2000 Fatboy Crank Sensor
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1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 5
Likes: 1
From: Santa Rosa CA
2000 Fatboy Crank Sensor
My 2000 FLSTF Fatboy won't start any more. I thought maybe the battery was old and weak and replaced it. Still won't start. Checked for spark and not getting any.
Took off the ignition coil and had the dealer check it - it's fine. They recommended replacing the crank position sensor, so I bought one. The replacement is about 22 inches long and ends with a 2-pin connector. As far as I can trace, the one on the bike routes over to a wiring harness that runs under the right side of the bike along the frame, with no apparent connector.
Since this is apparently a common part to fail and there are lots of forum comments on replacing it, I'm frustrated that it's not clear how to do so for this particular model. Does anyone have specific knowledge on the part design and replacement method for this specific model bike?
Took off the ignition coil and had the dealer check it - it's fine. They recommended replacing the crank position sensor, so I bought one. The replacement is about 22 inches long and ends with a 2-pin connector. As far as I can trace, the one on the bike routes over to a wiring harness that runs under the right side of the bike along the frame, with no apparent connector.
Since this is apparently a common part to fail and there are lots of forum comments on replacing it, I'm frustrated that it's not clear how to do so for this particular model. Does anyone have specific knowledge on the part design and replacement method for this specific model bike?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,144
Likes: 11,219
From: San Diego, CA
My 2000 FLSTF Fatboy won't start any more. I thought maybe the battery was old and weak and replaced it. Still won't start. Checked for spark and not getting any.
Took off the ignition coil and had the dealer check it - it's fine. They recommended replacing the crank position sensor, so I bought one. The replacement is about 22 inches long and ends with a 2-pin connector. As far as I can trace, the one on the bike routes over to a wiring harness that runs under the right side of the bike along the frame, with no apparent connector.
Since this is apparently a common part to fail and there are lots of forum comments on replacing it, I'm frustrated that it's not clear how to do so for this particular model. Does anyone have specific knowledge on the part design and replacement method for this specific model bike?
Took off the ignition coil and had the dealer check it - it's fine. They recommended replacing the crank position sensor, so I bought one. The replacement is about 22 inches long and ends with a 2-pin connector. As far as I can trace, the one on the bike routes over to a wiring harness that runs under the right side of the bike along the frame, with no apparent connector.
Since this is apparently a common part to fail and there are lots of forum comments on replacing it, I'm frustrated that it's not clear how to do so for this particular model. Does anyone have specific knowledge on the part design and replacement method for this specific model bike?
Too bad the dealership didn't tell you how to check your CPS to make sure it's bad, before selling you a new one, but hey, they are in the business to make $$$
Might be time to get yourself an HD Service Manual for your bike... saves you both time and money...
Anyways, 22" for the pigtail connector on the CPS sounds to be a little long to me, however......
I replaced one on a Twin Cam Softail many years ago. As I remember, the CPS connector to the wire harness is directly behind the voltage regulator bracket at the front of the bike, between the frame down tubes. There are two connectors back there, and the CPS was behind (actually above) the other connector. The wire harness then goes back to the ECM/ICM from the behind the voltage regulator bracket... I seem to remember pulling the voltage regulator bracket just to have the room to easily connect the CPS...
I just checked both my 2001 and 2003 HD Softail Service Manuals. For CPS installation (section 8.8), both said to instal the CPS and then connect it to the wire harness plug behind the voltage regulator..
So both service manuals reinforce my poor memory...
Good luck with the repair...
Thread Starter
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1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 5
Likes: 1
From: Santa Rosa CA
Thanks!
Thanks for the quick reply! I got the service manual for 2000-2005 softails and it definitely says the connection is behind the voltage regulator. But, on this 2000 Fatboy, I unscrewed the CPS from the engine and the cord definitely runs under the engine over the right side and goes into a wiring harness with the wiring coming from the camshaft position sensor. Any other thoughts?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,144
Likes: 11,219
From: San Diego, CA
Thanks for the quick reply! I got the service manual for 2000-2005 softails and it definitely says the connection is behind the voltage regulator. But, on this 2000 Fatboy, I unscrewed the CPS from the engine and the cord definitely runs under the engine over the right side and goes into a wiring harness with the wiring coming from the camshaft position sensor. Any other thoughts?
Interesting.... with a bike that old, and the way some people patch up these bikes, it's hard to tell if your 2000 is in OEM condition, as far as the CPS goes...
If you follow the CPS wire currently on your bike, the approximate length of the pigtail on the new CPS, does it look like the wires could have been spliced, in lieu of a bad connector...?
That's all I can think of, sounds like you are flying blind on this one...
You may have no choice but to follow the wires to their end, or add a connector/splice where the pigtail on the new CPS ends along the way...
Let us know how this ends up...
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,114
Likes: 28
From: Kokomo, IN
Is that the one that is by the oil filter? If so, I remember mine had the plug under the frame behind the right side floorboard. I had to undo the wrapping on the harness to expose it. Follow it under the frame. I can go out and take a look if you need confirmation.
Thread Starter
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1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 5
Likes: 1
From: Santa Rosa CA
understood
I bought the bike new in 1999, so I know no weird mods were made. So now, just really trying to understand the part number and physical routing for the wiring from the CPS.
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,114
Likes: 28
From: Kokomo, IN
It connects next to the frame behind the rear master cylinder. You need to undo the sheathing around it.
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Thread Starter
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1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 5
Likes: 1
From: Santa Rosa CA
Ok, I finally figured out how to get the harness down from the frame. I had to cut the protective sheath to replace the sensor and the connector was right where you said. Replaced it with the new one I got at the dealer and the bike fired right up!!!! Thanks a million!!!!!