2007 Nightster won't turn over/start!!

NightsterBoy · #1 11th June 2008

Bummer of a day. Went out to start my bike to go to work, put key in ignition, flipped the run switch on, familiar fuel pump sound, after fuel light goes out went to hit the start switch and nothing. Doesn't even click or start to turn over. I had drained the battery once by accident and I at least got a clicking sound when pressing the start button.

I Had replaced grips the evening before, no biggie, started bike, took her around the block a couple of times to see how I liked the grips. no problems.

Searched the forums and thought it might be the relays. I did notice some corrosion on the starter relay when I pulled it. Switched it with the system relay, and fuel pump still primes but no click or turning over when I press the starter. Checked all the wiring and don't notice any problems.

Ran speedo diagnostic and came up with code Code: p0154 - rear 02 sensor open/not responding.

Sent wife down to dealer to get new relay/relays. Not in stock and they estimate 2 weeks for delivery. on top of that the service tech tells my wife " I shouldn't be messing with the bike/replacing the grips, only a trained tech should do it and I probably screwed something up. they will have to have it towed to the dealer and run a diagnostic and fix her". My wife tells him the code I pulled from the speedo and he tells her that it doesn't mean anything.

Any help is appreciated. Is there a place online to order relays? I called two other dealers close to the area and none of them have any relays in stock. I'm really hopeing it's the relay or something I can fix. I would like to avoid taking it in at all costs.

Moved On / My Own Choice · #2 11th June 2008

First off - you don't need a relay.

If you swapped the relays around and the problem didn't swap with them (i.e. the fuel pump didn't STOP running but the starter started turning), then they are both working.

The code you pulled doesn't mean anything FOR THIS PROBLEM - maybe that's what the dork at the dealership meant.

Is it possible you disturbed some of the wiring in the start button circuit?

Other possible causes - connections - battery, or starter solenoid....

I assume the lights are on, and you said the fuel pump runs - so I would definitely be looking at the starter circuit - including the switch wiring.

Kev

NightsterBoy · #3 12th June 2008

Thanks Kev,
It's good to see there are still good people out there to give advice and help out. Going to check the starter circuit as suggested. I Checked the starter button wiring and everything seems fine.
Seems funny that it would be non responsive right after changing out the grips. I must have messed up something. Guess that's why it stung when the tech old my wife that.
Lights are on and everything else electrical works as it should.

Jorg · #4 12th June 2008

I had the same thing, check the batterie cable connection on the engine case.
jorg

mudmat · #5 12th June 2008

Exact thing happened to me last week, loose battery connection was all it was.

BadHabit · #6 12th June 2008

Had SAME thing happen today....Changed my grips and pinched a wire in the starter button housing while putting it back together hit the starter button and nothing....Shorted out and blew a fuse....Check your fuses....

Moved On / My Own Choice · #7 12th June 2008

Yup, just like those other guys are saying - IF EVERYTHING ELSE ELECTRICAL IS WORKING (you're SURE the fuel pump is running, the lights all work etc), then start by checking the batt cables, at both ends, not just for tighteness but corrosion too.

After that, I'd look at the keyswitch circuit, not just visually, but with a meter, make sure it's working.

NightsterBoy · #8 27th June 2008

Thanks for all of your help. After checking everything again, I still could not find a problem. I finally just disconnected all of the wiring in the starter circuit and reconnected it. Must have been a loose connection somewhere because now when I press start at least the engine turns over and acts like it's going to start up. The problem now is it pops, farts, stumbles and putts a couple of times while the start button is press but never gets going. The engine just dies. I'm at my wits end!! I messed with it several more times but after about the 7 or 8 time trying to start it the battery was drained. Any ideas of where to start now?

acenorm · #9 28th June 2008

I would now start with a 6 pack and a night of sleep and look at it tomorrow with new eyes. You'll just drive yourself crazy tonight.

Best Regards,
Norm

Krayven Sumhead · #10 29th June 2008

There is a Tech Bulletin on this problem. Water is entering the relay harness, by running down the wires shorting it out, causing the IAC to cycle even with the ignition turned off. Lots of '07's are having this problem. Dead batteries, runs poorly. Another one of the Harley engineers A-1 designs. The water has caused corrosion inside the harness allowing energy to bridge the gap. After reading the Tech Bulletin, I removed my relay harness from the battery ('05) tipped it upside down. Water ran out and not just a little bit. My scoot hasn't been in the rain for two weeks and water was just sitting in the harness.