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Charging system has nothing to do with spark . If battery turning over good, probably ok. But doesn't hurt to put on charger.
You can check voltage to coil. Crank sensor is input to coil, AC in put
Leave plugs in, and just put a good plug on wire. I am not sure your year, but some years care but some years need compression to fire.
I am not sure you can pull codes from dash on 2004 delphi fuel injection. Does check engine light stay on or come back on?
Some times you can find old service and electric manuals cheap on eBay. You need service manual to own this bike in my opinion
The 2004 is the first year for reading the codes on the odometer on a Softail. His is a 2003.
I never did find a YouTube on jumping the connector on it to past here. Someone needs to step up. However, then your going to need a list.
My 1993 YJ jeep signals it with key on and off sequence. And there only 30 codes. Crude. It has the same IAC as a Harley. And a vacuum controlled fuel rail to control fuel pressure for it's FI system.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Aug 2, 2025 at 09:28 AM.
Thanks Jackie really appreciate your help. I'm a semi-retired HVAC tech so I have been getting so many calls tor work its nuts.I will check those codes and definitely get back to you in a day or two. Thanks again!
Holy .... 186 manuals whew. Thanks for your help Pete I will let you know when I can get time to work on bike. Retired 4 years ago and I am getting more work since I left. HVAC and refrigeration, so the work never stops. Its tough to turn down cash! Thanks again
I have read codes on 2001 by putting jumper on data link pins. Record it. It comes fast. But withoyt a manual it is tough
I don't know how to do a 2004. But earlier years you can check to see if voltage on center pin at coil. There should be a similar procedure for his year,but I don't know the pins.
If I was going to throw parts at cause I had more money than skill, I would replace coil and cpk. Nothing else they are over 20 years old.
Harley electric manual will have steps and flow chart.
Unfortunately, I did not see the manual you will need most on that Low Brow Customs free .pdf page. Maybe I missed it, but I didn't see it in their group of manuals.
You will need to get a 2003 Harley-Davidson Softail Models Electrical Diagnostic Manual, P/N 99498-03.
I have one and the EFI Engine Management, sections 5.1 through 5.33 is 116 pages, but it is a wealth of information.
It is available from a dealer for $193.17 (Wow, they have gone up! Last Time I checked they were $149.95)
Or, you could get one on eBay. They have used ones in good condition for under $100.
To get you started, you need to first decide if you have any DTC (diagnostic trouble codes) in the ECM.
Here is how to tell if you have any trouble codes to retrieve, it is section 5.4 Checking For Trouble Codes: EFI
I will guess that you don't own (or have access to) an HD Scanalyzer tool, cartridges, or cable that was made by Kent-Moore for HD dealerships, or a delaership Digital Technician computer. If you believe you have codes to retrieve, without the scanalyzer or Digital Technician, you will need to follow Section 5.6, Check Engine Lamp Diagnostics: EFI. (posted it below.)
I try hard to be a helpful member on this forum, but I will apologize in advance. I will not be posting the other 112 pages in that section of the 2003 Electrical Diagnostic Manual.
If you have and retrieve any codes, you can post them up. Someone will try to point you in the proper direction. If I see it, and can find anything in the manual specific to your codes, I will try to post them up for you.
Your repair will go faster, and you'll be much more self sufficient, if you buy an HD 2003 Softail Service Manual (P/N 99482-03) and the HD 2003 Softail Electrical Diagnostic Manual.
Please report back what you find and fix to get your bike back on the road.
Good luck with your repairs.
Last edited by hattitude; Aug 3, 2025 at 09:14 PM.
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