Harley Started to Misfire

QuestionMy wife’s 2005 FLHTCUSE2 began to develop problems a few weeks ago.

After a short ride, we stopped for her to get gas. On the way home, her Harley started to misfire and run poorly. I lost sight of her so I pulled over. After about 15 mins she showed up and said her bike would not stay running. At each stop, it would stall but would always start after the fact. It died in the driveway.

We tried to troubleshoot the problem but have been unsuccessful so far. Checked the fuel pump, getting gas, changed the plugs and checked the wires for leaks, no leaks. We then changed the coil with no success. The bike would start at high idle and then slow to a stall. We then did a “wild” code check on the motorcycle and got a code for the Powertrain), P1356-no fire at the rear jug. We fixed the wire at the coil, and tried to start the bike again with the same result. I then did another code check and at P I got a blank screen and then a no rSP- no response?

As you can see, I need help. My wife is a ride-aholoic and I have to live with her and 1 running motorcycle. It gets embarrassing riding on the back of your own motorcycle to keep peace in the house.

– Michael

AnswerNote from the guys:

How do you know that “the fuel pump is getting fuel”? If you were chasing a fuel problem you would want to see what you have for, running fuel pressure.

However, this problem sounds much more like a failing sensor. If you can not pick up any relevant codes on your own, you may need to submit to having a dealer plug in their scanalizer. If it takes them an hour labor time to come up with a definitive diagnosis, it may save you a lot of aggravation.

Check Out These Related Videos for More Information:

Harley Fuel Pump and Filter Removal


Harley Fuel Filter Removal on a Softail or Dyna


Harley Fuel Filter Install on a Softail or Dyna


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108 Responses to “Harley Started to Misfire”

  1. ray carina

    I have a 1997 low rider with 110,000 miles, the other day it started to miss so I changed the plugs no luck, then changed the plug wires still no luck. I tested the VOES with aa hand vacuum pump and it would not complete the circuit, I then replace the VOES switch, still the same issue but a also noticed that running tha engine for about one minute it still missed at about 1500 RPMs and I noticed that it was blowing oil out breather. Any suggestions?

  2. tom hill

    Thanks

  3. George

    Hard starting sometimes backfires an when it does start running 1 cylinder will go dead and then fire again..

  4. STEPHEN SUMMERLIN

    I HAVE A 1998 ROAD KING AND I HAD TO REPLACE ALL THE SEALS AND I PUT A LITTLE BIT BIGGER CAM IN IT. ALSO INSTALL NEW HEADERS. NOW ITS ALL BACK TOGETHER RIDE DOWN THE ROAD AND IT SPUTTERS AND POPS AT A FULL TROTTLE UNLESS YOUVE GOT THE RPMS REAL HIGH SOMETIMES. I PUT NEW PLUGS FIXED THE INTAKE LEAK BUT STILL HAVE THE ISSUE. FRESH GAS. WHAT COULD BE MY PROBLEM???? PLEASE HELP!!!!

  5. Jerry

    If no spark hard start or no start it's crank or can shaft sensor can check with strong light for pulse while cranking engine. I rather swap out one part then be riped off by these repair shops, $95. n hour. Two to three hours diagnosis. B's, last give did my clutch, charged me for gaskets called up said I had leak he said he did job in end of August last year, yes but that was 6 months ago and 300 miles on bike since. I fix my own bike now . Buy crank sender about 120. If that don't work then can not Hart to do and your still ahead of game, prevented maintenance. Sorry but I so jaded by rip off shops.

  6. Craig

    I have a 2012 Street Glide. Recently it started randomly loosing fuel to the front cylinder. I checked for the infamous fuel line issue in the tank, all good. The fuel pump housing was not clipped in and the sock was not attached, changed the fuel filter, checked spark and pulse to the injectors, swapped injectors, checked grounds, checked fuses and relays. I can start the bike and ride the hell out of it and it will run good. Let it sit for a little while, starts good then all of the sudden runs rough, no fuel to front cylinder. Codes P0118, PO131, PO151, PO152, PO261, PO1361 and PO1356. All the codes send me to a fueling problem. Anybody, HELP Please. I am doing this for my brotherinlaw who is broke and this is his only transportation, good thing we live in Daytona. Thanks

  7. Derrick Hillier

    If You tried everything else & still have the same problem.Change the speed sensor on top of the transmission.No need to thank me if all is well after.

  8. Charles Pothier

    I just had that same problem with my flhtcu and it ended up being the fuel regulator right there by the fuel pump. The dealer replace this the fuel regulator and everything worked fine after that.

  9. Aaron

    I don’t much about the newer bikes but my 76 sportster kind of did the same thing but had no spark on front jug adjusted the points and fired right up llike it was a new bike. But as like you I did everything else first before I checked the points. So now I always remember fuel spark compression

  10. bob

    Harley 04 fatboy misses when cold and choke on but smoothes out when warm with no choke on..why the miss when cold and choke on?