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Won't start when cold

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Old Nov 23, 2012 | 11:39 PM
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Default Won't start when cold

Ok, I ride an 05 Dyna FXDLI (fuel injected). It never wanted to start when it was cold out (below 40F or so). I figured it was just an old battery. I took it in for another problem (MAP sensor) and had them replace the plugs and put in a new battery. Went out this AM, temp was around 32F, and it didn't fire up. It acted just like before--turned over but didn't catch. Once it warmed up outside, it still didn't fire up, but it sounded like I'd worn the battery down a bit. So, is it normal for bike not to fire up when its this cold? I need the bike as a daily driver this winter (except when the roads get icy--I'm not that stupid).

Right now I have the battery on the charger. I'm gonna put it back in tonight and see if it fires up in the AM. I thought maybe the shop didn't charge it all the way before they put it in. What do you guys think?

BTW, I'm a GI stationed in Korea, so my bike repair options are limited. The Korean joint I take it to seems pretty good, though (Bison choppers). Most of the GIs stationed here take their bikes there.
 
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Old Nov 23, 2012 | 11:56 PM
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Oh yeah, V&H 2:1 pro pipes, big sucker intake, and power commander. No cams or anything.
 
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Old Nov 24, 2012 | 12:34 AM
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I was going to say check your connections, but Im guessing you already have done that
 
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Old Nov 24, 2012 | 12:36 AM
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Battery and plugs were on good, and under the connection under the seat looked tight. Sometimes when I wash the bike and get water under the seat it won't start. Its the main harness where the PC3 connects in.
 
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Old Nov 24, 2012 | 08:37 AM
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I have a 2010 Fat Bob and it acts like it doesn't want to start sometimes when it's really cold out. The starter sounds like it's straining, but it does start up. I bought it used, this past July, so it may have the original battery. Not sure.

When it does start up for you, how do you like that V&H Pro Pipe? I'm doing the Stage 1 over the winter and leaning towards the pro pipe, but in black.
 
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Old Nov 24, 2012 | 12:22 PM
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I also have power commander V and was told to not wait for the check engine light to turn off, something about fuel pump not coming on till started. Mine starts right away. Minnesota can be brutal on equipment. HD20-50 oil is pretty thick till warmed up.. Have to put mine away for the season now, soon as I can get the fuel topped off. We are in the snow salt season now, glad the wife and I made it out for breakfast on Turkey day, should have stopped to top it off on the way home.
07 Ultra classic 62000 miles 18900 this season...
Good luck and thanks for your service.
 
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Old Nov 24, 2012 | 12:37 PM
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Sounds like a 'choke' issue to me - isn't there an auto-choke sensor that manages that that could be the issue here. Just a thought............
 
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Old Nov 24, 2012 | 04:23 PM
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The battery was on the charger for about 15 hours before I got the green light. I think they put a battery of the shelf on the bike and it was under-charged. I'll test my theory tomorrow.

It's not a choke issue--fuel injected. And I can hear the fuel pump wind up when I turn on the ignition, so I don't think thats it either. I know bikes don't like the cold, but I'm pretty sure it should start, right?

Sgt, I love the pro pipes. Not quite as sexy as some of the slask cuts, but they sound awesome. Good and loud (sets off car alarms sometimes), but not obnoxious. And the back pressure is supposed to give a performance boost. They were on when I got the bike, so I can't tell you for sure, but it makes sense.
 
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Old Nov 24, 2012 | 05:56 PM
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I bet it's in the cold start circuit of the ECM, may even go back to the cylinder temp sensor is out of wack. Not sending a signal to the ECM to enrichen the fuel spray/mix (Injector pulse). The sensor is on the front cylinder, left hand side, I think it's in the head.
 
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Old Nov 24, 2012 | 11:15 PM
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Originally Posted by seniorsuperglideE8
I bet it's in the cold start circuit of the ECM, may even go back to the cylinder temp sensor is out of wack. Not sending a signal to the ECM to enrichen the fuel spray/mix (Injector pulse). The sensor is on the front cylinder, left hand side, I think it's in the head.
That sounds promising. Wouldn't that flag a fault and an idiot light, though?
 
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