No Neutral Light

[pearsonman1]

I have a 1990 Evo. The neutral light will NOT come on in neutral. I pull the switch and push up the switch to metal (ground) and the light comes on. Any ideas?

[JBarrettB]

Turn on the ignition, bike in neutral. Remove the wire from the switch and ground the wire. If the light comes on the switch is bad.

JB

[Evo160K]

Pearsonman1,
Would you believe I went through the same thing six weeks ago with my '90 softail.  The neutral switch in my Jims tranny had two posts, but only one was being used, it grounded through the threads like the oem switch.  It worked sporadically, dirty I guess.  I put a wire on the second post and bolted it on to the starter case.  Works fine now.  Bottom line, if you can get to the switch, I couldn't, clean both sets of threads and the flat on the switch and the case.  Another option is to put in a switch with two contacts and ground one like I did. 

[pearsonman1]

Thanks guys, I will try what you said. Will post results for those after me. Great site! Danny

[pearsonman1]

Well, I cleaned off the threads and tried it....same thing. If I take a ground wire and connect it to the button on the neutral switch and push up,then light comes on. My question is, does it ground in neutral on a 90 Electraglide? I should mention that I took the transmission out a few months ago. Everything works fine,1st, neutral, 2nd, etc. Any more advice would be helpful. This is a single wire switch. Thanks,Danny

[Evo160K]

pearsonman1,
"My question is, does it ground in neutral on a 90 Electraglide?"

Since the light comes on in neutral, I'm guessing it grounds in neutral.

[pearsonman1]

I have tried everything I know of but i still can't get the light to come on the way it should. I know it's in neutral and the transmission works great. I have readjusted the clutch according to the Harley manual as one link here suggested. Any help would be appreciated. Danny   

[FSG]

Do a visual. Pull the switch out, have the box in neutral and measure the depth from the trannie top cover to the hub on the shifter drum, put it in gear and measure again.  Measure the switch, do the math, is it being screwed in far enough for it to be operated when in neutral ?  Is it lining up?

[Evo160K]

Hmm, elusive problem isn't it Pearsonman1?

I pull the switch and push up the switch to metal (ground) and the light comes on.    Would you please explain in more detail, I want to be sure I fully understand.  Had you done any work on the tranny or the switch before it stopped working?  While you're doing the visual FSG suggested, take your ohmmeter and do several continuity tests on the switch to be sure it's functioning consistently.

[Buddy WMC]

Do a visual. Pull the switch out, have the box in neutral and measure the depth from the trannie top cover to the hub on the shifter drum, put it in gear and measure again.  Measure the switch, do the math, is it being screwed in far enough for it to be operated when in neutral ?  Is it lining up?

FSG brings up a good point. Had one go bad on my 93 FXLR and had to order a new one from HD. Screwed it in, hooked her up and no light. Took the switch back out and compared it to the blown one. The detent ball in the new switch did not stick out as far as on the old switch. Took them back to HD and showed them the difference. After about three tries, I found one at an Indy shop that was the same. Installed that switch and had no further problems. I also used the old nylon sealing washer on the new switch. The new sealing washer was much thicker. If the ball in the switch does not drop into the relief in the shift drum you will get no signal.

[pearsonman1]

Buddy WMC you bring up a good point,actually two. First you mention the nylon washer thickness. I took mine all the way off and still no light. Second and most important to me is the ball falling into place. That may be the culprit. Not going to check it tonight as it is about 18* out in my shop. Will keep you posted. Thanks,Danny

[pearsonman1]

JBarrettB, You had it right on. Bad switch,I didn't know the switch was spring loaded. My spring was broken. Put in a new switch and works like new. Thanks all. Danny

[Buddy WMC]

Glad you got her fixed bud, happy holidays.