Twist Grip Sensor Issues

In recent years, Harley Davidson has eliminated the need for throttle cables on a number of their models. The throttle, instead, is governed by wire and is now part of the motorcycle’s electrical system. Elimination of throttle cables allows for a cleaner look around the handlebars. It is also one less thing that needs to be inspected, maintained, and adjusted.
There are three main components that work together in order to create throttle in a throttle by wire assembly:
(1) The twist grip sensor
(2) Induction module/throttle control actuator
(3) The ECM (electronic control module)
We mention induction module and the throttle control actuator together because Harley’s’ can only be purchased as one component. They share the same part number and there is no instruction to separate one from the other. In fact, we highly recommend not tampering with the throttle control actuator in any way.

The twist grip sensor has two sets of magnetic sensors that send signals to the electronic control module. The ECM controls all electrical functions on the motorcycle. It allows the twist grip sensor to communicate with the throttle control actuator. The actuator includes a geared permanent magnet DC motor and two sealed automotive style throttle position sensors which are located on the induction module body.
Harley’s throttle by wire assembly can have issues. If there is an error, the system will go into one of three different failure modes. If one signal is lost from the twist grip sensor, the ECM will put the motorcycle into limited performance mode. In this mode, throttle response is slower and full performance is impossible to achieve.
If both signals are lost from the twist grip sensor, the ECM will not be able to determine what the operator is wanting to do. The ECM will then go into forced idle mode. In this mode, there can be only slightly more throttle over idle. However, you should be able to get the bike through a few gears as there is also some spark advance allowed.
If the DC motor is lost in the throttle actuator or one or both of the throttle position sensors are lost, the ECM will put the bike into “limp mode”. This mode limits the motor to only an idle. “Limping” home will be difficult but possible. Just hope there are no steep hills along the way.
Look For The Code
If your Harley is experiencing any of these symptoms, there will, almost always, be a corresponding diagnostic error code. The code you find may help you to determine the origin of the failed signal.
The majority of the time, it has been our experience to find a bad twist grip sensor. We have, however, also diagnosed bad throttle actuators, ECM’s and worn pin connections at the throttle control actuator. It is very important to have access to an electrical manual for your year and model when trying to diagnose any of these issues.
Changed handlebars on a 2009 flhx. Also changed out the tbw sensor. Connected all connections back together. Tried to start bike. Bike will turn over but will not start
I currently have the same problem, getting p1511 & p2176 codes. What did you do to fix the issue? Have a brand new CVO extended vrip twist sensor installed.
I have a 14′ street glide. It’s doing the exact same thing. If I force the butterfly open with my finger, it starts right up but then dies again. Other than that it will not start.. did you ever figure the problem
Same problem here with my Road King FLHR 2014. After changing the battery I still have the DTC P1511 and P2176. How can I solve this issue?
Great question! Please refer to our Tech Q&A page for more information. https://www.fixmyhog.com/posts/harley-tips/
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Thanks!
I would much rather have cables. Very little maintenance and should last the lifetime of the bike. Electric throttles can easily malfunction requiring professional assistants and very expensive to fix. I don’t see this as an improvement.
I’m experiencing “surging” automatic acceleration bursts. Do you think that this could be caused by a bad twist grip sensor? 2012 Roadking.
surging is probably the Throttle Positioning Sensor
on the later i think2008 thet changed the little part that was just a sensor easy fix on earlier efi setup hut then harly nwillie needed more n now well thankgod for Fallen cycle used parts new induction module fancy name for carb new ones 750 thank s got mine like new for 100 bucks
Also, if one gets apes, one must use the Harley extended wire or the resistance changes in the wire and will not work. I am not an expert at this as you all are, so I know you know what I am talking about. I had a lot of problems with this as I was adding 15″ apes and had to extend the cables for the Twist Grip Sensor. Would you all discuss this issue?
I have a 2015 Road King with TGS issues, I took it to the dealership and they’re diagnosing the ECM may have gone bad…which means I may be $500+ in the hole. Technology is great until it isn’t I guess.
Fastforward to Aug 2018, my Road King had its TGS swapped and the error codes went away for a few months; guess what? They’re back again like a chronic rash! I’m super ticked off this is a recurring problem. Makes me think whether I should swap it for a mechanical throttle sensor…
I was looking for a step by step video to install the TPS on my 2008 Electric Glide Standard.
We do not currently have any videos that cover TPS replacement; we will add it to our list of future topics!
https://www.fixmyhog.com/videos/electrical/
I was looking for…..
How do I hook up my left heated grip to the right one?
For Harley Davidson heated grips, the left side plugs into a small plug from the twist grip sensor.
https://www.fixmyhog.com/post/videos-harley/
-Mark
Ticket 23036 Where is the “Twist Grip Sensor Jumper Connector” on my 2012 Street Glide for my HD heated hand grips that is says to connect to while installing and do I have to go to the battery for power? Thanks
Dear Paul,
Thank you for your patience. In response to your question-
Believe the plug you are referencing is near the end of the TGS plug. It has a black and a white wire.
If HD heated grips have not previously been installed, you will need to get power from the battery or by adding a fuse to the fuse block.
If you do not have the factory instructions, we suggest looking online for them. The instructions are very specific.
https://www.fixmyhog.com/video/how-to-search-fix-my-hog-008641/
https://www.fixmyhog.com/video/welcome-to-fix-my-hog-site-review-008131/
https://www.fixmyhog.com/video-index/
Sincerely,
Mark
Fix My Hog Video Membership
I just had my twist grip sensor swapped on my 2015 Road King. I wanted to do it myself but I wasn’t sure it was the culprit of my check engine trouble codes. Turns out I was right but I ended up having my dealership do it for me. Good thing is, no more check engine light warnings anymore!
My 08 ultra classic cvo has a throttle issue.it drops to idle,and if I shut it off and restart it I get throttle back for a short time,but it drops back to idle.any ideas?
2014 FLHTK rpm stays at 3500 then goes to IDLE back to 3500 or so HAVE TO SHULT OFF TO STOP. NO CODES GRIP SENSOR THIRD ONE IN 60,000 MILES. any one have this happen.its happen on all 3 of the bikes I had.all about the same miles I do a lot of dirt roads.
Im looking for adjustment spec for 2013 throttle position sensor ultra classic
I have a 14′ street glide. It’s doing the exact same thing. If I force the butterfly open with my finger, it starts right up but then dies again. Other than that it will not start.. did you ever figure the problem
Je chercher ceci svp
Bonjour Jacques!
Nous aimerions aider! Pourriez-vous expliquer ce que vous recherchez? Aussi, quelle est l’année, la marque et le modèle de votre Harley? Je transmettrai tout cela à notre expert!
Cordialement,
Jessica
Fixer mon abonnement vidéo Hog
Hello there, in advance sorry for my english. I just did change my handlebars in my FLHP 08 and I found 2 sets of wires in the TGS the main with 6 cables I believe are the actual sensor cables, but what about the second with only 2 (B & W) what is this for? in the wiring diagrams does not show.
Thanks!
Adolfo,
The black & white wires that you are referring to are only used if you install factory heated hand grips.
If you do not intend on installing this accessory, you can eliminate the wires without issue.
ELECTRICAL
https://www.fixmyhog.com/video/simplifying-electricity-002170/
https://www.fixmyhog.com/product/overview-of-electrical-systems-part-1-download/
https://www.fixmyhog.com/video/welcome-to-fix-my-hog-electrical-002169/
https://www.fixmyhog.com/video/watts-law-002179/
-Mark
Fix My Hog
2017 Softail slim riding along no issues. Suddenly dead throttle and bike cuts off if I don’t grab the clutch could this be a twist grip sensor problem or something further? I restart the bike the problem goes away for quite a while
Hello Adam!
That’s a great question!
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Fix My Hog Video Membership
This was very helpful.