2009 Ultra - 'limp home' mode

[MikeYork5]

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

[Tom31w]

Pardon my ignorance, what is the "limp home" mode?

[Dave63]

Originally Posted by Tom31w

Pardon my ignorance, what is the "limp home" mode?

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.

[Tom31w]

Thanks Dave. A day in which one learns something is no longer a wasted day...

[RDK09]

Originally Posted by Dave63

Seems 25K-30K is the magic number for replacement on a lot of the 08-09 models.

Pretty much spot on for me at 24k!!

[HOGNOT]

Originally Posted by Dave63

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.

Any tips on how to disconnect the plug without breaking something? I've pulled on mine and it doesn't show any sign of moving. Is there a trick to releasing it? Most electrical plugs on the bike have some sort of latch system to prevent them from vibrating loose but I can't figure this one out.

Thanks,

VR

[WebbHog]

Originally Posted by MikeYork5

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

Hey Mike you may have to do that a couple of times I did.
Over 30,000k since I've cleaned them so I guess I got it right.

[MikeYork5]

Originally Posted by HOGNOT

Any tips on how to disconnect the plug without breaking something? I've pulled on mine and it doesn't show any sign of moving. Is there a trick to releasing it? Most electrical plugs on the bike have some sort of latch system to prevent them from vibrating loose but I can't figure this one out.

Thanks,

VR

Feel around on the back side of the plug - in the middle - there is a protruding tab - push it in and pull the plug apart, simple. A small mirror is your friend -

Mike

[HOGNOT]

Originally Posted by MikeYork5

Feel around on the back side of the plug - in the middle - there is a protruding tab - push it in and pull the plug apart, simple. A small mirror is your friend -

Mike

Hey......thanks!

VR

[jack6hd]

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.