Harley Davidson Crank Position Sensor Symptoms Get Revealed

It’s a bright, sunny day and nothing can be more satisfying than riding your powerful Harley Davidson along the open road. However, right in the midst of that exhilarating ride, your beloved motorcycle begins to stutter and lose power. What could it be? One potential culprit could be your Harley Davidson crank position sensor showing signs of trouble. Recognizing the early symptoms can make a significant difference in preventing a total breakdown. This guide unravels the mystery surrounding the most common Harley Davidson crank position sensor symptoms, helping you better understand this crucial part of your motorcycle, and avoid turning that sunny ride into a cloudy day stranded on the roadside. Equipped with this knowledge, you can enjoy uninterrupted long rides while safeguarding your Harley’s longevity. Prepare to embrace an enhanced understanding on how best to maintain your motorcycle’s health. So, let’s hit the road and ride into this enlightening journey together. Ready? Let’s go!

Table of Contents

Understanding the Crank Position Sensor

Example of a new crank position sensor for Harley Davidson motorcycles

The CPS in a Harley Davidson is a crucial component that monitors the position and rotational speed of the crankshaft. The data it collects is vital for the engine control unit (ECU) to optimize ignition timing and fuel injection. In other words, the CPS plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth operation of the engine, fuel efficiency, and reduced emissions.

However, when the CPS starts to fail, it can lead to a series of problems that can hamper the performance of your bike. Let’s explore these symptoms in detail.

What Are The Symptoms Of Bad Crank Position Sensor on Harley Davidson Motorcycles?

There are five common symptoms of a bad crank position sensor, which we’ll dive further into:

Now, let’s break them down.

Misfiring and Stalling

One of the most evident symptoms of a faulty CPS is engine misfires. If the sensor is malfunctioning, it may feed incorrect data to the engine management system. This can result in the engine cylinders misfiring and the engine running rough. Moreover, a bad CPS can also cause the engine to stall unexpectedly.

Difficulty Starting The Engine

If your Harley Davidson bike is having trouble starting, it could be due to a failing CPS. If the CPS is not functioning correctly, it can prevent the engine from starting properly. This problem could become more noticeable when the bike is revved up.

Irregular Idling

A problematic CPS can also cause irregular idling. This can manifest as the engine revving high and then suddenly dropping to a lower rev. This fluctuation can cause the engine to sputter and lose power.

Check Engine Light

If your Harley’s computer detects a fault in the CPS, it might trigger the “Check Engine” light on your bike’s dashboard. This is usually accompanied by a specific fault code that points to a problem with the CPS.

Poor (or Reduced) Fuel Economy

A faulty CPS can also lead to reduced fuel economy. If the CPS is not working properly, the ECU may not accurately determine the amount of fuel to inject into the engine, which can negatively affect your bike’s fuel efficiency.

Related: Lean Fuel Mixture Symptoms for Motorcycle: Overview

What Models Were More Prone To A Bad Crank Position Sensor?

While a CPS failure can occur in any Harley Davidson model, some models are more susceptible to this issue than others. It’s important for owners of these models to be aware of the common symptoms and be proactive in addressing any potential CPS issues.

Can Maintenance Prevent The CPS From Going Bad?

Regular maintenance can go a long way in preventing CPS failures. This includes regular check-ups of the sensor’s wirings and electrical connectors for damage, dirt, or corrosion. In some cases, a simple cleaning may be enough to resolve minor CPS problems. However, if the CPS or its wirings are damaged, replacement may be necessary.

What Causes The CPS To Fail?

Numerous factors can contribute to CPS failure. Exposure to high temperatures, strong impacts, major electrical surges, carbon build-up, water damage, and engine problems can all potentially damage the CPS. Regular maintenance and timely inspections can help prevent these issues from escalating and damaging the CPS.

Before we move onto testing and replacing the CPS, you might need this video as a reference for where it’s located. (Typically a similar location across models)

How To Test A Harley’s Crank Position Sensor

Several methods can help diagnose a faulty CPS. This includes using a scanner to check the engine’s trouble codes, visually checking the sensor’s wirings and electrical connectors, measuring the sensor’s resistance using a multimeter, and observing the waveform of the sensor’s signal on an oscilloscope.

Related: Most Common Harley Davidson Diagnostic Codes Get Explained

How To Replace The Crank Position Sensor On A Harley Davidson?

Replacing a faulty CPS is a relatively straightforward process that can be accomplished with basic mechanical knowledge and the right tools. However, to ensure the job is done correctly, it’s advisable to seek the help of a professional mechanic. (Or send it, if you’re like me…)

In conclusion, while a faulty CPS can cause various problems for your Harley Davidson bike, being aware of the symptoms and knowing how to address them can prevent significant damage and keep your bike running smoothly. Regular maintenance and timely inspections are key to ensuring the longevity and optimal performance of your motorcycle’s CPS.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a crank position sensor and what does it do in a Harley Davidson?

A crank position sensor in a Harley Davidson is an essential engine component that monitors the position and rotational speed of the crankshaft. This information is crucial for the engine’s management system to control aspects like fuel injection and ignition timing, ensuring optimal engine performance and efficiency.

How can I tell if my Harley Davidson’s crank position sensor is failing?

Failing crank position sensors in Harley Davidsons often manifest as engine misfires, stalling, difficulties in starting the engine, irregular idling, and the activation of the check engine light. These symptoms may be intermittent and tend to worsen over time, signaling the need for a diagnostic check.

Will my Harley Davidson start if the crank position sensor is not working?

A non-functional crank position sensor can prevent a Harley Davidson from starting, as it plays a critical role in the ignition process. Its failure disrupts the engine’s ability to properly time the ignition, leading to starting difficulties.

What is the cost of replacing a crank position sensor in a Harley Davidson?

The cost of replacing a crank position sensor in a Harley Davidson varies based on the part’s price and labor charges. This cost is influenced by the complexity of the replacement procedure and the regional rates for labor.