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Computer shutting down running lights?

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Old Aug 5, 2024 | 07:52 AM
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Default Computer shutting down running lights?

2017 low rider S
I've had an intermittent problem for a few years, but it seems to be getting worse. When i turn the bike on, the running lights come on as they should, but sometimes when i crank the bike, they go out, along with the gas gauge and cruise control. They will not come back on until the bike is shut off and re-started (although sometimes it just happens again). My guess is that the computer thinks the voltage is low and is shutting down less important draws. Headlight, brake and turn signals never shut down.
I've had a couple different batteries in it, so it's not that.
Any ideas?
 
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Old Aug 5, 2024 | 08:37 PM
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Bad Charging system.. You need to get a good voltmeter on the battery.

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It won't be the ECM but the BCM. When you get right down to it there are at least 5/6 computers on the bike..
 

Last edited by Max Headflow; Aug 5, 2024 at 08:40 PM.
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Old Aug 6, 2024 | 05:27 PM
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14.1 Volts at start up and at operating temperature. I can’t say you’re wrong, but my opinion is that it’s not charging related, it never cranks slowly, or shows other signs of a low battery.
I’ve done a bunch of searching, and can’t find anyone else mentioning a problem like this. It’s getting to the point where I’m going to have to bring it somewhere, but I hate the thought of that. It’s hard to find someone that’s really good at diagnosing intermittent computer and/or electrical issues.
I’m actually thinking about trading it in on a new Lowrider S at this point.
 

Last edited by 5gear; Aug 6, 2024 at 05:30 PM.
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Old Aug 6, 2024 | 05:49 PM
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Originally Posted by 5gear
I’m actually thinking about trading it in on a new Lowrider S at this point.
That is a much better idea than taking advice from a very knowledgeable person and just replacing the battery.
 
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Old Aug 6, 2024 | 06:07 PM
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Originally Posted by 5gear
...
I’m actually thinking about trading it in on a new Lowrider S at this point.
Man that's crazy talk, Dyna LR-S, cruise and ABS, classy bike!

New battery and spend some dough on a bitching fancy paint job and you'd be in tall cotton all year long!
 
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Old Aug 6, 2024 | 07:12 PM
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As I mentioned in my post, I’ve had multiple batteries in it and it has not eliminated the problem.
 
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Old Aug 6, 2024 | 08:11 PM
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Ya know, you're not the first person who's had electrical gremlins on that bike, some of them have haunted owners and I don't blame you a bit for being soured with it and it is a shame too.
Life is getting shorter by the day, get what you want before it's over, live it up
 
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Old Aug 6, 2024 | 09:02 PM
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Originally Posted by Suede Blue Man
Ya know, you're not the first person who's had electrical gremlins on that bike, some of them have haunted owners and I don't blame you a bit for being soured with it and it is a shame too.
Life is getting shorter by the day, get what you want before it's over, live it up

Well I appreciate your attitude, I just hate problems I can't fix myself. I've seen mechanics try to fix weird issues like this and often it winds up snowballing into a huge bill and multiple trips to the shop. Although I acknowledge, I'm a bit of a pessimist...
 

Last edited by 5gear; Aug 6, 2024 at 09:04 PM.
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Old Aug 6, 2024 | 11:40 PM
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Have you checked the diagnostic codes if there is a fault code. It shows both ECM and BCM codes, it might help to pin point the fault.

I had an issue with my 2016 Dyna LR-S, where the gear indicator stopped working, cruise control didn’t work and neutral light was flickering on while riding. I accessed the diagnostic fault codes and it said there is a short to ground in neutral switch wiring.
First thing I checked was the neutral switch which tested fine, I started looking at the wiring to the neutral switch and found the wiring loom at the back of the cases at the swing arm pivot had rubbed through and shorting on the cases where it goes under the starter motor to the neutral switch, as a result I was able to repair the wiring and been no issues since. Ended up a free repair able to do it myself.
 
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Old Aug 7, 2024 | 07:09 AM
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Originally Posted by Hoges
Have you checked the diagnostic codes if there is a fault code. It shows both ECM and BCM codes, it might help to pin point the fault.

I had an issue with my 2016 Dyna LR-S, where the gear indicator stopped working, cruise control didn’t work and neutral light was flickering on while riding. I accessed the diagnostic fault codes and it said there is a short to ground in neutral switch wiring.
First thing I checked was the neutral switch which tested fine, I started looking at the wiring to the neutral switch and found the wiring loom at the back of the cases at the swing arm pivot had rubbed through and shorting on the cases where it goes under the starter motor to the neutral switch, as a result I was able to repair the wiring and been no issues since. Ended up a free repair able to do it myself.
Nice work sorting that out. I haven't noticed a check engine light, so i didn't think to look for codes, but i suppose it couldn't hurt to check.
 
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