Won't start...
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Won't start...
I'm pretty sure I'm faced with an electrical issue right now. 2003 883 sportster, stock. I'm not getting spark (at least I hope thats the only problem) and I'm still kind of new to diagnosing issues that way... I've got my bike at a friends place semi torn down and we're looking at checking everything out with the meter. the coil is good as far as we can tell, the plugs are good, the plug wires are good and we have yet to test the ignition module. Anybody had this problem before? I've read some starting issues are related to a "VOES switch" but I'm under the impression that usually relates to it not creating vaccum and bringing in fuel (correce me if I'm wrong) but if I have no spark that leads me to believe that it is something like the ign. module. I don't have money to throw at it and it is essentially my only reliable mode of transport and I have to try and have it going by the weekend. Any help would be awesome. I've got all day tomorrow to figure it out. THanks for anything
~EBS
~EBS
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 213
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From: The Suncoast (FLA)
I presume the bike turns over but doesn't fire. Otherwise start with the battery. Check the connections regularly because they loosen up and your bike will run spotty.
Don't know what year you have, but verifying fuses is early on the electrical problem list.
Verify your plugs are good. Plug them into a wire and hold the threaded part to a ground such as the head bolt. Use something insulated the wire can bite.
Check the connector going into the coil. If you have a Volt-Ohm meter, try the low voltage connections and see if your spark is making it that far. If so, check the coil.
I don't think the VOES will keep it from sparking. It retards the timing until the motor begins to run to make starting easier.
Generally inspect all the wiring coming and going from your ignition module.
Good luck. Come back with more facts when you get them.
Don't know what year you have, but verifying fuses is early on the electrical problem list.
Verify your plugs are good. Plug them into a wire and hold the threaded part to a ground such as the head bolt. Use something insulated the wire can bite.
Check the connector going into the coil. If you have a Volt-Ohm meter, try the low voltage connections and see if your spark is making it that far. If so, check the coil.
I don't think the VOES will keep it from sparking. It retards the timing until the motor begins to run to make starting easier.
Generally inspect all the wiring coming and going from your ignition module.
Good luck. Come back with more facts when you get them.
Last edited by Sundog; Oct 11, 2008 at 10:44 PM.
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Sorry guys. Thr battery is good, the coil is good and it will start almost every time cold, but after its at all warm, it wil die. Its a 2003 and thr plugs are good. It must be either a connection or a component I've yet to test.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 213
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From: The Suncoast (FLA)
Are you sure about the coil? I believe I have seen threads in here about M/Cs dying after warming or when they get a few miles down the road that ended up being bad coils. Do a thread search.
Good luck. Maybe somebody can be more definative.
Good luck. Maybe somebody can be more definative.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,387
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From: Saint George, Utah
If it starts cold and shuts down warm, it could be the vent isn't working in the gas cap. Take the cap off and leave it running for a while, always start with the simplest first, then move to the big ****.
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Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Wheeling, WV
Well, it could be a number of things if it's shutting down once warmed up.....Coil, VOES, etc. As stated, start with the simple stuff like checking the vacuum hoses for leakage/dry-rought, loose connections, etc.
Check that 90* connection on the coil & make sure it's nice & tight. I, and I think, Booey recently had an issue with that little connection.....That bad connection will give no spark, and kills the bike, and it heats up slightly due to the current going through it causing the metal slide on connector to expand.
Check that 90* connection on the coil & make sure it's nice & tight. I, and I think, Booey recently had an issue with that little connection.....That bad connection will give no spark, and kills the bike, and it heats up slightly due to the current going through it causing the metal slide on connector to expand.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Bluffton, South Carolina
If irt shuts off and has no spark when it gets warm try cooling off the coil and ignition moudule. The sell aerosol cans that will chill things at electronic stores. If you cant find them then do the opposite. When the engine is cold heat up the ignition module and the coil with a hair dryer and see if it starts. Oh yes do them one at a time, which ever you heat up and the engine won't start then you have the culprit. Do this after you have checked all tyhe wiring and grounds. A bad VOES wil not keep it from having spark. Hope this helps
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