Whenever I wash my '06 low rider I have running problems that are getting worse. It used to be the bike would sputter a bit and then clear up quickly. A couple weeks ago after a wash it was running terribly. I took it out on the highway to clear it out and it missed and back fired, the check engine light came on then it died. I restarted, made it home and it was okay the next day. I took the bike to the dealer today to have a new back tire put on and they washed it when they were done. The ride home was a nightmare. It died three times. I had to compression start it because the battery was running low from all the cranking. Then it backfired, sputtered, missed...check engine light on and off. It was a 20 mile ride home and it still hadn't cleared up when I arrived. It died when I pulled up to the house.

Has anyone else had similar problems? The thing that gets me is I don't have a problem in the rain. Also, do you know if the codes will be saved from the check engine?

Thanks.

 

easiest thing to do is take it back and tell them about it, have them wash it and ride it. Codes will be saved til they are cleared or the battery is disconnected for a period of time. (sure about this, but somebody feel free to correct, if wrong)

 

I pour water all over my Low Rider and have experienced no runnig problems. You must have some exposed plug somewhere that is getting wet and shorting out. I would definitely take it to the dealer and leave it for a while. Plus,you get a couple of free washes while they are trying to duplicate the problem.

 

check codes obviously water is infiltrating something sure sounds electrical codes may lead you to the problem I would return to dealer

 

I would first check the code, and see what it is telling me is wrong. Check your connections, something is not sealed and letting water in.
My 06 FXD has been high pressured washed at the carwash about 1000 times and never experienced a similar problem.

Why live in pain, hating and fearing your ride?Probably something very simple.

Dealer can probably find the cause quickly.

DougJ

 

Wait, Bikes need to be washed...I didn't get that memo

 

Are you running a PCIII? If so pull the piggybackecm connector apart,it's probably full of water.Dry and seal with dielectric grease then wrap with elec tape. In any case it sound like you're getting water into your ecm connector. I'd check that first.

Good Luck

Tom

 

Remove the seat and check around to see if you see any gaps where water might be getting in the wiring. I wouldn't worry too much about the codes because you obviously have water causing a short and it could be making it throw codes that mean nothing. The reason you probably haven't had a problem in the rain is that, A - you are sitting on the seat keeping most rainwater out of that area and/or B - rain isn't going in sideways like water from the hose so even if the bike is just sitting in the rain, it probably isn't making it in there or at least not with any kind of force. If you look in there good and don't see anything obvious, I'd take it to the dealer, tell them exactly what you have experienced and make sure they wash it well and then ride it until they see what's happening.

 

Thanks for all the suggestions. I pulled the seat and battery cover off today and looked around. Couldn't see any moisture. It may be in the PClll although all looked okay. Bike would crank but didn't start this morning so I called the dealer and they're going to come and get it tomorrow. Shame cuz I was planning a ride today. It's nice out and we don't get that many good riding days this time of year in the Northwest. Thanks again for your help guys. I love this forum!

 

low,if you'll pull the ecm connector and shake the water out of it you'll be good to go til you get wet again unless you seal it up. It's pretty easy to get to. You may have to pull the battery cover and the electrical cover off,may have to unbolt the ecm and pull it out a bit for slack in the cable but probably not., You should be able to grab the connector and pull it out into the space behind the rear cylinder and have enough room to undo the clips and pull it apart and dry it. Contact cleaner works good.

Good Luck

Tom