Hey Guys,

The cruise control on my 2003 Ultra works sporadically. On occasion it will engage properly, however, most times it will not. Ruling out operator error, I’d like to find out what is wrong. Main toggle switch is turned on and lit, but when the thumb switch is pulled I rarely can get it to set. I’ve referred to the shop guide and found no tips for troubleshooting. Thought I would start by checking / cleaning all electrical terminals and switches for corrosion and or loose connections. Any other suggestions before I dig in to this? As always, thanks in advance for your assistance.

Frank

 

Probably in the handlebar switch. The crusie has self diagnostics that will tell you which of the inputs are not working. Saves hours in time. Get a maunal, it'svery simple to do. Complete the reset cable lash procedure also. It is easy and the bike does it for you. This usually happens after installing new grips.

 

Frank,

Have you done any work with the handlebars that involved the throttle/idle cables? If so you could always try the "cable lash initialization" procedure and see if that works. Heck, try it anyway. At least it worked on my 2005 when I had problems with it. The procedure is in the service manual. If you don't have one, I'm sure someone does that could help you out.

 

Mine has a "roll off switch" with two connectors in the throttle cable right where it passes near the right front tank mount. If my cruise won't engage, I touch that switch and it works for a day or so. Guess I should clean it. Newer models may not have that, I think they changed to something else but I don't know what year.

 

Similar problem on my '03 Ultra. Cruise was sporadic for a few weeks and then stopped working.

Took it to the dealer because it was under warranty.

They found a wire in the harness under the gas tank the was worn through........? They just resoldered and protected the wire. It was fixed, but they created a whole list of other issues -- which is why I never take my ride to the dealer anymore -- but that is another story.


I'd check there first.

 

More than likely it's the roll off switch. Trace the throttle cable down under the front part ofthe gas tank along the frame. You'll see a plastic cover, slide it back and see two wires going to a small round disc. Disconnect one of them and ride the bike and see if the cruise sets ok. I don't think it matters which one of the wires you disconnect. If the cruise works good, that's the problem. Leave the wire off, or get a new cable. Remember if you have the cruise set and back off the throttle manually, the cruise will stay set and won't cut off, hence the throttle roll off function of the switch. If this doesn't do it, it could be the main cruise module, about $350 and a lot of labor to replace. You'll have to pull the tank to replace the throttle cable, about $40 for the cable. Hope this helps.

 

just picked mine up from dealer,also had bad switch on cable,took them a day to figuer it out includeing all the diag

 

Thanks for the feedback !!

I do recallreading aboutthe lash adjustment proceedure in my manual andwill certainlytry thatbefore pulling stuff apart ... maybe I'll luck out.

 

I have a 2000 Ultra, Cruise problems as well, that roll off switch trick is about the only thing I have not tried. I'm going to do that tomorrow, Thanks for the suggestion 03ultra100th crossing my fingers on this one, next I start pulling my hair out.

 

I had the same symptoms as you describe on an '05 RK and I was traveling so pulling into a dealer would of been a loss of limited travel time. This is a long shot but it is easy to try;

As I remember there are 2 sets of electrical connectors on the throttle cable by the right side of the neck. I disconnected them, cleaned them up and reconnected and never had another problem with them.