Fly By Wire Throttle Failures
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 116
Likes: 4
From: Surrey, BC
Okay... I changed out the connectors, like the bulletin says. That didn't do anything. At first I thought it might be heat as I'd get about 40 miles before the limp mode kicked in.
Yesterday I only got about 2 miles. Limped home. This morning I barely got out of the driveway. I'm starting to get a bit frustrated. The bike is only 4 years old.
Now I read here about how it could be the twist sensor, the green connector in the bars (looks fine, cleaned and greased it), the throttle body itself, a broken wire somewhere, the ECM connections... Basically anything and everything between the grip, ECM, and throttle body.
Before I start randomly replacing crap like the dealer wants, it would be great if somebody had a suggestion that actually made sense. I don't have a ton of money to throw at it.
True, cables can fail, but they're easy to diagnose, cheap and easy to replace. HD's FBW sucks ***.
Any help would be appreciated.
Yesterday I only got about 2 miles. Limped home. This morning I barely got out of the driveway. I'm starting to get a bit frustrated. The bike is only 4 years old.
Now I read here about how it could be the twist sensor, the green connector in the bars (looks fine, cleaned and greased it), the throttle body itself, a broken wire somewhere, the ECM connections... Basically anything and everything between the grip, ECM, and throttle body.
Before I start randomly replacing crap like the dealer wants, it would be great if somebody had a suggestion that actually made sense. I don't have a ton of money to throw at it.
True, cables can fail, but they're easy to diagnose, cheap and easy to replace. HD's FBW sucks ***.
Any help would be appreciated.
Stage I
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Toronto
Limp Mode
Happened to me on Saturday Sept. 20, 14.
This is the worst feeling ever, when the big HD roaring few moments ago, turns into a moped and limps at 30 mph. I got a great help from some brother bikers at the closest gas station and they suggested to disconnect the computer (ECM) for few minutes.
I did, it help for some 5 miles and I'm stuck again. Needless to say was pissed by then. I did the ECM again, no luck. Then I took the right handle apart. Started wiggling all the guts there (I was on a side of the road) and then the miracle happened the engine was running fine again.
Happily got home. Next few days I was riding around town watching the bike. No issues, but I think I saw the 'check the engine' light flashing for a quick moment. Now I'm scared to go anywhere further from home because the bike is not reliable. Agreed, "take the cables any day"
My plan is to use the dielectric grease on both connectors, maybe ECM as well.
Meantime thanks goes to brothers (and sisters) who assisted me at hwy 20/24 near Fenwick On, after Biketoberfest 2014. You know who you are
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 326
Likes: 5
From: Wilmette, Illinois
Last Monday at the end of a seven day, 2,300 mile trip about 30 miles from home crossing over the Chicago Skyway my 2012 RGU went into limp mode. Did not know what it was at the time and wondered if the TBW had failed. Turned it on and off a couple of times wil no change, then it suddenly came alive again. Made it the rest of the way home with no problems.
Googled harley limp mode and found lots of information on the issue. I haven't had a chance to check any connections, been busy catching up on business that I missed during the trip. We will have to see if it happens again. I know it is not the green connector as I replaced mine TBW with the SE version when I put on my Wild 1's last year.
Cable are not always reliable either. About 10 years ago we were on our 2001 RKC in upstate NY, the bike had maybe 20,000 miles at the time when the throttle stopped working. Waited about 2 hours for a tow (HOG roadside assistance at the time), and of course it started pouring rain as we waited. One of the throttle cables had broken. An hour or so at the dealer and we were back on our way. All told maybe 3-4 hours, but the sun was back out!
Googled harley limp mode and found lots of information on the issue. I haven't had a chance to check any connections, been busy catching up on business that I missed during the trip. We will have to see if it happens again. I know it is not the green connector as I replaced mine TBW with the SE version when I put on my Wild 1's last year.
Cable are not always reliable either. About 10 years ago we were on our 2001 RKC in upstate NY, the bike had maybe 20,000 miles at the time when the throttle stopped working. Waited about 2 hours for a tow (HOG roadside assistance at the time), and of course it started pouring rain as we waited. One of the throttle cables had broken. An hour or so at the dealer and we were back on our way. All told maybe 3-4 hours, but the sun was back out!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,865
Likes: 168
From: Potsdam, NY
It is pretty reliable as most cars are moving to this to as it offers the ability to adjust throttle response programmatically, for tailored response, as well as the easy inclusion of cruise control.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,430
Likes: 55
From: Florida
Jiggle the wires between the gas tank and back of fairing, That factory zip-tie is cinched down too tight not enough slack in wires, turning bars left and right Will cause the wire to break or short.It can be difficult to find if the wire breaks inside the insulation. Happened to me on both sides. The one on the left ate my antenna wire and ABS front wheel sensor wire.
Last edited by Smokey Stover; Sep 25, 2014 at 04:59 PM. Reason: spellin
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 300
Likes: 0
From: Everett, WA
38k on my '08 Street Glide....no issues. Will check the TB connector though.
I see no reason to want to live in the past however....I do remember hearing some people preferred horses to automobiles at some point....just wouldn't want to be one of them!
I see no reason to want to live in the past however....I do remember hearing some people preferred horses to automobiles at some point....just wouldn't want to be one of them!
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,170
Likes: 14
From: washington dc
This issue really concerns me. I've an 09 SG w/ ~ 28k miles on it and so far have had no limp mode events. I wash my bike a lot and ride in rain.
I heard about issues with the TB connector this fall and asked a local dealer about replacing the pins. The service manager said he could find no part number for replacements and failed to mention the TSB noted above. ... Long ago I made a boot for the connection from a cut piece of 1.5" dia. bicycle inner tube. I'm going to check the connection, clean and apply new dielectric grease.
What else should I do? Are there higher quality replacement connectors? If so, can anyone help with a pn, and what is replaced, male, female, or both? Any other fix?
I live around lots a multi-lane expressways. My strategy is to ride far left fast-enough to not hold up traffic, so I only have lunatics in cages on one side of me. Loosing my motor 4-5 lanes from the right shoulder does not sound good.
Thanks
I heard about issues with the TB connector this fall and asked a local dealer about replacing the pins. The service manager said he could find no part number for replacements and failed to mention the TSB noted above. ... Long ago I made a boot for the connection from a cut piece of 1.5" dia. bicycle inner tube. I'm going to check the connection, clean and apply new dielectric grease.
What else should I do? Are there higher quality replacement connectors? If so, can anyone help with a pn, and what is replaced, male, female, or both? Any other fix?
I live around lots a multi-lane expressways. My strategy is to ride far left fast-enough to not hold up traffic, so I only have lunatics in cages on one side of me. Loosing my motor 4-5 lanes from the right shoulder does not sound good.
Thanks
Last edited by jefla; Oct 26, 2014 at 09:47 AM.