Ignition Control Module
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5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 9
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From: British Columbia
Ignition Control Module
I have a 1989 FLHTC which i've owned since brand new.I'm having a problem with it cutting out like it's out of fuel when it warms up after riding for 10-12 miles. It will die out then come back on then die and so on. It starts fine and even when i pull over when i have this problem and shut it off it stars fine.I will start riding again it will do the same thing.It's getting fuel.Any body have any thoughts on this.Can a bad ICM produce these symptons.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
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From: Bedford UK
Another possibility is the ignition sender in the timing cone, which failed on my bike, many years ago. Can be a challenge diagnosing what the exact problem is. There are some tests we can do in section 8 of the service manual, which may help.
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,065
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From: Haslet Texas
I have a 1989 FLHTC which i've owned since brand new.I'm having a problem with it cutting out like it's out of fuel when it warms up after riding for 10-12 miles. It will die out then come back on then die and so on. It starts fine and even when i pull over when i have this problem and shut it off it stars fine.I will start riding again it will do the same thing.It's getting fuel.Any body have any thoughts on this.Can a bad ICM produce these symptons.
It would die but would restart just fine.
Turned out it was just loose battery cables.
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5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 9
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From: British Columbia
Well i know that my battery and the connections are good. I checked my chargeing system and it's all good.It's just perplexing. I do have a lot of miles on it, i'm the original owner. I'm getting fuel so i don't think that's the problem.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 121
Likes: 11
From: St. Louis, MO
I had a similar problem that ended up being a dirty and slightly loose positive battery connection.
Is your ignition switch original? I also had a similar problem with my original switch that cleared up after replacing the switch and cleaning the connectors.
Is your ignition switch original? I also had a similar problem with my original switch that cleared up after replacing the switch and cleaning the connectors.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,198
Likes: 3,087
From: NW AR
Also check the wire under the cone from the ignition pickup. It flexes with the motor vibrating in the motor mounts and will break inside the insulation. If you grab the wire and tug, you might be able to feel it broken inside. It would also probably kill the motor if you did that with it running.
I chased that problem for a couple years. The bike would die while out on the freeway at 70. I'd coast to the shoulder and it would come back and I'd ride on. Finally, it died and didn't come back around Cyprus Fairbanks, TX, if I recall, and I coasted to a hotel parking lot. I took Dr.Linda's Sporty home, came back with the Truck and finally could diagnose it.
I chased that problem for a couple years. The bike would die while out on the freeway at 70. I'd coast to the shoulder and it would come back and I'd ride on. Finally, it died and didn't come back around Cyprus Fairbanks, TX, if I recall, and I coasted to a hotel parking lot. I took Dr.Linda's Sporty home, came back with the Truck and finally could diagnose it.
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Just happened to me
Hey i just went through this w/ my '87 FLHTC. I could ride for 10-15 minutes - just long enough to make me think the problem was fixed after trying several things - but then it would start.
I am blessed to have an old school mechanic who pretty juch diagnosed it over the phone. My bike had the old points and condenser set up and he replaced it with an electronic ignition and the thing runs like a mad man. It was a well spent $400.
I am not sure if your bike still came w/ points and condenser but if so I hope you have the coin to get this done.
I am blessed to have an old school mechanic who pretty juch diagnosed it over the phone. My bike had the old points and condenser set up and he replaced it with an electronic ignition and the thing runs like a mad man. It was a well spent $400.
I am not sure if your bike still came w/ points and condenser but if so I hope you have the coin to get this done.