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09 Ultra starting

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Old Jan 16, 2009 | 11:38 AM
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Question 09 Ultra starting

When starting my new 09 Ultra in the mornings it will start then stumble and die.When I
start it again it runs just fine.Its just that first start when the engine is cold.Has anyone
had this problem or know what might be wrong with it?Thanks
 
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Old Jan 16, 2009 | 11:51 AM
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Check for DTC's? If there is a problem then it should show up on the self-diagnostics. Off hand, I'd say it is probably just that the engine is cold and after you start it the first time, the injectors get enough gas in to start the second time around. Are you "goosing" the throttle like you would a carb bike while cranking? This will take it out of the warm up-enrichment table because the TPS is sending the ECM a "conflicting" message: when starting the EFI, leave the throttle alone. Are you waiting for the fuel pump to pressurize and the speedometer to make it's sweep (approx. 8 seconds after turning the key on) prior to hitting the start button? If "no" and "yes" to the above questions and no DTC's, next time you have it in for service, mention this problem: you may just be due for an upgrade (free) on the ECM.
 
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Old Jan 16, 2009 | 12:10 PM
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I've had this problem also. I called Harley customer service and believe it or not they were aware of the problem. They gave me a reference number and told me to call back in about a month and they should have a fix. I haven't called them back yet because the problem seemed to work itself out. It will start then go to a really low idle then catch itself and idle at the correct rpm. It only happens on the initial startup in the mornings, the rest of the day, no problem.
Gary D.
 
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Old Jan 16, 2009 | 12:13 PM
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Mine doesn't do this - I was wondering if you were giving the fuel injection enough time to prime before hitting the starter button?
 
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Old Jan 16, 2009 | 12:29 PM
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Definately not natural for an 09 to do this. Might be 'common', but it shouldn't be doing that. Not for a fuel injected motor. Good to see HD will have a fix for it.
 
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Old Jan 16, 2009 | 12:42 PM
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I dont touch the throttle and i wait for the little motor light to go out then i start it.
 
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Old Jan 16, 2009 | 01:07 PM
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Just got off the phone with customer service and they told me that they are still working on the solution. They said the fix will be a download with a new calibration. Should be available around spring time.
Sounds good to me I guess.
Gary D.
 
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Old Jan 16, 2009 | 04:28 PM
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My 09 has done this since Sept when I bought it. My dealer however has been trying to solve the issue by downloading another map into the ECM, changing the ECM with another one,also sending the ECM back to the factory for a new download, and last replaced the engine temp sensor in the front head just last week. It use to die 2-3 times per week however has only died once the past month even after all these changes. Seems like sitting overnite in warmer weather causes it more. Dealer also says the factory is working on another download. Also has had the fuel pressures checked and ok. Hope a cure comes soon.
Rex
 
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Old Jan 16, 2009 | 04:53 PM
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Got mine ('09 Ultra, stock) 21Nov08 and have had this happen twice. One morning at about 40F and this morning at about 18F. Runs good after the 2nd time.

Keith
 
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Old Jan 16, 2009 | 06:08 PM
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Mine has never done that. I do get a high idle when real cold out. That goes away pretty fast. Never had a stall when cold. I ride mine to work eveyday no problems at all with cold start
 
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