactivate for several minuets, i think something gets hot and the alarm only deactivate when its cooled down

  7. ron

    You can have a battery that charges just fine but can,t pull a load a harley has a lot of compression and the starter pulls a lot of juice.Also the regulator in front of oil filter used to go out but i'm from the shovel days these twin cams are new to me.

  8. Gary Gores

    Also be sure to check the ground fasteners, they're under your seat,it's the two terminals with several wires attached. Look in your shop book. Hope this helps.

  9. Robert VanValkenburg

    I was burning up starters, checked everything imaginable, and it turned out to be the battery cables. It was like they were full of jelly, no strength.

  10. Dan Gray

    How about checking the solenoid for burnt contacts. A new starter is expensive if it’s only the common contact issue.