I need help. 2003 Heritage Softail
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 14
Likes: 1
From: Oklahoma
I need help. 2003 Heritage Softail
Ok, so I am completely new to HD. I've ridden dirt bikes all my life, and have finally bought my first cruiser. I LOVE IT.
I ride a 2003 Heritage Softail 100th anniversary. Fuel Injected. 6500 Miles
So here is my problem. I've had the bike a few weeks, put about 1000 miles on it back and forth to work, and weekend rides.
So last night, I am headed home from work, and it starts cutting out, and backfiring. So I pull over, and it starts right back up. It does this a couple more times on the way home, but I made it home. I checked the bike over last night, tightened battery cables, checked fluids, and done the simple things I knew to do. So this morning i get back on the bike headed to work, and it is still doing the same thing. So I made it about a mile from the house, and it will not start back up. So I pushed it back home, and I have no idea what to do now. HELP!!
I ride a 2003 Heritage Softail 100th anniversary. Fuel Injected. 6500 Miles
So here is my problem. I've had the bike a few weeks, put about 1000 miles on it back and forth to work, and weekend rides.
So last night, I am headed home from work, and it starts cutting out, and backfiring. So I pull over, and it starts right back up. It does this a couple more times on the way home, but I made it home. I checked the bike over last night, tightened battery cables, checked fluids, and done the simple things I knew to do. So this morning i get back on the bike headed to work, and it is still doing the same thing. So I made it about a mile from the house, and it will not start back up. So I pushed it back home, and I have no idea what to do now. HELP!!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,400
Likes: 284
From: Fort Worth, TX
You have one or two things going on. Check your fuel pressure regulator housing, they tend to break and cause the symptoms you are experiencing. The other common issue is a pinhole in one of the internal fuel lines in the tank. I know you only have 6500 miles on the bike, but if you do go in the tank to check this stuff out you might want to replace the fuel filter too...
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 14
Likes: 1
From: Oklahoma
Ok. Thank you so much. I'm not sure if i'm comfortable doing these things, how difficult are these tasks? Is it more cost worthy to take it to HD and let them do it, or with basic mechanical skills could i do these?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,181
Likes: 488
From: Central California
The fuel tank service that dfwhockey refers to is fairly basic, but a bit "fiddly". There are you tube videos. Patience is the key, and there is a risk of breaking one of the plastic pieces if you manhandle it. Buy the filter and special hoses, and use fuel injection hose clamps. Once it's done, you're good for a long time.
Another thing is although the bike only has 6500 miles, it's still a fourteen year old bike. The ignition switch losing contact is a known issue. I had this happen with a '02 Sportster. I bought it '14 with 1500 miles. Had to replace the ignition switch because of intermittent loss of contact. Since you'd have the tank console off anyway to the filter and hose thing, the ignition switch is right there and very easy to change.
Another thing is although the bike only has 6500 miles, it's still a fourteen year old bike. The ignition switch losing contact is a known issue. I had this happen with a '02 Sportster. I bought it '14 with 1500 miles. Had to replace the ignition switch because of intermittent loss of contact. Since you'd have the tank console off anyway to the filter and hose thing, the ignition switch is right there and very easy to change.
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 14
Likes: 1
From: Oklahoma
The fuel tank service that dfwhockey refers to is fairly basic, but a bit "fiddly". There are you tube videos. Patience is the key, and there is a risk of breaking one of the plastic pieces if you manhandle it. Buy the filter and special hoses, and use fuel injection hose clamps. Once it's done, you're good for a long time.
Another thing is although the bike only has 6500 miles, it's still a fourteen year old bike. The ignition switch losing contact is a known issue. I had this happen with a '02 Sportster. I bought it '14 with 1500 miles. Had to replace the ignition switch because of intermittent loss of contact. Since you'd have the tank console off anyway to the filter and hose thing, the ignition switch is right there and very easy to change.
Another thing is although the bike only has 6500 miles, it's still a fourteen year old bike. The ignition switch losing contact is a known issue. I had this happen with a '02 Sportster. I bought it '14 with 1500 miles. Had to replace the ignition switch because of intermittent loss of contact. Since you'd have the tank console off anyway to the filter and hose thing, the ignition switch is right there and very easy to change.
Thanks again!
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,072
Likes: 212
From: Alabama
If you're expecting to fix things yourself, better get a service manual for the bike. I recommend getting a searchable pdf electronic copy instead of a hardback.
For me, it's been invaluable on a tablet while also being able to pull up videos for a lot of the procedures while in the garage.
It's also come in extremely useful being able to pull it up on the phone while on the road.
For me, it's been invaluable on a tablet while also being able to pull up videos for a lot of the procedures while in the garage.
It's also come in extremely useful being able to pull it up on the phone while on the road.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,255
Likes: 112
From: Florida
If its EFI I'd put my money on the fuel line inside the tank or the pressure regulator also inside the tank. Had the exact same problem on my 02 Fatboy. And, like someone said, you might want to replace the filter while you're at it.