Won’t start in gear

[ctdair]

I know it’s almost always replace the left hand switch. Has anyone ever been able to repair existing switch. If I read correctly the replacement housing has a stronger spring. Mine is intermittent and mainly when hot. Always hated replacing parts if cleaning or modify original is possible. Or is the unit not really user serviceable. I also understand that cruise shouldn’t work when switch bad. Never a issue with cruise.

[rhino 2]

I know it’s almost always replace the left hand switch. Has anyone ever been able to repair existing switch. If I read correctly the replacement housing has a stronger spring. Mine is intermittent and mainly when hot. Always hated replacing parts if cleaning or modify original is possible. Or is the unit not really user serviceable. I also understand that cruise shouldn’t work when switch bad. Never a issue with cruise.

You probably know this already.......But..

Are you sure the cluch lever is all the way on the grip...And you are on the brake hard..

[Jack Klarich]

Remove the clutch lever, look inside the perch, you will see the switch. Clean the area face of the switch with brake clean or alcohol. Work the switch a couple times with your finger.

Reinstall the lever and try to start in gear. This is all I ever had to do to my 17 M8, I never did have to replace the switch in 28 k miles

Good luck

[PosseRider]

You probably know this already.......But..

Are you sure the cluch lever is all the way on the grip...And you are on the brake hard..

What he said ^^

[Jack Klarich]

You have a 2016 model. THat was NOT recalled for the clutch slave cylinder problem tho IMO it should have been

It is possible your clutch is not releasing fully for the clutch switch to fully engage IMO

Have you ever flushed your clutch fluid ? If the answer is no, do it now. It needs to be done every 2 years. This may also help your no start when hot

[ctdair]

Alright all good suggestions. Yes on the lever and brake. No I haven’t flushed the clutch or brakes. Will do that ASAP

I could see binding on either of those systems being the culprit. Will also look at the switch and housing. Thanks and I’ll report back as time allows.

[OLDYELR]

I have a '15 tri-glide and never could get it to start in gear like I could my Road King. Then someone told me the difference with the trike. With a Tri_glide to start in gear, you must not only hold in the clutch, but also either use the foot brake or front brake at the same time. Should start in gear everytime if you do both. It has started for me every time since I learned this. Many dealers don't seem to know about this either. I actually found the directions in my owner's manual after I was told the solution. Hope this helps.

[Jack Klarich]

I have a '15 tri-glide and never could get it to start in gear like I could my Road King. Then someone told me the difference with the trike. With a Tri_glide to start in gear, you must not only hold in the clutch, but also either use the foot brake or front brake at the same time. Should start in gear everytime if you do both. It has started for me every time since I learned this. Many dealers don't seem to know about this either. I actually found the directions in my owner's manual after I was told the solution. Hope this helps.

Good info Jack, if one does not have an owners manual you can look here

https://serviceinfo.harley-davidson....cle/lookupForm

[Mykneesbehurtin]

On my 17 the left switch pack went bad, but it would die when pulling up to a stop sign or stop light. It would start in gear though, if you are running thicker than stock grips this could be a issue.

[ultrafxr]

Not sure what model years involved but my 2018 was. Replaced switch pak once with same oem part and it too failed. Later a new revised switch pak was released and it included a new clutch lever to better actuate the switch. I suggest you check with dealer. Might be covered by moco.

[rhino 2]

On my 17 the left switch pack went bad, but it would die when pulling up to a stop sign or stop light. It would start in gear though, if you are running thicker than stock grips this could be a issue.

On my 17 Triglide I had an adjustable Clutch lever It went from 1 to 8 if I put it on one the closest position to the lever it wouldn’t start… it’s a very fine distance to the contact switch..

[Moegy]

One other idea. If you have changed your grips to a larger circumference the lever may not go back far enough to activate the switch. I had this happen to me.