No ignition...possible reasons
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Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
No ignition...possible reasons
Turns over but no ignition.
2001 stock EFI Fatboy.
Started as usual a week earlier.
Full fresh gas tank.
Brand new battery.
Starter healthily spins engine but no ignition.
Will chase and fix problem for a winter project.
Besides spark plugs, spark plug wires, coil...what and where else should I check?
Many thanks for all tips and comments.
2001 stock EFI Fatboy.
Started as usual a week earlier.
Full fresh gas tank.
Brand new battery.
Starter healthily spins engine but no ignition.
Will chase and fix problem for a winter project.
Besides spark plugs, spark plug wires, coil...what and where else should I check?
Many thanks for all tips and comments.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,016
Likes: 277
From: East Tn Foot of The Dragon
Turns over but no ignition.
2001 stock EFI Fatboy.
Started as usual a week earlier.
Full fresh gas tank.
Brand new battery.
Starter healthily spins engine but no ignition.
Will chase and fix problem for a winter project.
Besides spark plugs, spark plug wires, coil...what and where else should I check?
Many thanks for all tips and comments.
2001 stock EFI Fatboy.
Started as usual a week earlier.
Full fresh gas tank.
Brand new battery.
Starter healthily spins engine but no ignition.
Will chase and fix problem for a winter project.
Besides spark plugs, spark plug wires, coil...what and where else should I check?
Many thanks for all tips and comments.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 138
Likes: 2
From: Small Country
As the brother above suggested, let’s go about this methodically, just to make sure we are not missing something simple:
1.) Turn Ign. Switch ON – verify the Head Light is ON
2.) Turn RUN/Stop switch to RUN (if already in Run, then turn Stop-RUN) –listen to the Fuel Pump (that thing in the gas tank that makes a buzzing noise). Fuel pump should come ON for 3-4 seconds, then turn Off.
3.) Verify your fuel line is connected at the quick disconnect
4.) Verify your spark plugs are connected
5.) In the Fuse Box check the System Fuse, the Ignition Fuse and the Fuel Pump fuse.
6.) Check wiring to the CPS (crank position sensor – that thing sticking out at the front of the crankcase) – check if mice have chewed the wires up.
7.) Now hit the Start Button, then check for codes under the ECM.
Let us know what codes you are getting, or if any of the results from the above checks is not as expected.
Good luck!
1.) Turn Ign. Switch ON – verify the Head Light is ON
2.) Turn RUN/Stop switch to RUN (if already in Run, then turn Stop-RUN) –listen to the Fuel Pump (that thing in the gas tank that makes a buzzing noise). Fuel pump should come ON for 3-4 seconds, then turn Off.
3.) Verify your fuel line is connected at the quick disconnect
4.) Verify your spark plugs are connected
5.) In the Fuse Box check the System Fuse, the Ignition Fuse and the Fuel Pump fuse.
6.) Check wiring to the CPS (crank position sensor – that thing sticking out at the front of the crankcase) – check if mice have chewed the wires up.
7.) Now hit the Start Button, then check for codes under the ECM.
Let us know what codes you are getting, or if any of the results from the above checks is not as expected.
Good luck!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,395
Likes: 153
From: Utah
Geeze... does a 2001 Fat Boy have an ECM? When did HD start using ECM's? (IOW, how far do you have to go back to get to the 'good ol' shadetree days?). If so, do they get error codes?
Your run/start switch could be faulty. If necessary, you can take it off the handle bars and bypass it with a wire that has alligator clips on each end.
You also can check your fuses if you have an ECM. If the ECM isn't working I >think< you could have the same results... but I'm not that knowledgeable on the older TC's (obviously). I would doubt that the starter circuit runs through the ECM, though.
C#
Your run/start switch could be faulty. If necessary, you can take it off the handle bars and bypass it with a wire that has alligator clips on each end.
You also can check your fuses if you have an ECM. If the ECM isn't working I >think< you could have the same results... but I'm not that knowledgeable on the older TC's (obviously). I would doubt that the starter circuit runs through the ECM, though.
C#
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 138
Likes: 2
From: Small Country
Geeze... does a 2001 Fat Boy have an ECM? When did HD start using ECM's? (IOW, how far do you have to go back to get to the 'good ol' shadetree days?). If so, do they get error codes?
Your run/start switch could be faulty. If necessary, you can take it off the handle bars and bypass it with a wire that has alligator clips on each end.
You also can check your fuses if you have an ECM. If the ECM isn't working I >think< you could have the same results... but I'm not that knowledgeable on the older TC's (obviously). I would doubt that the starter circuit runs through the ECM, though.
C#
Your run/start switch could be faulty. If necessary, you can take it off the handle bars and bypass it with a wire that has alligator clips on each end.
You also can check your fuses if you have an ECM. If the ECM isn't working I >think< you could have the same results... but I'm not that knowledgeable on the older TC's (obviously). I would doubt that the starter circuit runs through the ECM, though.
C#
If the RUN/Stop switch was faulty then the guy wouldn't be able to crank the starter. Power to the starter relay is comming through the following path:
- Battery
- Main Fuse
- Ignition Switch
- Ignition Fuse
- Run/Stop Switch
- Start Button
- Starter Relay
- Starter Solenoid
If at any point in the above path the line was open starter can not be activated.
On bikes build before 2003 the error codes of the ECM were read by conting the number of flashes of the Engine Light.
On later vehicles the codes can be read directly as numbers in the ODO display.
Last edited by Aborigen2; Dec 13, 2011 at 09:55 AM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,395
Likes: 153
From: Utah
Ok. Thanks. I don't necessarily view an electronic ignition as an ECM. Are you mixing the two or was there really a 'computer' 20 years ago? Yeah, Roger on the starter not turning with the run/stop switch off... duh... my bad. Not enough coffee...
C#
C#
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 932
Likes: 14
From: CENTRAL IL
it does have ecm and will throw codes.
just had same issues with a 2000 ultra , there is a relay for the ignition and fuel pump that was bad , engine would turn over but no fuel pump and no ignition spark. on the ultra it was next to the battery on the right side , not sure on your . 8 bucks to replace
just had same issues with a 2000 ultra , there is a relay for the ignition and fuel pump that was bad , engine would turn over but no fuel pump and no ignition spark. on the ultra it was next to the battery on the right side , not sure on your . 8 bucks to replace
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 138
Likes: 2
From: Small Country
Yep, sure, there were plenty of computers 20 years ago, regardless that the Nintendo generation likes to think that the world began with the invention of the iPhone. J)
The guy said he had an EFI bike. EFI stands for Electronic Fuel Injection. Since 1980-s this is done by using microprocessors, or computers the way some like to think of it. J)
Put some brandy in the coffee - works better, I know it from personal experience.
)
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 138
Likes: 2
From: Small Country
it does have ecm and will throw codes.
just had same issues with a 2000 ultra , there is a relay for the ignition and fuel pump that was bad , engine would turn over but no fuel pump and no ignition spark. on the ultra it was next to the battery on the right side , not sure on your . 8 bucks to replace
just had same issues with a 2000 ultra , there is a relay for the ignition and fuel pump that was bad , engine would turn over but no fuel pump and no ignition spark. on the ultra it was next to the battery on the right side , not sure on your . 8 bucks to replace
So, if you turn Ignition ON and cycle Run/Stop switch and you dont hear the fuel pump buzzing then the relay is a good candidate.