First bike ever with EFI, however, I understand how it works. I have done my own work on bikes my whole life, however, I am stumped at this point.

My 2007 Ultra has a "rough idle". I can feel a "miss" every few strokes of the engine at idle (only). My tach fluctuates between 850 - 1050 RPM when stopped. I took it to a dealership when it was under warranty and was told they couldn't find anything (no codes were thrown), so they adjust to idle up to 1150 RPM...idiotic...so, now, it fluctuates between 850 and 1150 RPM.

Took it back, they replaced the IAC, TPS and it did not fix it. So much for easter egging and I said, forget it (the bike is now out of warranty). I noticed that after sitting in hot weather in stop and go traffic that after a while....the idle smooths out with no fluctuation or miss....hmmmmm....so, I replaced the Engine Temp Sensor that is in the front cylinder head. Nope....didn't do it.

I checked for leaks around the intake manifold. I checked every connector and using my handy dandy stethoscope, checked to see if a lifter was making noise (not pumping up enough). The entire engine sounds great. No unusual noises anywhere (heads, cylinders, primary, lifters, rockers, etc).

I can continue replacing sensors (air temp, crank sensor, etc) or ask if anyone here has ever had the same problem and what they did. Again...after idling for a good period in the heat...it smooths out but will come back after riding and the engine cooling some...I was so hoping it was the engine temp sensor.

If this belongs in another spot on this forum, feel free to let me know.

Thanks.

 

I had a similar problem on my '07 Ultra after a 103 Stage II build. Mine would idle up to 1850 RPM and drop to 850 RPM erratically. Rough idle. Some times it would seem okay, other not. At first, mine didn't throw any codes, then the erratic idle got worse and it started throwing a code.

How long has this been going on, since '07?

This happened right after my build. Wthin 1,000 miles. It was still under warranty, so I went back to the dealer on this one. Normally, I also like to do my own work (long story about the build, not worth going in to here). Dealer checked for manifold leaks, replaced sensors, nothing. Still threw code. Dealer I used, I consider to be pretty good as far as dealers go. Dealer was really getting frustrated after spending the better part of a day replacing seals and sensors. They actually came to me an apologized because they couldn't find the problem. According to them, problem turned out to be the set screws on the end of the throttle and idle cables. Had come loose. That was over 6,000 miles ago. No problems since.

I'm not saying this is your problem, but worth checking out. Just trying to help. I'm sure others will give ideas to check as well.

 

I am used to being wrong on this type of thing but if the dealer worked on it while still under warranty and were unable to fix the problem are they not obligated to continue working until it is fixed? If not I think I would be contacting the BBB before I spent another dime.

 

I'll check out the screw. Didn't think about that. Thanks!

 

I think you are right. However, I just don't trust the local dealership's service department. I made the decision to not go back to them. It bothers me, but the bike is not really affected (nor the ride). I am pretty darn sure it is not mechanical. So....don't think it will turn into a big problem. BUT....I like things to work properly. The thing that bothers me is that in high heat situations (where the engine is idling and not moving in traffic) the problem goes away. I get a nice smooth idle and no missing.
Get back to operating normal and...it's back.

Well, I have a couple of more things to check out. I might end up going to the local INDY and letting him figure it out. I trust him much, much more. But....d*mn....I hate things that kick my b*tt....thanks!

 

SNN711, this might help:


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My 07 Dyna had a similar problem. When I would pull off the highway after a run, the bike would idle high and rough. After a minute or two sitting at a light it would settle down to a normal idle. My dealer found a bulletin for a flash upgrade to the ECM and it fixed the problem.

 

Everyone thanks for the replies. Looked at the throttle screw and it wasn't loose, but need to compare it to another bike to see how it is set.

WVULTRA - thanks for the TT302. I think I will go back to the dealership with this and ask them if they checked this when I initially brought the
bike in. However, I will check the wires on the injectors and I can check the lifters.

I bought the bike used. However, this weekend I let it idle until it started to get hot. As stated before, whenever it did this, the idle would smooth out which led me to the Engine Temp Sensor...well...this time I thought about "parade mode"...so, when it happened, I pulled the rear sparkplug wire of the spark plug and the bike didn't miss a beat and kept idling fine. I put the wire back on the plug and pulled the front plug wire and the bike died...hmmmmmmm...maybe the bike was set up for parade mode and I didn't know it.....which would solve that part of the issue that was bugging me.

IF I ever get this figured out, I will let everyone know.

Thanks again!

 

I looked at the Throttle position stop screw and compared it to my buddy's bike. I ended up backing it off (luckily I had the right tool) about 1/2 turn. Started the bike
took it out to warm it up. Came back, turned the bike off and then back on and the bike is idling real smooth at 1050 RPM! Go figure...

NOTE: The screw was loctited...duh...wish I knew that going in...stripped the head, but was able to move it just enough. Going to have to someday get that screw out and replace it...but not now...it is fixed finally!

 

Glad you got it fixed. FWIW, there's another Tech Tip (TT410) that covers '07 idle problems. If anyone is interested just email me and I'll forward it to you.

My bike sporadically but rarely, maybe once or twice a month, will idle high (~2k rpm) when first cranked cold. If I turn it off and restart it the problem usually disappears, and once it starts idling normally it continues for the rest of the day and usually for days or weeks to come. A tech friend told me his '07 did this and he fixed it by replacing the AIC valve. If mine gets bad enough I'll change it, but otherwise I'll live with it since it is not a big issue for me.