The whole world's going the tech route. No stopping it. Planes, cars, bikes, et al, are going the "by wire" way. Harley needs to insure that its TBW system is as close to foolproof as possible. If that means installing gold coated contacts so be it. However, in their absence, the next best thing is to maintain those connections as best as possible.

 

I didn't realize they had come that far with a non mechanical steering link. Might be a deal breaker for me (at least for the first few years)

 

My friends 2005 Escaope dosen't have a steering box either. Yes it is of concern. Already one recall on my '10 Escape refering to a steering problem. It was fixed using a cpmputer remedy.

 

my 2009 throttle failed today for first time with 41k miles. Simply no response to throttle. Open the throttle all the way and stopped at 1800 RPM, I then disconnect the 8 o'clock throttle body plug and started engine with same response unplugged as plugged. I tried to ride to the dealer and made several stops along the way. Eventually after a restart of engine it started working. Rode for an hour home bound with no problem. I did notice the little red key light alarm signal was on the speedo and alternated with the orange engine light on speedo, eventually they both stopped. Now I'm feeling insecure to ride out of town. Looking on here for diagnosis.

 

Sounds like Limp mode due to a throttle by wire issue.
This is not always a Twist Grip Sensor issue right away. That might actually be fine.
If you pull the codes you're probably going to see something like "TPS correlation error".
This typically means that the pins in that throttle body connector are fretted and need to be cleaned or replaced. HD released a Tech Bulletin about this awhile back that explains the issue. (TT418A)

Look here on how to pull the codes:

http://www.fuelmotousa.com/p-29661-h...ble-codes.html

Here's a little info on the TSB:




Harley TSB- TT418A: 2008-up Touring. TBW issues.
TT418A service bulletin applies to 2008-Later Touring, Police & Trike Models

Symptoms: Driveability or Performance Concerns; Abnormal or Erratic Mechanical Operation; Intermittent or Erratic Electrical Operation.

Note: Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) circuit DTC's P0120, P0220, P0122, P0123, P0222 and P223 should take diagnostic priority over a P2135 code. If any of these TPS codes exist concurrently with the P2135, they should be investigated first using the diagnostic manual.

The TCA has two potentiometers (designated as TPS1 & TPS2) and a electric DC motor for controlling the actuation of the throttle. The two TPS sensors work opposite of each other. As the throttle plate opens , TPS1 voltage ranges from 0.0-5.0 Volts, while TPS2 voltage ranges from 5.0-0.0 volts. The sum of the two TPS voltages should always measure approximately 5.0 volts. These wire are: TPS1, pin # 37 (BN/V wire) of the ECM, and TPS2 pin #36 (BN/R wire) of the ECM

The TPS1 and TPS2 sensors should never add to more than 5.13 Volts Direct Current (VDC) or less than 4.87 VDC . A sum of voltages out of this range should register a current P2135 code.

Troubleshooting:

It is believed that FRETTING CORROSION is a major contributor of this code. A poor connection at the Throttle Control Actuator (TCA) can affect the sensor voltages reported to the ECM and this will set this DTC. As you can see from the General Information section, the sensor voltage only need to be altered by 0.13 VDC to possibly set the code.

The most common vehicles to have these symptoms are those with more than 8,000 miles (12875 Kilometers) or 103 cubic inch and larger engines. Vibration is believed to contribute to the FRETTING CONDITION.

Repair Procedure:1. While monitoring the TPS1 and TPS2 voltages on Digital Technician 2 (DT 2), wiggle the TCA [211] and the ECM [78] connectors.
2. If the voltage changes while wiggling the ECM connector , replace the affected ECM terminals (part # 72605-08). These wires are: TPS1, pin #37 brown/violet wire of the ECM, and TPS2, pin #36 brown/red wire of the ECM.
3. If no voltage change is noted while moving the ECM connector , the connection issue could be in the TCA. Replace all socket terminals with NEW terminals (part # 72663-11, used in current production) at the TCA connector[211B].
4. BEFORE CONNECTING the TCA CONNECTOR, clean the male TCA pin terminals with a swab and alcohol, and ASSEMBLE WITH DIELECTRIC GREASE.

DTC P2101
General Information: The TCA contains two potentiometers (designated as TPS1 & TPS2) and a electric DC motor for controlling a actuation of the throttle. TPS1 & TPS2 are mounted in the TCA. They are connected to the keyed shaft of the throttle plate and used to communicate the throttle plate position.
Each TPS supplies input to the ECM in response to the position of the throttle plate. The ECM activates the motor in the TCA to move the throttle plate, based on signals from the Twist Grip Sensor (TGS). When the ECM send voltage modulations to pins 2 & 3 0f the TCA to move the throttle motor, it checks fo subsequent TPS1 and TPS2 voltage changes. If it does not sense TPS changes it will set this code.

Troubleshooting: First verify that the throttle plate moves freely when engine is not running. If it does not the TCA needs to be replaced.
Poor ECM connections seem to be the most likely cause. Be aware that this issue may be aggravated by the seat pan making contact with the ECM connector. In most cases, this is caused by the installation of an aftermarket seat.
A poor connection at ECM pins #29 & 30 could cause an interruption in voltage to the throttle motor and set this code. Similarly the ECM uses voltage from pin #52 yellow/green wire to supply power used at pins #29 & 30 and could cause the same symptoms.

Repair Procedure:
Identifying the connection issues at this location may be difficult.
1. Replace all socket terminals with NEW terminals (part #72663-11 used in current production) at the TCA connector [211B].
2. BEFORE CONNECTING the TCA CONNECTOR, clean the male TCA pin terminals with a swab and alcohol, and ASSEMBLE WITH DIELECTRIC GREASE

 

My issue was the same on my 2008 e-glide.
The problem, or at least how i fixed my bikes problem, was to cut a relief (maybe 2"x3") in the bottom of the factory seat pan right over the BIG computer plug under the seat.
Then i used the rectangular piece i cut from the relief and tucked it back in the cut open hole, rotated it 90 degrees to make a bridge so the foam didnt sag down onto the plug when i sat on it.
I could replicate the problem on the bike in the garage by pushing down (as if sitting weight beared on it thru the seat) on the BIG computer plug. the tiny little pins were losing conncection. Mine tended to happen when riding 2-up, thus more weight on the seat. I weigh about 230 and it didnt happen when ridingt along, but add in the GF at 130 and it happened.
Somehow the seat pan pushes on the computer plug and the fuel injection/throttle was losing connection. This fixed mine, your problem may vary but its an easy try.
The seat plan is plastic, get out your dremel and locate the computer plug and where it touches the bottom of the seat, and cut it out. Just by adding 1/8" clearance may solve our problem.
GO with the easy stuff first is my motto.

 

Hi everybody,

I had the same issue on my 08 FLHTCU, I read the TT418A documment, but i had a problem i live in brazil, and the Brazillian Harley factory don't have a connector "72663-11" in they warehouse, no dealler have this part. i need request and wait more than 60 days, anyone know some aftermarket connector that will fit on TCA??

Thx!

 

Have you tried cleaning the pins? Try unplugging the plug and reconnecting it several times to help scrape off the fretting. After that take a Q-tip and clean pins with rubbing alcohol. After cleaning, squeeze some dielectric grease into the holes on the female side of the plug. Hopefully this will get you up and running until you can get the parts needed to fix the issue.

 

Never went to limp mode. the only TBW problem was a high idle, over 2K.Reset the ignition several times, on-off-on-off, in short order, and it "resets" for lack of a better term, and idle goes back to normal. Strange, but did that a couple times with all stock bars, grips, etc. After changing all that stuff, internal wires, etc., it hasn't done it since. Beats me what happened. Last 40k has been trouble free in that regard. Electronic gremlins, I suppose.

 

My 2010 Ultra had TBW and obviously my 2017 Ultra Limited has it. Not one time with all the folks I ride with have I personally heard of it failing. This must be a really rare failure.