Used 883 fuel light/sensor problems.
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Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 53
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From: Brooklyn
Used 883 fuel light/sensor problems.
Hello yall,
I am new to the Harley community (this is my first post). I recently purchased a used 883 with 27000 miles on it, and it came with a bunch of upgrades, including a performance air filter, fuel pack, the 1200cc engine upgrade. Unfortunately, without going into the whole story, I never got any of the service records or manuals (yes, I do have the title). I am still learning the bike, but I noticed that when the fuel is running low the fuel light goes on for a few minutes and then it goes away. The first time this happened, I filled up the tank right away thinking I was low on fuel. The next time the light went on and off, I thought maybe it had to with bike leaning while parked and affected the sensor, and that I still had fuel. However, as I rode a few more miles the the engine started jerking, knowing right away I was running out of fuel and filled it up right away. Is this typical for the sensor to o oh turn on for a few minutes, or is the fuel light supposed to remain on until you refill the tank? Additionally, is it typical for my bike to only get 15 miles to the gallon with 1200 cc engine upgrade?
I am new to the Harley community (this is my first post). I recently purchased a used 883 with 27000 miles on it, and it came with a bunch of upgrades, including a performance air filter, fuel pack, the 1200cc engine upgrade. Unfortunately, without going into the whole story, I never got any of the service records or manuals (yes, I do have the title). I am still learning the bike, but I noticed that when the fuel is running low the fuel light goes on for a few minutes and then it goes away. The first time this happened, I filled up the tank right away thinking I was low on fuel. The next time the light went on and off, I thought maybe it had to with bike leaning while parked and affected the sensor, and that I still had fuel. However, as I rode a few more miles the the engine started jerking, knowing right away I was running out of fuel and filled it up right away. Is this typical for the sensor to o oh turn on for a few minutes, or is the fuel light supposed to remain on until you refill the tank? Additionally, is it typical for my bike to only get 15 miles to the gallon with 1200 cc engine upgrade?
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,649
Likes: 443
From: Indianapolis
What year is your bike?
Have you checked for Diagnostic Trouble codes?
To check for DTCs - follow the instructions in the Sticky at the top of this forum titled
"Sticky UPDATED - How To: Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's)"
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/sport...des-dtc-s.html
The DTCs may help with the trouble shooting steps.
If the light comes on and then turns off without filling with gas, you may have a problem with the Fuel sender resistor assembly.
You can download the electrical diagrams from https://serviceinfo.harley-davidson....cle/lookupForm
Either enter your VIN or use the search at the top right and enter your year / model.
I have averaged 52 mpg on my 1200 EFI Sportster this year.
How are you calculating your MPG?
Have you checked for Diagnostic Trouble codes?
To check for DTCs - follow the instructions in the Sticky at the top of this forum titled
"Sticky UPDATED - How To: Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's)"
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/sport...des-dtc-s.html
The DTCs may help with the trouble shooting steps.
If the light comes on and then turns off without filling with gas, you may have a problem with the Fuel sender resistor assembly.
You can download the electrical diagrams from https://serviceinfo.harley-davidson....cle/lookupForm
Either enter your VIN or use the search at the top right and enter your year / model.
I have averaged 52 mpg on my 1200 EFI Sportster this year.
How are you calculating your MPG?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 25,310
Likes: 2,446
From: Eastern NE
What year Sportster? How much fuel are you adding when this light goes on/off? How is the bike running?
Yes, 12-mpg's is horseshit mileage...for any HD. She's either dumping fuel, or running uber rich.
Yes, 12-mpg's is horseshit mileage...for any HD. She's either dumping fuel, or running uber rich.
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Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 53
Likes: 5
From: Brooklyn
Thx for the responses!
The bike is a 2013 Iron XL883N with the 1200cc upgrade. After purchasing it, I brought it in for a full tune up at my local shop, so I don’t have a lot of experience to compare it to. It currently runs well, but I did mention the poor gas mileage to the shop the last time I was there, and the michanic said that with me doing 100% city driving, engine/air filter upgrade it is normal to get between 15-20 on avg.
The bike is a 2013 Iron XL883N with the 1200cc upgrade. After purchasing it, I brought it in for a full tune up at my local shop, so I don’t have a lot of experience to compare it to. It currently runs well, but I did mention the poor gas mileage to the shop the last time I was there, and the michanic said that with me doing 100% city driving, engine/air filter upgrade it is normal to get between 15-20 on avg.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 188
Likes: 29
From: Idaho
15-20 mpg city? Are you sure that's what your mechanic said? If yes, I'd find another mechanic.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 1,609
Likes: 694
From: over the mountain
45 to 50 is normal for a 1250 tuned and ridden correctly. Are you winding it up every time you take off. Make sure its not tuned too rich.
Also a 1250 does not use flat top pistons and has a higher compression ratio. Don't know what else to tell you.
Also a 1250 does not use flat top pistons and has a higher compression ratio. Don't know what else to tell you.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
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From:
Is it the original factory tank?
Is the tank lifted at the front???
A tank that is lifted will alter fuel reading.
How much gas are you putting in the tank when light turns ON?
Factory tank is 3.3 gallons.
Is the tank lifted at the front???
A tank that is lifted will alter fuel reading.
How much gas are you putting in the tank when light turns ON?
Factory tank is 3.3 gallons.
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Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 53
Likes: 5
From: Brooklyn
I believe it is the factory tank and it is not lifted. I usually manage to put in between 2.5- 2.8 gallons when the tank is fully empty. I have been using the Fuelly app to measure my gas mileage.