No help in touring forum.....Bike wont start...4,000 miles!
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No help in touring forum.....Bike wont start...4,000 miles!
Borrowed my Dads 2003 Road king that he never rides for a weekend road trip. Left my 86 softtail in his garage.
Bike ran fine all weekend. I stopped on the way home to put on some warmer gear and it wouldn't fire back up. It turns over fine. But the fuel pump isn't priming. And the check engine light isn't coming on when you hit the run stop switch like it should.
I'm not sure the plugs are firing either. I grounded then and didn't ssee any spark at all. Also tried sqirting starting fluid into the cylinders and still, no change. So, I was told by a mech that it might be the crank positioning sensor. Where is that?
I've checked the fuses. And it isn't the security system. Any ideas? Only 4,000 miles on the bike....what could be wrong?
Thanks!
Bike ran fine all weekend. I stopped on the way home to put on some warmer gear and it wouldn't fire back up. It turns over fine. But the fuel pump isn't priming. And the check engine light isn't coming on when you hit the run stop switch like it should.
I'm not sure the plugs are firing either. I grounded then and didn't ssee any spark at all. Also tried sqirting starting fluid into the cylinders and still, no change. So, I was told by a mech that it might be the crank positioning sensor. Where is that?
I've checked the fuses. And it isn't the security system. Any ideas? Only 4,000 miles on the bike....what could be wrong?
Thanks!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,196
Likes: 3,085
From: NW AR
Well, it's not an Evo. That, there's your first problem. Next, it sounds like an EFI/computer problem. As I know zip about twinky EFI systems, but a bit about EFI in general, I suggest pulling the codes from the computer. I believe there's some sequence for that bike, like turn your head to the right, raise your left foot, chant "ummmm-bahhh" while holding the right turn signal button and turning the key on or something. Then count the flashes of something and compare to a chart. I suggest you look that one up.
The fuel pump not priming and the CEL not coming on is a big hint that the ECU is either fried or confused. I would not suspect a crank position sensor at that point, as that signal won't be coming in with just a power up, but if the computer is checking the resistance on that line, anything is possible. I don't know their code. Anyway, you're gonna need the book on that one. And I think the CPS is on the left side somewhere, like where the timing plug would be on an Evo, maybe? But, again, I don't know twinkies (except that I pass a bunch of them.)
The fuel pump not priming and the CEL not coming on is a big hint that the ECU is either fried or confused. I would not suspect a crank position sensor at that point, as that signal won't be coming in with just a power up, but if the computer is checking the resistance on that line, anything is possible. I don't know their code. Anyway, you're gonna need the book on that one. And I think the CPS is on the left side somewhere, like where the timing plug would be on an Evo, maybe? But, again, I don't know twinkies (except that I pass a bunch of them.)
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,049
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From: USI
Wow, yet another problem solved with a "computer".
I think they build those computer things so you "can't" work on them and are forced to haul them back to the stealer for repairs.
People that buy into the "computer controls everything" need to make sure they have a trailer to haul their bike on when it won't run.
Guess that's why I have and NEVER will own anything but a carburetor/standard ignition machine. At least you know if it ever quits, you can get it going again and not be stranded and/or at the mercy of the "stealer".
Good luck in finding the problem and getting it repaired inexpensively.
I think they build those computer things so you "can't" work on them and are forced to haul them back to the stealer for repairs.
People that buy into the "computer controls everything" need to make sure they have a trailer to haul their bike on when it won't run.
Guess that's why I have and NEVER will own anything but a carburetor/standard ignition machine. At least you know if it ever quits, you can get it going again and not be stranded and/or at the mercy of the "stealer".
Good luck in finding the problem and getting it repaired inexpensively.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 178
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From: Albany, Oregon
I agree. Some electrical gremlin just fried somewhere and that killed the system. The fuel system not priming is the first clue. It might even be the handlebar kill/run switch.
It'll take the book, a good tester, and some checking to figure it out..... good luck.
It'll take the book, a good tester, and some checking to figure it out..... good luck.
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Thanks guys.....And trust me, I missed my bike the entire trip. Missed the sound, missed the cooler running engine when this monster was burning my leg in traffic. And missed it when the newer bike broke down and I didn't know much about fixing it. At least if my 86 won't start, I can figure it out!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,077
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From: Ohio
Should be some ignition relays under the seat in front of the fender, one of them might not be engaging keeping your ECM from powering up, relays can fail at any givin time, switch it into the starter relay and see if the starter engages and that will tell you if the ignition relay was bad.
If all looks good electrically, try disconnecting the positive battery cable, 5-10seconds and reconnect the cable, ECM's have been known to go into hard lockup and this sometimes release them but I would head for that ignition relay first.
If all looks good electrically, try disconnecting the positive battery cable, 5-10seconds and reconnect the cable, ECM's have been known to go into hard lockup and this sometimes release them but I would head for that ignition relay first.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,468
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From: Bluffton, South Carolina
First check the circuit breakers/relays and make sure they are working. Then the next thing to check is the security system. If the battery gets low enough, goes dead or you unhook the battery you have to put in your pin number to turn off the alarm and let the bike start. Your dealer has that number, most use the same number for all the bikes that go out the door as you are supposed to put your own number. That's what your problem sounds like, however most any one of the sensors could cause this problem. Hope this helps. Check the battery in the key fob also.
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,205
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From: SE Michigan
Give the bike back to your dad and get back on that Evo. 
All good tips here esp. disconnecting the battery to "reboot" that computer. It worked for my washing machine recently and it was my GF that told me to do it!!
All good tips here esp. disconnecting the battery to "reboot" that computer. It worked for my washing machine recently and it was my GF that told me to do it!!
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I tried disconnecting the battery. And I put a new battery in the key fob. I think the bike won't turn over at all when the security system is engaged. I did make the alarm go off and tried starting it just to see what happens.
I haven't tried entering a code but I think u only need that if you lose the fob or if it is dead. Is that correct? I really don't know for sure.
I haven't tried entering a code but I think u only need that if you lose the fob or if it is dead. Is that correct? I really don't know for sure.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,468
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From: Bluffton, South Carolina
Nope disconnecting the battery or if it goes dead requires putting in the pin number, it will turn over but not start. Every spring we get a couple of twinkies in with that problem. Fortunately we've learned the codes that all the local dealers use so we get the customer back on the road with a few minutes work and only charge them a good laugh at them!!! However most local dealers make quite a bit of money on this.