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2009 Ultra - 'limp home' mode

15K views 30 replies 17 participants last post by  stogieluvr60 
#1 ·
Probably not a big deal but would like to investigate - my Ultra has 26K miles with no issues. Yesterday while cruising on the freeway at 75mph she does into 'limp home' mode, and check engine light comes on. Pull over, shut it off, sit for a minute, restart, no problem, no light, all is good, but it was a little dis-heartning. An electronic anomoly?

If anyone has a link to previous posts concerning - the procedure to pull engine codes and also what the codes identify, I know I've seen/read both here in the recent past but I can't seem to find them in search function, I would appreciate it. I will also dig out the Service Manual tonight to see if my questions are ansered in it (I'm sure they are). But since I was on here now, thought I would give it a shot while I'm in the office.

Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving - remember our troops with a toast and a prayer! Thanks - Mike
 
#5 ·
WOW test press & hold the trip odometer reset switch, then turn ign. sw. to IGNITION release trip odometer reset switch. background lighjting should illuminate, gage needle should sweep its full range of motion, and indicator lamps should ( check eng., low fuel, battery & security) should illuminate.
if test fails, check battery,ground, trip odometer reset switch, and accessory wireing.
to clear DTC .
1. to clear diag. mode. turn ign. sw. off.
press & hold the trip meter reset sw. for more than 5 seconds to display available modules, release.
2. press the trip[ odometer reset sw. to chose the module.
3. press & hyold the trip odometer reset switch for more than 5 sec. to display the DTC release.
4. press & hold the trip meter reset switch for more than 5 sec. to clear the
 
#8 ·
I would check the electronic throttle wiring connector inside the grip. Disconnect the connector, apply dialectric grease to the connection and re-plug it back together. That connection has caused problems in the past as has the '09 main wiring harness.
 
#10 · (Edited)
Thanks guys - will get on it tomorrow after my tryptophan comma has subsided -

Couldn't wait -

I found Daves Sticky under 'touring' - Under 'P' I got codes:

P1511 - EFI Power management Module
P2135 TPS Correlation error

No other codes in other ares of the diag module -

Now what? Any suggestions? I'm thinking let it ride unless it reoccurs - suggestions?
 
#17 ·
Isn't this a HARLEY forum?:loco
 
#15 ·
Throttle by wire. Instead of traditional cables they mount a position sensor in the grip and bar. So far seems to be a reliable source of failure on new models.

It may be that the only purpose for your life is to serve as a warning to others.
 
#20 ·
Those exact codes indicate an issue with the throttle actuator/sensor on the throttle body, which is known for corrosion/vibration/wire/pin issues.

Personally, knowing the history of the TBW units on 08-09 models, the failure rate seems pretty consistent with your bike's age.

If it were mine, Mike, I'd check the throttle control actuator connector at the side of the throttle body, closest to the rear cylinder. It's a black plug that sticks straight out, pointing rearwards.

It's a 4 wire, flat style plug and the covered wires snake upwards, between the cylinders.

(Throttle Actuator on the left @ 9 o'clock)



Check the wiring for a broken wire as well, at/near that plug. Check the pins on the plug. Clean the pins of all corrosion or dirt. Been issues with 08, 09 models with broken wiring and the plug pins.

IF all is fine there, then after cleaning and inspecting, place a dab of dielectric grease in the plug, and put it back on the throttle body.

Clear your codes.

You can try riding it for a while and see what happens. If you're not a gambling man, then move on back to the TBW unit on the bars. Seems 25K-30K is the magic number for replacement on a lot of the 08-09 models. Whether you replace it or not to avoid a future failure, is up to you.
 
#21 · (Edited)
Thanks Dave -

I already cleaned the connector and applied some dielectric grease to the plug - and cleared the codes. I will see if the problem re-occurs. thanks again for your help -

Mike
 
#22 ·
Pardon my ignorance, what is the "limp home" mode?
 
#23 ·
When an ECU on a closed loop system has a critical code, or fails, the engine will lose power and remain running, which is about enough to get you off the road. No performance and minimal throttle response. But it stays running.
 
#24 ·
Thanks Dave. A day in which one learns something is no longer a wasted day...
 
#30 ·
Tried Viagra in my gas tank for the Limp Mode. It didn't help. After that, the dielectric grease in the throttle body plug did the trick. The bike was an 09.
 
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