Engine Temp sensor bad?

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Oct 8, 2008 | 11:28 AM

Bogey_52

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From: SW Penna.

Engine Temp sensor bad?

Guys, My 97 FLHTCI (EVO) has been acting up, I noticed as fall was approaching my idle speed would be at 12-1500 once in awhile on cold mornings, but it seemed to settle down after the motor came up to temp. Yesterday, however I did about 35 miles at 40-45 degrees (two lane commute, stop sign or traffic light every couple minutes) and the whole time the idle was 15-2200 rpm, and after I got into stop and go for a couple minutes, and the motor got good and hot, she finally settled down. Shut it off for 10 minutes and when I started back up, the idle went high again. It seems like it only settles down when the motor is real hot. I didn't notice this in the summer (bought it in July) I guess because the motor got hot quickly then.

HD manual says both the eng temp sensor and the intake air temp sensor affect idle speed - any advice? Also my parts manual calls out 32446-95 for the part # of the ETS, is this a good # or has this thing been improved over the years?

I'm probably just gonna change it out anyway, 11 years (but only 21,000 miles) is probably long a enough life for a sensor that sits in the top of an aircooled motor.

Anything else I could check out or look for? I don't have a breakout box for the ECM.

Thanks,

Bogey

Oct 8, 2008 | 10:35 PM

96 Ultra

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From: Tenn

I have been dealing with similar issues with my 96 ultra as far as the idle and high RPM's, but mine would run fine cold and idled higher than normal after it warmed up.

At 21K miles I would make every effort to replace the fuel filter located inside the fuel tank (if your bike if fuel injected). If you may take the same filter as me, $60.... temp sensor $95.

The fuel looked like mud when I removed my filter and dumped into a jar.

I'm on the road right now, but managed to find both after stopping at 3 different Harley shops. As soon as I get home I will be replacing both filter and sensor.

Getting inside the tank is pretty easy by removing 2 screws just inside the fueling cover and at the base of the counsel. This will reveal a plate with 10 screws that will open up the tank. You will see the fuel pump and filter and the lines going to both.

good luck,

Oct 8, 2008 | 10:38 PM

96 Ultra

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From: Tenn

Forgot to add that a faulty sensor may or may not give a engine code.

Oct 9, 2008 | 08:08 AM

Bogey_52

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From: SW Penna.

Yeah, I'm not getting an engine code for the sensor, at least the check engine light is not coming on. Was gonna do the fuel filter this winter anyway.

Oct 28, 2008 | 09:15 AM

ToWhlRidr

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From: Dyersville, IA

I had a similiar issue with my 96 Electra Glide classic. Mine initially started as the idle on the bike was too low. After replacing the map sensor and temp sensor, I experienced the high idle problem. But now it is back to low idle when it is cold. I think I might check the fuel filter. Not sure if was ever change.

Oct 28, 2008 | 05:23 PM

96 Ultra

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From: Tenn

Well I'll tell ya one thing for sure... After changing the temp sensor and the fuel filter on my 96 EVO, it was like I had gained 10 to 15 hp. The bike is responsive, has more torque and actually has a nicer sound at idle.

Oct 29, 2008 | 10:25 AM

pappy

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From: Christiansburg Va.

This summer same thing on my 97 flhtcui. Took it to HD they said fuel filter then they
said fuel pump then they said fuel regalator then they said eng temp sensor. $600.00
and week later it turned out to be a bad wire going to the eng temp sensor.