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!
Understanding the Crank Position Sensor
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:
- misfiring and stalling
- difficulty starting the engine
- irregular idling
- check engine light
- poor fuel economy
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.
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?
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.
