Harley Wont Turn Over? Here’s What You Need to Know
If you’re a Harley owner, you know how frustrating it can be when your Harley wont turn over. It’s a problem that can have a variety of causes, from a dead battery to a faulty starter motor. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common reasons why a Harley wont turn over and what you can do to troubleshoot the issue.
Understanding the problem is the first step in fixing it. In some cases, the issue may be as simple as a dead battery. If your battery is more than two years old, it may be time for a replacement. Other potential causes of a Harley wont turn over include a faulty starter motor, a clogged fuel filter, or a malfunctioning ignition switch. By knowing what to look for, you can save yourself time and money by fixing the issue yourself or knowing what to tell your mechanic.
Electrical system troubleshooting is an important part of diagnosing why your Harley wont turn over. It’s important to check all the electrical connections and ensure everything is properly grounded. You should also check the fuses and wiring to make sure there are no loose connections or shorts. If you’re not comfortable working with electrical systems, it’s best to take your Harley to a professional mechanic.
Key Takeaways
- Understanding the problem is the first step in fixing it.
- Electrical system troubleshooting is crucial in diagnosing the issue.
- If you’re not comfortable working with electrical systems, it’s best to take your Harley to a professional mechanic.
Understanding the Problem
When your Harley wont turn over, it can be frustrating, especially if you’re looking forward to hitting the road. This is a common no-start condition that can be caused by a variety of factors. In this section, we’ll cover some of the most common reasons your motorcycle won’t start and how to diagnose the problem.
One of the first things to check is the battery. If the battery is dead or weak, your motorcycle won’t have the power it needs to start. Check the battery terminals to make sure they’re clean and tight. If the battery is more than a few years old, it may need to be replaced.
Another common issue that can cause a no-start condition is a faulty starter. If you hear a clicking sound when you try to start your motorcycle, but the Harley wont turn over, it could be a sign that the starter is failing. In some cases, a starter can be rebuilt, but in other cases, it may need to be replaced.
If you’ve checked the battery and the starter and still can’t get your motorcycle to start, it’s time to move on to other potential issues. Check the fuel system to make sure there’s enough fuel in the tank and that the fuel lines are clear. A clogged fuel filter or carburetor can also cause a no-start condition.
Finally, it’s important to check the ignition system. Make sure the spark plugs are in good condition and that the ignition coils are functioning properly. If the spark plugs are dirty or worn, they may need to be replaced. If the ignition coils are failing, they may need to be replaced as well.
Diagnosing the problem when your Harley wont turn over can be challenging, but by checking the battery, starter, fuel system, and ignition system, you can narrow down the potential causes and get your motorcycle back on the road.
Electrical System Troubleshooting
When your Harley wont turn over, it could be due to a variety of issues with the electrical system. Here are some common electrical system problems and how to troubleshoot them.
Battery and Starter Issues
The battery and starter are two components that are critical to getting your Harley started. If your Harley wont turn over, it could be due to a dead battery, a loose connection, or a faulty starter motor or relay. To troubleshoot these issues, start by checking the battery voltage with a multimeter. If the voltage is low, charge the battery or replace it with a new one. Check the battery cables for corrosion or rust and make sure they are tight. If the battery and cables are fine, move on to checking the starter motor, relay, and solenoid. Look for loose wires, continuity, and any signs of wear or damage. If necessary, replace these components.
Ignition System Issues
The ignition system is responsible for producing the spark that ignites the fuel in the engine. If your Harley wont turn over, it could be due to a problem with the ignition system. Check the ignition switch, coil, and spark plugs for any signs of wear or damage. Look for loose wires, continuity, and any signs of wear or damage. If necessary, replace these components.
Security System and Key Fob Issues
If your Harley has a security system and key fob, they could be the cause of your bike not turning over. Check the key fob battery and replace it if necessary. Make sure the security system is disarmed and the kill switch is in the run position. If the security system is armed, try disarming it with the key fob or entering the security code. If none of these steps work, you may need to take your bike to a Harley dealership for further troubleshooting.
In conclusion, troubleshooting the electrical system of your Harley wont turn over can be perplexing, but by following these tips, you can diagnose and fix the issue. It is very important to regularly maintain and repair your Harley’s electrical system to prevent future issues. As motorcycle enthusiasts, we know how frustrating it can be when your bike won’t start, but with a little knowledge and patience, you can get back on the road in no time.
Fuel System Troubleshooting
If your Harley wont turn over, it could be due to issues with the fuel system. In this section, we’ll cover some common fuel system problems and how to troubleshoot them.
Fuel Supply Issues
One common issue with the fuel system is a lack of fuel supply. This could be due to a clogged fuel filter, a faulty fuel pump, or a problem with the fuel lines. To troubleshoot this issue, start by checking the fuel pump fuse and fuel gauge. If these are working properly, move on to checking the fuel lines and fuel filter for any debris or blockages.
Carburetor and Choke Issues
Another possible issue with the fuel system is related to the carburetor and choke. If the carburetor is dirty or clogged, it can prevent fuel from flowing properly. Similarly, if the choke is not working properly, it can cause the engine to flood and prevent it from turning over. To troubleshoot these issues, start by cleaning the carburetor and checking the choke for any damage or blockages.
In summary, if your Harley wont turn over, it could be due to issues with the fuel system. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined above, you can identify and fix the problem quickly and easily. Remember to regularly perform maintenance on your fuel system to prevent issues from occurring in the first place.
Other Potential Issues
If your Harley wont turn over or start after checking the battery, starter system, and fuel system, there could be other underlying issues. In this section, we will discuss some potential problems and solutions to help you troubleshoot.
Engine and Clutch Issues
One possible cause of a non-starting motorcycle is a problem with the engine or clutch. If the engine is not turning over, it could be due to a seized engine or damaged cylinders. In this case, it is very important to take your motorcycle to a professional mechanic for repairs.
Another issue could be a slipping clutch. If the clutch is not engaging properly, it can prevent the engine from starting. To check this, try starting the bike in gear with the clutch lever pulled in. If it starts, the clutch may need to be adjusted or replaced.
Switch and Connection Issues
Loose connections and faulty switches can also prevent your Harley Davidson from starting. Check the kill switch and engine cutoff switch to make sure they are in the correct position. If the side stand is down, the motorcycle will not start unless it is in neutral or the clutch is engaged.
Additionally, check all electrical connections for any signs of corrosion or damage. A blown fuse can also cause the motorcycle to not start, so check the fuses as well. If you need to replace a fuse, make sure to use the correct size and type. A SAE socket set, flat head screwdriver, and Phillips screwdriver may be necessary for this task.
If all else fails, you can try push starting the motorcycle. This involves getting the bike rolling and then popping the clutch to engage the engine. However, this should only be done as a last resort and can be dangerous if not done correctly.
By following these troubleshooting tips and performing regular maintenance on your Harley Davidson motorcycle, you can avoid potential issues and keep it running smoothly.
