What is causing my Triglide to die?

[Sally jean]

Got my triglide out of my garage yesterday to ride and wouldn't you know it, I had problems. It started ok , I got down to the end of my drive and it died. Couldn't get it started again, so put it back on the battery tender, and tried again tonight. It started, ran for about 15 seconds, then died. Did this a couple of times, then the battery was too run down to get it to turn over.

This is the second time this problem has happened. First time it went to the shop, it died there 3 times, then they couldn't find a problem. It's going back in tomorrow, but I was wondering if anyone had any ideas. It's a 2013 and should not be doing this.

Thanks!

 

[Mr.Wizard]

When it does start and die... how does it idle or run? Does it idle rough?

 

[bustedwing]

First you have to pin point if the problem is fuel or ignition related. If the fuel was not treated before storage it becomes like varnish and gums up the insides of fuel systems. Sea Foam is a great product that will clean out gummed up fuel systems.It's possible you are getting just enough fuel to run for a few seconds but not enough to carry you down the road. ? If the problem isn't fuel, then next would be charging system. You have to start with a fully charged battery. Make sure the fluid levels are topped off with distilled water. If your battery is 3 years old or older it is probably due for replacement. If in doubt there are load testers that are available at auto parts stores to check, and some will test for free if you buy your replacement battery there. You also will need a volt meter to check the charging system once the bike is running. So get the bike running, hook the volt meter across th battery and it should show at least 13 vols when revved up a little.

If not, then your charging system needs more attention.

? Good luck.

 

[Gorilla]

welcome even though its relatively new the battery could have gone bad. They need a good battery to run.

 

[msocko3]

If the trike has a security system I wonder if it could be cauing the issue, when the security system goes active it kills the fuel pump.

 

[trikermutha]

Man it could be alot of things..Maybe check to make sure all the fuses are pushed in correctly,your secuirty FOB battery,bank sensor.
when it does start does the volt meter raise to around 14 volts?

Just some things to look at??

Good Luck!!

 

[Mr.Wizard]

Man it could be alot of things..

Correct answer, that is why I asked how it idled, rough or smooth.

If rough it could be gas but that is doubtful. Could be something simple as the plug behind the air cleaner isn't making good contact or as mutha suggested, a lose fuse connection. Throttle grip sensor could cause it to shut down as well as temp sensor signal, grounded wire rubbing... The list goes on and on...

 

[jcolson]

I have never put stablizer in my gas and never goes bad. It is in hear but when I didn't have heat I still had good gas. Now 2cycle is another story. Guess I'm just lucky. I used to be a small engine mechanic so I know what it smells like took enough carbs apart that were shellaced up. I've got a generater,power washer and tractor that has nothing in them and they sit for along time,still good.

 

[trikermutha]

Correct answer, that is why I asked how it idled, rough or smooth.

If rough it could be gas but that is doubtful. Could be something simple as the plug behind the air cleaner isn't making good contact or as mutha suggested, a lose fuse connection. Throttle grip sensor could cause it to shut down as well as temp sensor signal, grounded wire rubbing... The list goes on and on...

Yes-I see your point!! As always check the easy things first before thinking its the worst . any oberservations of how the bike reacts before shutting down does help in the diagnostic process.

 

[TheBobs]

If the trike has a security system I wonder if it could be cauing the issue, when the security system goes active it kills the fuel pump.

+1.

The OP's symptoms are very close to what I saw when my friend drove down the street on my 2010 TG, but key fob still in my pocket. The trike made it down about 6 houses when he stopped to talk to one of his neighbors, where he shut down the motor to chat. When he tried to start it up, it would run several seconds then stall. I could hear it start and idle, but stall as soon as he opened the throttle. He tried about 4 more time when I noticed the flashers going nuts and felt the fob in my pocket.

May be worth a quick swap of the security module if the shop can swap it out.

 

[BlueTrinity]

Check the FOB ! Had this happen to a friend when we were getting ready to leave on a trip. The battery in the FOB was weak and intermittently shutting down the system. Dealer swore it was the first time they had seen it happen, but after replacing barttery in both FOBs, it ran fine and hasn't had a problem since.

 

[eagle1]

start by observing the check eng. lamp.
1. when ign sw is turned on the ck eng. lamp should illuminate for 4 sec. then go out.
if the ck. egn lamp remains off = no current ecm codes
2. if the ck. eng lamp comes back on for 8 sec.=only historical codes exist.
3. if it comes on & remains on= current code.
do you have the electrical diagnostic manual, as well as the service manual?

 

[rhino 2]

+1.

The OP's symptoms are very close to what I saw when my friend drove down the street on my 2010 TG, but key fob still in my pocket. The trike made it down about 6 houses when he stopped to talk to one of his neighbors, where he shut down the motor to chat. When he tried to start it up, it would run several seconds then stall. I could hear it start and idle, but stall as soon as he opened the throttle. He tried about 4 more time when I noticed the flashers going nuts and felt the fob in my pocket.
May be worth a quick swap of the security module if the shop can swap it out.

Twice i left the FOB setting next to my 11 T/G on a bench, Started right up then when i stopped/engine off' 5 miles down the road, It would kick over once stall instantly and the flashers would turn on. The worst part was when
i called my wife to bring the FOB to me.:drama::drama:

 

[Dragonrider]

This is what happens to me when my key fob's battery starts to go...

 

[Sloufoot]

Twice i left the FOB setting next to my 11 T/G on a bench, Started right up then when i stopped/engine off' 5 miles down the road, It would kick over once stall instantly and the flashers would turn on. The worst part was when
i called my wife to bring the FOB to me.:drama::drama:

That is when you get the owners manual & follow the instructions for by-passing the security system........ Huh:laugh:

 

[trikermutha]

Hope to hear the root cause of the orginal post...

 

[Mr.Wizard]

Hey guys..

Can someone please give me the info when the security system changed?

I've left my fob sitting on a table after I left, rode about 50 miles and back home without shutting down the bike. The bike never shut down on its own because the fob wasn't within 10 feet. I've done this on an '07, '10 and a '12 bike.

The way I understand the TSSM is once you key on with the fob in proximity of the TSSM antenna that's it. There is no more interaction until you key on again. Has something changed?

 

[Sally jean]

Thanks for all of the responses.

The last couple of times it started then died, it did seem to be idling OK, then it shut down suddenly. When this happened, the lights didn't flash like i thought it would with a security system issue. I also tried using both key fobs.

Engine lights seem normal...it comes on a few seconds at first, then goes off.

The dealer sent someone to pick it up yesterday, and it wouldn't even turn over for him. Iit had been on the battery tender all night (light was green), so I really have no idea what they are going to find. I will post when I find out what is wrong.

 

[Mr.Wizard]

Did you hear the fuel pump prime before starting? If it is not priming to 60 psi then it could be the pump or a fuse controlling it. That's one thought.

Like said before... could be linked to several items.

Sending you lucky thoughts.. Let is know what they find.



-Wiz

 

[rhino 2]

That is when you get the owners manual & follow the instructions for by-passing the security system........ Huh:laugh:

Na, Too much reading to figure it out, Besides it was interesting to see my wife pull up and throw the FOB at me from across the parking lot didn't know she had it in her.

 

[rhino 2]

The way I understand the TSSM is once you key on with the fob in proximity of the TSSM antenna that's it. There is no more interaction until you key on again. Has something changed?

That's the way my 11 works, BUT, if you realize you forgot the FOB, and you shut the engine off WITH the kill switch it will restart without the FOB.
Doesn't make sense to me, They should have it so if your out of range of the FOB, the engine would shut down, That would be better security wise.:Shrug:

 

[trikermutha]

Hey guys..

Can someone please give me the info when the security system changed?

I've left my fob sitting on a table after I left, rode about 50 miles and back home without shutting down the bike. The bike never shut down on its own because the fob wasn't within 10 feet. I've done this on an '07, '10 and a '12 bike.

The way I understand the TSSM is once you key on with the fob in proximity of the TSSM antenna that's it. There is no more interaction until you key on again. Has something changed?

Not sure about any changes but here is what I got off Harleys web site.. Sounds great in theory..

HARLEY-DAVIDSON® FACTORY SECURITY SYSTEM DETAILS

When armed, the Security System disables the starter and ignition while monitoring the electrical system and vehicle motion with adjustable sensitivity. Minor disturbances trigger a momentary warning; major ones an unbroken thirty-second alarm after which the Security System returns to monitoring. A distinctive four-way flasher pattern is the alarm signal. An optional self-powered Smart Siren Kit adds a piercing scream that sounds even if the battery cable is cut.

The Security System is armed and disarmed with a remote control waterproof key fob utilizing state-of-the-art rolling code technology. If the key fob is not available, the rider may arm or disarm the system by keying a previously entered personal code on the turn signal switches. A flashing status indicator informs the rider that the Security System is armed or disarmed.

When armed in the Transport Mode, the Security System disables the starter and ignition, but monitors only the electrical system, not vehicle motion. The vehicle may be moved, but electrical tampering triggers an alarm.

An Extended Storage Mode keeps the battery from discharging when the Security System is armed for extended periods of time.

The Security System is compatible with FL Touring models equipped with approved TLE/Ultra Sidecars when the system is configured as described in the SIDECAR OWNER'S MANUAL

 

[screwball]

A couple of suggestions....

1. Read your owners manual, the part about installing a personal code to bypass the alarm fob. That way when you drive out to the boonies and find out your fob is in the garage at home you can get back. Should be one of the first things you do. If your trike is a '13 model it is pretty unlikely your fob battery is dead.

2. If you have taken the trike to the dealer and they saw the problem take it back, get the problem documented. YOU ARE UNDER WARRENTY it is their responsibility to fix it. In California and Arizona the Lemon Law says they have a specific amount of tries to fix it, then they replace it. If you have 'diddled around with it, or didn't bother to take it back and complain you could get screwed!!!

Good Luck

 

[Sloufoot]

You are correct Wiz, what it sounds like is a bad battery in the bike. Or a poor electrical connection . It would be interesting what the code that it posted.

 

[trikermutha]

Ok - I tried to start the trike without the FOB in the area. OK it worked..Got the FOB in range bike will not start...You would think with the FOB in range it would start the bike but no go.. The bike did start prior to me checking if the bike would disable..

 

[msocko3]

Ok - I tried to start the trike without the FOB in the area. OK it worked..Got the FOB in range bike will not start...You would think with the FOB in range it would start the bike but no go.. The bike did start prior to me checking if the bike would disable..

It doesn't love you anymore.

 

[kimber45]

It doesn't love you anymore.

Mine quit loving me and wouldn't stay running once. I put $500.00 worth of chrome on her and she started right up They love chrome and money!!

 

[BlueTrinity]

Mine quit loving me and wouldn't stay running once. I put $500.00 worth of chrome on her and she started right up They love chrome and money!!

You talking about the trike or the dealer?clapping

 

[trikermutha]

It doesn't love you anymore.

OH Man your killing me!!!! ThumbUp Gotta love the jokes!!!

 

[msocko3]

You talking about the trike or the dealer?clapping

Probably both.