Chasing Starting Issue

By Mark DiPietro

Question for Fix My Hog

Motorcycle year: 2002, Make: Harley, Model: FXDWG
I believe I am getting no spark. Bike just wouldn’t run one morning. No warning. Did the screwdriver in the SP wire and see if there was an arc to the plug and nothing. Have replaced the following thus far. Plugs, wires, coil module and Crank Position Sensor. Starter and battery fine. Starter cranks over but no spark.

Via Email

Fix My Hog Answers

After replacing all of those components, the first thing we would suggest is that you use a test light or multimeter & test to see if your coil is being powered correctly.

Question for Fix My Hog

Been troubleshooting my wide glide having no spark via email with you guys. Is this chat available for tech questions? I’ve done the next step and proven there is power to the ignition coil. Coil, plugs, wires, module, map sensor and crank position sensor all new. Still no spark.

Fix My Hog Answers

You may have a broken wire or pin/socket connection at the crank position sensor, at the coil, or ignition module plug. Sometimes a wire can break at a pin or socket crimp. Issues like this can be difficult to diagnose without a factory electrical manual and a breakout box. The electrical manual has flow charts that can be followed to isolate the problem.

Question for Fix My Hog

That makes sense. I actually came to that conclusion this morning as well. One more question. I don’t have Deutsch pin removal tools and usually can get them off with a couple picks. I could not for the life of me figure out how to get the crank sensor pins out of the old connector, so I cut the pins off the new one and cut the connector off the old one, then spliced the two wires together, heat shrinking each wire and wrapping it in electrical tape. Would there be any issues with that? Can I just do a continuity test on the connector to test?

Fix My Hog Answers

We would not advise hard wiring the sensor like that, but it will work fine as long as the connections are secure.
You might want to try covering the wires with some split loom conduit.
It can go over the electrical tape.

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3 Responses to “Chasing Starting Issue”

  1. willie weber

    check the stator

  2. Mark

    I’m having starting issues with my 2005 sportster. No spark. Battery is good crank sensor displays voltage to ECM AND I GET VOLTAGE to the coil

  3. Charlie Adams

    My Bike,98 Dyna Wide glide has been sitting for about 6 wks and wouldn’t start yesterday. Lots of battery, fires occasionally but won’t catch. Plugs are wet. I am thinking to change plugs and wires to start. Am I on the right track? What would you recommend for parts. Thanks