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[mcdonaldroadcapt]

Just returned from a trip to the Smokys and experienced a first time problem.  My 08 FLHTCUSE3 would not start.  We had stopped at a grocery store and after coming out and getting on a previously perfect running bike, it would not start after being parked five minutes.  I tried everything.  The engine would turn over but no start.  All dash lights were in order and fuel pump light would light up until primed just like always. After much fushtration, a wrecker was called and the bike hauled to the local dealer.  Small town so I was able to stand by the Tech as he tried to figure out the problem.  He tried to crank but to no avail.  He did a fuel pump pressure test which proved proper58psi of pressure.  After test, he tried to crank again and the bike fired right up.  He said that he did not know why we were unable to crank until after he performed the pump test.  He then removed the seat to look for any additonal problems and noticed the Powercommander.  All blame was put on it. I just don't beleive it as I have never had a problem with the unit and after about thirty more successful cranks after the dealer visit, I am still wondering.  Any ideas or simular problems?

[ultrafxr]

Did it throw any DTC codes?  I suspect not.  And, I would suspect the PC.  Just saying.  Personally I don't like adding an extra layer of complexity that could fail and throw the universe out of orbit. 

[grc]

Nice thing about an add-on like the PC is that it's real easy to determine if it's causing the problem.  Disconnect it from the ECM and wire harness, hook the bike harness directly to the ECM, and if the problem is eliminated it's a good chance the PC was the problem.  If your "cranks but won't start" problem resurfaces, try this first.


Jerry

[mcdonaldroadcapt]

I should have done that when the problem came up but I just couldn't get in the mood with the rain coming down and my wife upset about having to ride in a wrecker cab made for two already containing two dudes spitting tobacco into drink bottles. It was a great ride!!

It is strange that the bike had never done the trick in two years and has not since.  However, next time if it ever happens again and I hope not, I will do the test.

[ossie]

Had a similar problen on my 06 with PC. The dealer installed the PC in such a way that when it rained, water was able to get into the connector and short it out. After I repositioned the PC and dried out the connector, I taped the connectors with black electrical tape sealing them up. I have never had another problem.

[mcdonaldroadcapt]

Good idea.  Will do same.  Thanks.