Bike won't start after a wash?
Thread Starter
|
5th Gear
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 9
Likes: 1
From: Ft Wayne, IN
Bike won't start after a wash?
Hi all, looking for some guidance. First, I have a 2000 Electra Glide fuel injected, Power Commander, with roughly 65k. I've spent the last couple of weeks without it due to taking on some cosmetic(BADDAD) changes, and exhaust replacement on my own. Well after finally getting it all back together I was able to get out for a 300 mile round trip this past Sunday, several stops and starts. The bike ran great. The problem started after I washed it...
Monday afternoon I gave it a light washing, garden hose with a very tame spray pattern. Roughly two hours after I washed it I fired it up to head to work. It started right up, kind of "slower" fuel ignition than normal but still, fired right up. Well as I was backing the bike up to maneuver out my driveway, it died. Tried restarting it but all it did was crank over.
When I turn the ignition on the little check engine light does NOT come on and I do NOT hear the fuel pump either. The motor cranks fine, all lights come on(except check engine). I don't believe I'm getting any spark either. What I've done so far......
*Purchased a manual
*Purchased a 6/12v probe circuit? tester
*Replaced the ECM and fuel pump relays and fuses.
*Pulled apart various wiring connections and blew compressed air in them
*Made sure Kill switch was in RUN
*Made sure I had gas in the tank
Any and all comments will be greatly appreciated, except for the "Use the search function" ones. I've searched for two days now and any threads started that sounded even remotely familiar ended on a cliffhanger! Thanks in advance.
Monday afternoon I gave it a light washing, garden hose with a very tame spray pattern. Roughly two hours after I washed it I fired it up to head to work. It started right up, kind of "slower" fuel ignition than normal but still, fired right up. Well as I was backing the bike up to maneuver out my driveway, it died. Tried restarting it but all it did was crank over.
When I turn the ignition on the little check engine light does NOT come on and I do NOT hear the fuel pump either. The motor cranks fine, all lights come on(except check engine). I don't believe I'm getting any spark either. What I've done so far......
*Purchased a manual
*Purchased a 6/12v probe circuit? tester
*Replaced the ECM and fuel pump relays and fuses.
*Pulled apart various wiring connections and blew compressed air in them
*Made sure Kill switch was in RUN
*Made sure I had gas in the tank
Any and all comments will be greatly appreciated, except for the "Use the search function" ones. I've searched for two days now and any threads started that sounded even remotely familiar ended on a cliffhanger! Thanks in advance.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,419
Likes: 6,366
From: Honah Lee
Just roll it out in the sun in the morning..Roll the throttle wide open and lock it. It will start by 4PM. Throw the 6/12v probe circuit tester away and spring for a Volt Ohm meter.
Sure hope you don't have to ride in the rain someday.
Sure hope you don't have to ride in the rain someday.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 163
Likes: 10
From: Wherever I put my helmet
Spray some WD40 into the plug to help it dry, or Alcohol. Then air it down thoroughly. Make sure you get the back shell side of the connector. You might want to check the other connectors as well. Now the big issue, the ECM. Make that connection is clean and dry as well. There is a possibility the you may have "Hosed" it tho. Pun intended. ECMs are usually pretty robust but they have their limits. Check the seals on your connectors too. You can use some dielectric grease to help seal them up more. Any codes thrown? Good luck with the ECM.
Thread Starter
|
5th Gear
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 9
Likes: 1
From: Ft Wayne, IN
In the manual it gives instructions on probing/testing the ecm via a breakout box. Is there any way to test it without one?
While messing with the bike the battery died completely. Is there a possibility a low battery or wet ground would've caused the symptoms I described? The battery is on the charger now, if problem persists I'll just have to trailor it in to the shop in the morning.....frustrating!
Thanks to all who have commented.
While messing with the bike the battery died completely. Is there a possibility a low battery or wet ground would've caused the symptoms I described? The battery is on the charger now, if problem persists I'll just have to trailor it in to the shop in the morning.....frustrating!
Thanks to all who have commented.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
5th Gear
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 9
Likes: 1
From: Ft Wayne, IN
Spray some WD40 into the plug to help it dry, or Alcohol. Then air it down thoroughly. Make sure you get the back shell side of the connector. You might want to check the other connectors as well. Now the big issue, the ECM. Make that connection is clean and dry as well. There is a possibility the you may have "Hosed" it tho. Pun intended. ECMs are usually pretty robust but they have their limits. Check the seals on your connectors too. You can use some dielectric grease to help seal them up more. Any codes thrown? Good luck with the ECM.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,113
Likes: 666
IF the rubber rain umbrella was properly transferred from the stock ECM connector to the Power Commander ECM connector it is hard to believe water got into the ECM.
All too many times folks don't read the instructions and neglect to transfer the umbrella so the next time water is used to wash the bike OR is caught rain riding, the water will simply run down between the frame and right side cover right into the ECM.
That said, if the ECM is dried out (in the sun or 100deg oven) and NOT attempted to power it up prior to drying out, it will work again.
If it doesn't come back after complete dry out you will need to replace it as it was shorted during power-up.
Hope this helps,
Bob
All too many times folks don't read the instructions and neglect to transfer the umbrella so the next time water is used to wash the bike OR is caught rain riding, the water will simply run down between the frame and right side cover right into the ECM.
That said, if the ECM is dried out (in the sun or 100deg oven) and NOT attempted to power it up prior to drying out, it will work again.
If it doesn't come back after complete dry out you will need to replace it as it was shorted during power-up.
Hope this helps,
Bob
Thread Starter
|
5th Gear
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 9
Likes: 1
From: Ft Wayne, IN
IF the rubber rain umbrella was properly transferred from the stock ECM connector to the Power Commander ECM connector it is hard to believe water got into the ECM.
All too many times folks don't read the instructions and neglect to transfer the umbrella so the next time water is used to wash the bike OR is caught rain riding, the water will simply run down between the frame and right side cover right into the ECM.
That said, if the ECM is dried out (in the sun or 100deg oven) and NOT attempted to power it up prior to drying out, it will work again.
If it doesn't come back after complete dry out you will need to replace it as it was shorted during power-up.
Hope this helps,
Bob
All too many times folks don't read the instructions and neglect to transfer the umbrella so the next time water is used to wash the bike OR is caught rain riding, the water will simply run down between the frame and right side cover right into the ECM.
That said, if the ECM is dried out (in the sun or 100deg oven) and NOT attempted to power it up prior to drying out, it will work again.
If it doesn't come back after complete dry out you will need to replace it as it was shorted during power-up.
Hope this helps,
Bob
Thanks FLT, I've already dropped it off at the dealer to figure out. The rubber boot was NOT transferred, it didn't have one on it when I opened it up.
Does anyone know where the best place to buy an ECM would be? Is it okay to buy a used one? Is there a list of compatible ECM's between certain years/bikes that are compatible? Sorry for the bombardment of questions, I just want to save as much as possible.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
iamthenightrider
Ignition/Tuner/ECM/Fuel Injection
4
Sep 17, 2015 06:58 PM