Why is my Harley Davidson Sportster not igniting?

Why is my Harley Davidson Sportster not igniting?

One of the most common sources of electrical problems is the battery. Test the battery’s state of charge and current capacity by reading Step 2 of the article Electrical Diagnostic Guide. If no spark is present at the end of the spark plug wire, the air/fuel mixture cannot ignite.

Can a Sportster have spark and still not start?

Not sure how you can have, both, spark & fuel and still no start. You absolutely have to be missing one of them. You need to go back and verify that the Sportster not getting spark. Are you getting fuel to your float bowl? If so, is the float height correct? Confirm that your needle valve is not hanging up. Verify that your gas cap is vented.

How to check spark plugs on Harley Davidson Sportster?

Insert a spark tester into the wire and attach the tester to ground. Remove the fuel pump fuse. Refer to the article Fuse Box Information for fuse locations. Crank the engine and watch for spark. If spark is consistently present, the problem most likely lies with the spark plugs and you should continue to Step 2.

How does the ignition coil work on a Harley Davidson Sportster?

The ignition coil on later model Sportsters. The crankshaft position sensor is used to determine the crankshaft’s speed and position. The E.C.M. or ignition module uses this information to correctly time the spark at the spark plug with the piston.

Not sure how you can have, both, spark & fuel and still no start. You absolutely have to be missing one of them. You need to go back and verify that the Sportster not getting spark. Are you getting fuel to your float bowl? If so, is the float height correct? Confirm that your needle valve is not hanging up. Verify that your gas cap is vented.

One of the most common sources of electrical problems is the battery. Test the battery’s state of charge and current capacity by reading Step 2 of the article Electrical Diagnostic Guide. If no spark is present at the end of the spark plug wire, the air/fuel mixture cannot ignite.

Insert a spark tester into the wire and attach the tester to ground. Remove the fuel pump fuse. Refer to the article Fuse Box Information for fuse locations. Crank the engine and watch for spark. If spark is consistently present, the problem most likely lies with the spark plugs and you should continue to Step 2.

The ignition coil on later model Sportsters. The crankshaft position sensor is used to determine the crankshaft’s speed and position. The E.C.M. or ignition module uses this information to correctly time the spark at the spark plug with the piston.

What should I change in my Harley Davidson 1200?

Even if you decide not to break out the wallet for a disc and/or caliper upgrade, a simple pad swap should greatly boost stopping power. Stainless steel brake lines go a long way to alleviate the problem too. (ABS is available for the 1200 Custom, but it’ll cost you a hefty $795.)

What causes an engine to backfire after months of use?

For example, a spark plug gap may widen after the plug has been in operation for months and make it difficult for the spark to jump. Also, carbon buildup may isolate the electrodes, preventing proper combustion. Unburned fuel then is allowed to pass into the exhaust system where it can backfire.

Can a bad sensor cause an engine to backfire?

An engine sensor malfunction can also lead to backfires. Take for example a bad mass air flow (MAF) sensor. The engine computer uses this and other sensors to compute the amount of fuel to inject into the engine according to operating conditions.

Where is the starter on a Harley Davidson 883 Sportster?

Connect your red probe to the solenoid positive wire. This is a fat 12 or 14 gauge wire on the cylindrical portion of the starter. Connect the black probe to a known good ground. 12v should be present in this wire at all times. Figure 3. The starter location on a 883 Sportster.

What are the symptoms of a Harley Davidson voltage regulator?

One more obvious Harley voltage regulator symptoms is that the cluster displays erratic or inaccurate readings. You might see the speedometer jumping up and down or various gauge lights flashing on and off. Seeing these symptoms on your bike immediately reveals that there is an issue with the voltage regulator.

What was the problem with my odometer on my Sportster?

Discussion in ‘ Sportster Models ‘ started by WCG1, Jan 11, 2009 . Odometer & Speedometer were both working fine till a jacket I was carrying came loose and got tangeled in the rear wheel and disc brake of my 2003 883 Hugger.

Discussion in ‘ Sportster Models ‘ started by WCG1, Jan 11, 2009 . Odometer & Speedometer were both working fine till a jacket I was carrying came loose and got tangeled in the rear wheel and disc brake of my 2003 883 Hugger.

How to reset the odometer on a Harley Davidson XLH?

Changed that and it sovled the problem. XLH Models have a speedometer with self-diagnostic capabilities. The reset switch is used to change the odometer display between mileage and trip values and to reset the trip odometer.

What should the calibration number be on a speedometer?

Diagnostics cannot be performed if system voltage is less than 9 VDC or greater than 16 VDC. The only exception is d08 which is set when system voltage is greater than 16 VDC. After all the diagnostic codes are displayed, the speedometer calibration number is displayed (CAL 14 for example).

What’s the reset switch on a Harley Davidson?

The reset switch is used to change the odometer display between mileage and trip values and to reset the trip odometer. It is also used to identify the speedometer calibration and to enter the diagnostic mode, clear diagnostic codes and exit diagnostic mode.

Why does my motorcycle engine stall when warm?

And the problem is often worse on a hot day. The dreaded stalling issue when the engine is warm is the most common idle problem and it is mostly related to the very lean air/fuel ratio on the modern fuel injected motorcycle engine. Why does my motorcycle stall at idle when the engine is warmed up and at operating temperature ? – Low compression.

How to test the power of a Harley Davidson Sportster?

To test your module’s power and grounds: Find the wiring diagram for your year’s Sportster in a service manual, or from your local Harley dealership. Locate the power and ground wires. Measure the power wire’s voltage. Set your meter to read DC volts.

What happens when the crank sensor on a Harley goes bad?

In newer models, the crank position sensor is designed in such a way that it allows you to reach your destination even after it goes bad. Usually, the symptoms of a bad crank position sensor on Harley Davidson are quite easy to notice. For example, you experience slight hesitation with the engine or reduced mileage, etc.

Why does my Harley Davidson have no power?

Last Friday I shut the motor off with the stop switch and then turned the ignition key off. I re-set the stop switch to On. 1 minute later, I turned the ignition switch to ignition and noticed I had no power to my headlights and instrument lights.

What is the ignition module on a Harley Davidson Sportster?

The I.C.M. (ignition control module) was used on Sportsters before the year 2007. After 2007, the module became integrated into the E.C.M. (electronic control module). These modules contain internal circuitry found on most computer motherboards.

Is there any power to the ignition switch?

I noticed that I had power from the accessory mode of the ignition switch. Horn, brake lights, turn signals have power. Bike is at home. This is what I tested (most with a meter) and cleaned: 1) Battery is good. 2) Battery cables and connections are good. 3) Stop or kill switch was taken apart and tested.

What happens if there is no power to the ignition switch?

If fuse is good check for power being available at the ignition switch connector. If no power there, check wiring between PDC and the ignition switch-if power is up to the switch, but nothing happens with key on, no dash or warning lights, then could have a bad ignition switch. It just sounds like a maxi-fuse has blown, or a bad fusible link.

Last Friday I shut the motor off with the stop switch and then turned the ignition key off. I re-set the stop switch to On. 1 minute later, I turned the ignition switch to ignition and noticed I had no power to my headlights and instrument lights.

How to test if your starter switch is working?

6) Breaker panel wires to the starter relay were tested. accessories, am I okay in assuming the the ignition switch itself is working? A common wire black/red are used in the circuit panel for ignition, instruments, and lights. The black/red wire is connected to the starter relay via SPL8 (another bundle).

Is there a problem with my Sportster 1200 XLH?

Before I go out and buy parts I think I need, maybe somebody can jump in and pinpoint the problem. 1995 Sportster 1200 XLH. Ride it daily to work. Last Friday I shut the motor off with the stop switch and then turned the ignition key off.

What should spark plug reading be on Harley Davidson Sportster?

Place your red probe on the positive post of the coil. Place the black probe on the spark plug wire terminal. Your reading should be between 10,000 and 20,000 ohms. Later model Sportsters use a wiring connector instead of individual posts on the coil.

What to do if your Harley Davidson has no spark?

Just installed 12″ bars and cam plate. Buttoned it all up and tried to start it. Motor turns over fine, however no spark. Pulled the plug wires, put another plug in wire and no spark. Took tank back off, no pinched wires. Tested B terminal of coil plug and getting 12 + Volts. Removed power commander, hook bike back to ecm, no spark.

Connect your red probe to the solenoid positive wire. This is a fat 12 or 14 gauge wire on the cylindrical portion of the starter. Connect the black probe to a known good ground. 12v should be present in this wire at all times. Figure 3. The starter location on a 883 Sportster.

Where is the ignition sensor on a Harley Davidson Sportster?

The crankshaft position sensor location. The I.C.M. (ignition control module) was used on Sportsters before the year 2007. After 2007, the module became integrated into the E.C.M. (electronic control module). These modules contain internal circuitry found on most computer motherboards.

How to test ignition coil on Harley Davidson Sportster?

To test and inspect the ignition coil: Visually inspect the ignition coil for cracks, hot spots (melted areas), and carbon buildup. Replace if necessary. Measure the resistance of the primary winding. Set your meter to read ohms and place your red probe on the positive post of the coil.

Why is my Harley Davidson Sportster not starting?

Place your Sportster in second or third gear for the best results. A battery that can’t start your engine may no longer be recharging properly because of its age and current state of charge. The ground cables that connect the battery to your Sportster frame must also be undamaged and free of corrosion.

Why does my bike not start when I push the starter button?

Pressing the button sends power to the starter solenoid, which sends a large amount of current from the battery to the starter to turn the motor. If the engine doesn’t crank, it could be because of a failure at any of those stages, a weak battery, or a bad starter.

Why does my Harley Davidson have no spark?

If you have power to the coil, but no spark at the plugs, you are probably not getting any firing signal from the optics in the ignition module. Open up the nose cone end and see if it is just really dirty in there which can happen if the seal is leaking oil.

Why is my Sportster not getting a spark?

A failing crank position sensor can cause a problem like yours. A bad sensor will sometimes fail when heat is introduced and begin working again once it cools. If/when this occurs again, turn off your fuel valve right away to see how much gas is in your float bowl. Open your gas cap and listen for a possible vapor lock condition.

How to check ignition resistance on Harley Davidson Sportster?

Set your meter to read ohms and place your red probe on the positive post of the coil. Place the black probe on the negative post. Your reading should be between three and four ohms. Measure the resistance of the secondary winding.