Need Help
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1st Gear
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
Need Help
I'm new to this type of forum but I am needing some help. i have a 2008 Ultra Classic that I have had in the shop a number of time. I have been experiencing trouble with my bike randomly cutting out, dying all together like I ran out of gas, idle speed going up to 3000RPM or sometimes going to 1500 RPM like it was in limp mode, when trying to give it throttle it would just die. Never throws a code. Have replaced the throttle control, plugs, fuel filter, plug wires, pulled off every connection and cleaned. Did not want to drop any more money into to it unless I know what the problem is. Anyone else have this problem or have any advice? I would really appreciate any help.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 28,552
Likes: 3,954
From: Vermont
When you say cleaned every connection, did you clean the throttle plug by/behind the air cleaner and check the pins for fretting? When was the last time the fuel filter housing was checked for the tabs cracking?
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,430
Likes: 55
From: Florida
Welcome, One thing you can try jiggling the wires between the fuel tank and fairing, When running, And see what happens. Right where the Zip Tie can pinch too tight when turning the bars left/right. If your RPM's jump up/down like crazy you'll need to pull the tank off and peel back the casing and feel each wire for breakage inside the insulation. You have to "feel" the wires if theres a broken one you'll know it when you feel it. After that it''s simply splicing in a few inches of wire. Staggered so they don't all bunch up together in a big bulge. (Learned that the hard way, Dealer replaced everything they could and finally got help here. The Dealers service guy says "Don't believe everything you read on the internet lol.Well Guess what it was. Yep)(One more edit. It's all documented here in the archives)
Last edited by Smokey Stover; Sep 20, 2016 at 06:33 PM.
Thread Starter
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1st Gear
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
Yes, checked all connections on or around the throttle body. The dealer said thats what they did as well. I personally have not checked the wires one by one where they come from the front but both dealers I have taken her to said that was the first thing they checked. They also replaced the ignition switch as a hail Mary move. Not sure what you are saying about the tabs cracking. They changed the fuel filter but I don't know if they would have checked what you are talking about. I will give it and see if you think it will help. Thanks.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 577
Likes: 20
From: Reno
Sounds like everything has been swapped out by the dealer.
I'm going to ask you a question... and I'm not being a smart A.
Did you change out/replace the seat from stock? Reason being, I bought an HD Saddle and there was a tab on the underbelly which would make contact with the wiring loom right at the ECM and my whip was cutting out. Wouldn't do it all the time... but that direct contact was enough to cause codes to present themselves and actually put me into limp mode a few times.
As an "assurance" I did take my dremel and cut away any portion which could make contact with the loom and I also put a zip tie on the ECM right at the bottom (there is a loop on either side of the ECM) and I zip tied it such that it couldn't move around even a little.
Just an idea worth exploring.
I'm going to ask you a question... and I'm not being a smart A.
Did you change out/replace the seat from stock? Reason being, I bought an HD Saddle and there was a tab on the underbelly which would make contact with the wiring loom right at the ECM and my whip was cutting out. Wouldn't do it all the time... but that direct contact was enough to cause codes to present themselves and actually put me into limp mode a few times.
As an "assurance" I did take my dremel and cut away any portion which could make contact with the loom and I also put a zip tie on the ECM right at the bottom (there is a loop on either side of the ECM) and I zip tied it such that it couldn't move around even a little.
Just an idea worth exploring.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,887
Likes: 1,059
From: SE Washington
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1st Gear
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 5
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From: Indiana
Already changed the Throttle position sensor. Going to look into that seat theory. Did get a new seat a year ago maybe it took a while to wear through. Thanks for the suggestions. I will update on any findings.
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,169
Likes: 9
From: Southern Illinois
My 01 does the same thing since replacing ECM and throttle body. I had a break in the Barometric Pressure Sensor plug I took care of and thought that fixed it, but now wonder if I may be having a problem with reversion from the Cobra mufflers and the HPI 51mm Throttle.
Last edited by Bodean46; Sep 22, 2016 at 02:44 PM.
Thread Starter
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1st Gear
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
Had a new symptom today. While coming to a stop sign I had the clutch pulled in and it died without any hesitation. Popped the clutch to restart and RPM went to 3000RPM. When I tried to give it any throttle it would just cut out. Eventually died again so I pulled over, turned off the ignition, restarted and took of fine again for a bit. Seems that if I baby the throttle very lightly it will be OK but if I twist too fast it hesitates then takes off. Also during all of this still threw no code. Any ideas?