'08 FLHTCU won't start after battery change
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 43
Likes: 2
'08 FLHTCU won't start after battery change
I've haven't ridden in a while due to knee surgery. Bike has been in the garage for a while and I'd start it up every few months. Kept it on a trickle charger, but eventually the battery wouldn't hold a charge. Picked up a new battery, put it in and charged it up and now I can't start the dang thing.
The security system seems normal (chirps when ignition is turned off or on). I can here the fuel pump priming, but the engine cranks and never turns over. I have a Vance and Hines Fuelpak on the bike. I'm thinking it's something electronic, like when I unplugged everything to put the battery in, maybe something didn't get plugged in again. The bike has never been hard to start.
Maybe injectors clogged from sitting? I have the service manual -- any ideas for where to start troubleshooting? Thanks!
The security system seems normal (chirps when ignition is turned off or on). I can here the fuel pump priming, but the engine cranks and never turns over. I have a Vance and Hines Fuelpak on the bike. I'm thinking it's something electronic, like when I unplugged everything to put the battery in, maybe something didn't get plugged in again. The bike has never been hard to start.
Maybe injectors clogged from sitting? I have the service manual -- any ideas for where to start troubleshooting? Thanks!
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,049
Likes: 264
From: Fresno Ca
Wont crank or wont start? If its cranking and there is fuel, does the exhaust have a strong gas smell? I would check all of the connections above the battery. Especially the ECM ( the big one). Then maybe all the fuses.
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 43
Likes: 2
Thanks - it cranks strong but doesn't start. I'm thinking it's the fuel pack. I believe with the cover off and the ignition on, I should see my map numbers the LEDs and it's dead. That would seem to indicate it's not telling the injection system anything. Maybe I left something unplugged when I changed the battery (or blew a fuse). It was a lot easier in the old days!
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 43
Likes: 2
Great idea - eliminate the fuel pack. Just tried that and no diff. Since the FP seems to have no power and eliminating it from the equation made no difference, I'm thinking I left something unconnected when I swapped out the battery. Unfortunately, this drama will have to wait until the morning as I'm late for a family function tonight.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,585
Likes: 673
From: Rolla
But if that switch wasn't in the "run" position, the engine wouldn't be cranking as the OP states.
Trending Topics
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 908
Likes: 96
From: Red Deer, AB
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Supporter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,788
Likes: 5,625
From: along the shore of Mishigami
For giggles and grins, follow the wiring down from the crank position sensor to the plug, check for a connection, if it's connected, disconnect it, clean the pins re-connect. Try starting again. The Sensor reads the notches on the flywheel and sends a trigger signal to the ECM to fire the plugs. Worth a shot. Make sure the main ECM plug is seated and locked. Check the ECM power fuse, check fuse panel or owners manual for location.
