Limp Mode
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 415
From: Southern Maryland
Limp Mode
Took off Wednesday to ride down to Cherokee NC to ride the dragon and the Cherohala Skyway. About 50 miles from home, bike went into limp mode. Could not go faster than about 5 mph. Stopped at a gas station and called the closest dealer to come get me. They said they would check to see when they could come and call me back. While waiting, decided to try it again. Everything worked fine so called the dealer and told them I was on my way to them and if I broke down again, would call them. When I got to the dealer, they said they applied dielectric grease to TCA connectors. I drove another 1400 miles and never had a problem. So what is the TCA connector, and where is it? I am going on an 8K mile trip in a month, and don't want any problems like this to happen again. Should I replace something to ensure my mental stability??
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,275
Likes: 3
From: Arizona
I don't know what a TCA is but I had the same thing happen to my 2013 FLHX TWICE!
I was under warranty and the dealer fixed it and told me the wiring leading to my Fuel Injection had shorted out. They rewired it and its running fine.
As I mentioned this has happened twice and after the bike sits for a while it will start up and run good for a while. If this ever happens again look under your football air cleaner cover and try to find any bared wiring.
Hope this helps.
I was under warranty and the dealer fixed it and told me the wiring leading to my Fuel Injection had shorted out. They rewired it and its running fine.
As I mentioned this has happened twice and after the bike sits for a while it will start up and run good for a while. If this ever happens again look under your football air cleaner cover and try to find any bared wiring.
Hope this helps.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,018
Likes: 197
From: usa
Hey there...I had the same thing and think its pretty common.
I had a 09 Ultra Classic (great bike and nice memories!) and the only issue I had with the machine was bad gas and right after it was cleaned out my TCA connector went out. The pins were not connecting right and it would go into limp mode or die if I was making a turn.
Think its called the Throttle Connector Assembly but not too sure and if I remember right it was under the seat. I also remember being told this part can go bad and cause problems such as what we are talking about.
I know someone will come along soon and have a good answer.
All I can say is that I had 38k on the bike and never had another issue.
I had a 09 Ultra Classic (great bike and nice memories!) and the only issue I had with the machine was bad gas and right after it was cleaned out my TCA connector went out. The pins were not connecting right and it would go into limp mode or die if I was making a turn.
Think its called the Throttle Connector Assembly but not too sure and if I remember right it was under the seat. I also remember being told this part can go bad and cause problems such as what we are talking about.
I know someone will come along soon and have a good answer.
All I can say is that I had 38k on the bike and never had another issue.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 39
From: Everywhere
TCA Throttle Control Actuator. Behind air cleaner at roughly 8-9 o'clock position. Known problem with the pins fretting due to vibration and corroding. Unplug, clean and put dielectric grease is usual fix for near term. Most end up replacing the pins or entire assembly. Bike should have thrown a code(s).
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,138
Likes: 6,162
From: SE Michigan
I wouldnt over do it on the dielectric grease. I dont personally have experience with this problem, but I recall a post from someone expaining how he had over done it and caused more problems.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,520
Likes: 270
From: Wellsboro, PA
My 09 Classic started doing that at 15K miles. Pull over, shut it down, wait 10 seconds, fire it back up, and it could be fine for 2 weeks or it might do it again in 2 minutes. Turned out to be corrosion at the end of a wiring harness under the fairing. Got it replaced & it never did it again. At least you know you can shut down & it'll be OK when you fire it back up. Kinda made me nervous when I was in the passing lane though, wondering when it would do it again.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
From: dalton
Trending Topics
TCA Throttle Control Actuator. Behind air cleaner at roughly 8-9 o'clock position. Known problem with the pins fretting due to vibration and corroding. Unplug, clean and put dielectric grease is usual fix for near term. Most end up replacing the pins or entire assembly. Bike should have thrown a code(s).
You are dead on, sir.
Why do folks put up "information" if they don't have a clue?
Last edited by SafetyMan; May 11, 2015 at 08:55 PM.
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Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 49
Likes: 1
From: Broomfield, Colorado
TCA Throttle Control Actuator. Behind air cleaner at roughly 8-9 o'clock position. Known problem with the pins fretting due to vibration and corroding. Unplug, clean and put dielectric grease is usual fix for near term. Most end up replacing the pins or entire assembly. Bike should have thrown a code(s).
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 7,675
Likes: 8,401
From: Utah
Here is another good reason to buy a Service Manual.
There is a table in the back with Acronyms and Abbreviations. In the table you see TCA = Throttle Control Actuator, go to the index and it tells you page 4-22. On page 4-22 you see TCA is the Black plastic box on the left front side induction module, (what the air cleaner bolts to). It has the large connector and wire that lots of folks try to hide behind after market covers. Take a look at it and figure out how to disconnect it in case you ever have this problem.
A service manual will help you get more familiar with your bike and this is always a good thing.
Good luck
There is a table in the back with Acronyms and Abbreviations. In the table you see TCA = Throttle Control Actuator, go to the index and it tells you page 4-22. On page 4-22 you see TCA is the Black plastic box on the left front side induction module, (what the air cleaner bolts to). It has the large connector and wire that lots of folks try to hide behind after market covers. Take a look at it and figure out how to disconnect it in case you ever have this problem.
A service manual will help you get more familiar with your bike and this is always a good thing.
Good luck