| Author | Message | ||
     Ryanco |
My last ride got me stuck in traffic in what was probably low to mod 90's temp. Five minutes or less into the jam, I experienced what I assume was skip-spark twice, then the bike flat out died. Pushed it off the side of the road, waited a minute, started it, then off-roaded to a side road where I could keep moving. Ran fine til I got stuck in more traffic, and experienced the same skip-spark and die scenario. After I was clear of traffic, I put another 120 miles or so in with zero problems. I know Ulys don't like hot days in traffic, but 5 minutes in the 90's seemed pretty extreme. Can anyone tell me if this is typical, or of I may have another issue contributing? My bike is an 08X with 16K miles, comfort kit, and fan logic that shuts off under about 15mph (seems like bad logic after my experience). Thanks for any input.. Wondering if rewiring fan so I can leave it on in those situations might be enough to remedy my issue as well. -Ryan | ||
| Froggy |
There is a threshold that will kick the fan back on if it gets hot enough, it just is rare for that to happen without getting stuck in traffic on a hot day. First, are you sure it was skip spark? The check engine light would be flashing (not solid on, not off, but flashing). The bike can't shut off for overheating as far as I know, it would run till it breaks. You likely have an issue with something else like the idle air control (IAC) acting up.
You could, but that is using a bandaid rather than fixing the issue. It would be easier and less permanent to reprogram the fan to come on sooner. | ||
| Ryanco |
Froggy, No flashing light while this was happening, and I have never experienced a known skip spark, so it may not have been that. While in the stop and go, when i would start to go, the bike would stumble. First couple times I could save it with clutch and slight rev, but eventually it just died. Both times were while stuck in traffic, and never so much as a stumble any other time since I've had the bike. I do get an occasional and intermittent CEL for O2 sensor that does not seem to affect how it runs that I am still trying to sort out. Thanks for the input. -Ryan | ||
| Reepicheep |
Definately not normal. My 07 has never even gotten int skip spark mode, and I've spent plenty of time stuck in traffic on 100 degree days. Was it backfiring when it was coming back online? | ||
| Ryanco |
No backfires at all during the issue, or after restarting. The second time it died I was going downhill, so I just coasted for 30 feet or so, and restarted while rolling. The fact that it was immediately happy once moving reinforces Froggy's thought that it may not have been an overheating issue DIRECTLY, but perhaps something related to running on and off idle repeatedly once warm. -Ryan | ||
| Reepicheep |
That probably rules out crank position sensor then. It kind of suggests a fueling problem. If it was a spark problem, the injectors would be stuffing gas in there, and when spark finally comes back it makes one heck-of-a-racket. | ||
| Dtaylor |
Check your relays, too -- if you don't have a couple of new ones on hand, perhaps swap the Aux and Start relays with the Key Switch and Ignition relays. The heat under the seat can make a marginal relay downright flakey. | ||
| Froggy |
Ok you were definitely not overheating then. Even if it did get too hot, the fan would kick on anyway. It does sound like something else is not liking the heat, first thing I'd point a finger at would still be the IAC. Follow this guide for instructions on how to clean it, it may help. http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/142 838/634269.html | ||
| Ryanco |
I will start with a thorough cleaning and inspection of the IAC, and since it is so easy, I can try the relay swap as well. No downside to trying either of these, even if they aren't the culprit. I'll report back once done. Also need to fix a flat rear tire. Picked up a screw during the tail end of my ride. 😒 Many thanks for the input. | ||
| Froggy |
Maybe all this was just the Uly was trying to warn you of the flat?!?!?! | ||
| Buewulf |
I think the other suggestions are more likely, but I had a bad ECM that would only act up in the beginning when it got really hot, such as being stuck in traffic. The condition worsened and eventually got bad enough that the symptoms showed themselves regardless of temperature, but it gave me hell trying to diagnose a "heat-related" issue for a couple of months until it became obvious what the problem was. | ||
| Portero72 |
I am betting the O2 sensor code has something to do with it. Mine throws the same code when in traffic and it's hot. It will also bog and want to die unless I keep the revs up. After some speed and air, the CEL goes away and proper function returns. Now... I KNOW the O2 sensor itself is good, since I replaced it and have had the issue prior to replacement and since. I also know there are some broken wires in the loom by the steering head. I suspect the O2 sensor wire is one of them. Not yet chased them all down. Also... Having read through more files in Tunerpro than a man of my limited mental means can comprehend, I BELIEVE that the ECM takes readings from the O2 sensor and adjusts fueling at a certain high engine temperature. Which MIGHT mean... If your O2 sensor, or the wiring, is suspect, then the ECM cannot read it to make proper corrections, and fueling gets wonky enough to impact running. This is all just a theory, and I'm sure smarter minds will jump in and show me what an idiot I am. BTW, mine is an 09 with 58k, and have had this issue regardless of which ECM I run-race or stock. | ||
| Portero72 |
On a selfish note, keep us informed on what you find so that I may use YOUR efforts to fix MY bike. Kidding! Good luck, sir. | ||
| Etennuly |
How about.....just for the heck of it.....check the battery cables for tightness. If you can force them to move with your fingers they are usually too loose. |
