Need Some Help
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: san antonio
Need Some Help
Guys, I have built and rebuilt motors and transmissions, dealt with most drive train issues possible over the past 20 years; IAW when something breaks, I can fix it. However, the one thing I have never had to deal with is a "check engine" light and I need some help. Bike is an '05 Deuce, built 98" motor with less than 2500 miles on the build. The bike has been sitting in the garage for months because for a variety of reasons, I have not been able to ride; not for any distance anyway. Lithium battery, on tender and I start it up every couple of weeks to get it up to operating temps and shut her down. On occassion, depending on my shoulder, I will take her for a spin through the neighborhood; never had any indication of any issue.
I started her up today, fired right up and I was letting the motor idle watching the oil tank fill opening waiting to see the oil from the sump start pumping up and into the tank. Idled for about five minutes and shut down, no sputter, rough idle, no warning, just stopped like I had flipped the switch. Motor spins good with compression releases open but not a hint that she wants to fire up; check engine light is on. It was late in the day, so I have not started to trouble shoot but I am guessing I need to check for codes and I don't have any idea how to do that; nevrer had to do it. Yes, I have the service manual.
I don't believe the battery is the problem; the motor spins over freely, no spinning, sputtering like it's trying to start; motor just spins so my initial thought was fuel delivery. I probably won't get around to start chasing the problem until Saturday so any suggestions to assist would be appreciated.
EDIT: Got the code P55Pb. Doing a quick search, it appears that it may be faulty fuel injectors or a problem with a problem with the fuel pressure regulator. The P55PTB code is a generic code that indicates a problem with the motorcycle’s fuel injection system.
OK, now I guess I need to get my hands on a fuel pressure tester and learn how to use it.
Any preference on this tool, i.e. brand, where to buy, etc.? Where's Max when I need him.
I started her up today, fired right up and I was letting the motor idle watching the oil tank fill opening waiting to see the oil from the sump start pumping up and into the tank. Idled for about five minutes and shut down, no sputter, rough idle, no warning, just stopped like I had flipped the switch. Motor spins good with compression releases open but not a hint that she wants to fire up; check engine light is on. It was late in the day, so I have not started to trouble shoot but I am guessing I need to check for codes and I don't have any idea how to do that; nevrer had to do it. Yes, I have the service manual.
I don't believe the battery is the problem; the motor spins over freely, no spinning, sputtering like it's trying to start; motor just spins so my initial thought was fuel delivery. I probably won't get around to start chasing the problem until Saturday so any suggestions to assist would be appreciated.
EDIT: Got the code P55Pb. Doing a quick search, it appears that it may be faulty fuel injectors or a problem with a problem with the fuel pressure regulator. The P55PTB code is a generic code that indicates a problem with the motorcycle’s fuel injection system.
OK, now I guess I need to get my hands on a fuel pressure tester and learn how to use it.
Any preference on this tool, i.e. brand, where to buy, etc.? Where's Max when I need him.
Last edited by djl; Feb 26, 2025 at 06:27 PM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 3,331
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From: Masshole
Do not start your bike like you have been doing, it is the worse thing you can do for an engine. It does not give it enough time to boil off the contaminants in the engine/oil. Let is sit until you are ready to go for a real ride, around the neighborhood is not a real ride.
Start with clearing the code. Shut it off. Pull the maxi-fuse for a few minutes and try again.
Do you hear the fuel pump priming? Fuel, air, spark.
Start with clearing the code. Shut it off. Pull the maxi-fuse for a few minutes and try again.
Do you hear the fuel pump priming? Fuel, air, spark.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,855
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From: florida
Did you find the method to pull the codes through the speedo, not to hard. Yes younwant to confirm fuel pressure, but it requires a special tool. Try Fuel Tool and see if they have something for a reasonable price. Other than them use the factory tool, but pricey. Youmwant to cover these 2 base before you go deeper.
m
m
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HDF Community Team
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From: san antonio
Originally Posted by Max
No clue except maybe you fried the battery with the tender on it.. P55pb don't make any sense.
What can I tell you; battery is strong, motor turns over easily; P55Pb is what showed up when checked for codes.
Originally Posted by chopper man
Do not start your bike like you have been doing, it is the worse thing you can do for an engine. It does not give it enough time to boil off the contaminants in the engine/oil. Let is sit until you are ready to go for a real ride, around the neighborhood is not a real ride.
Originally Posted by chopper man
Start with clearing the code. Shut it off. Pull the maxi-fuse for a few minutes and try again.
Do you hear the fuel pump priming? Fuel, air, spark.
I used to have three bikes so one used to sit a little longer than others; hard not to have a favorite. The motors have all run to operating temps and the ride around the neighborhood is usually 20-30 minutes; I have not had any issues with this practice.
I will try clearing the code. I have not started trouble shooting but I do hear the fuel pump priming. I am not sure how long that takes but it buzzes for about 3-5 seconds. Have not checked for fuel or spark; pretty sure air is not the issue.
Originally Posted by Lonewolf
Like I told Max. Followed the diagnostic procedure and P55Pb came up twice. Did some Googling and apparently is it a valid code, described as a "communication" code indicating fuel injector or fuel pressure problem. This is my first time in 20 years of riding/working on two Harley's to encounter a problem like this so I am learning as I go.
Originally Posted by marcodarq
Did you find the method to pull the codes through the speedo, not to hard. Yes younwant to confirm fuel pressure, but it requires a special tool. Try Fuel Tool and see if they have something for a reasonable price. Other than them use the factory tool, but pricey. You may want to cover these 2 base before you go deeper.
Yes, checked for codes using speedo. Are all the tools used to check fuel pressure by connecting to the tank fuel valve in the $150-$200 range? I have seen some cheaper tools, like Harbor Freight universal kit but would have to rig up the connection to the tank fitting; don't really want to mess with that. I want to get this resolve ASAP; weather has started to turn in south Texas.
Last edited by djl; Feb 26, 2025 at 11:46 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 5,501
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From: Lititz Pa
I would check fuel filter, Maybe some star-Tran in the gas, are the plugs falling, Do all of the simple stuff first.
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From: poway
I'm definitely not an expert on HD codes.. The only ones I'm used to seeing have a letter and 4 digits.. Typically fuel issues don't cause error codes from what I've seen.. Googling the code comes up with all kinds of possible errors.. I'd be inclined to reseat the connectors on the TSM and ECU, pull the ecm fuse wait for a while and try again..
Last edited by djl; Feb 27, 2025 at 08:02 AM.
Thread Starter
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: san antonio
I'm definitely not an expert on HD codes.. The only ones I'm used to seeing have a letter and 4 digits.. Typically fuel issues don't cause error codes from what I've seen.. Googling the code comes up with all kinds of possible errors.. I'd be inclined to reseat the connectors on the TSM and ECU, pull the ecm fuse wait for a while and try again..