| Author | Message | ||
     Brijasher |
'09 XB12XT. Been riding it all winter long with no problems, so no wisecracks about throttle blipping or not letting it warm up.  Last Sunday, rode the bike about 30 min and stopped to get fuel. After pulling out, the bike seemed rather listless but after a couple seconds surged and ran fine. Figured a plug was slightly fouled or a partial injector block that cleared up. Didn't think much more of it and continued on. An hour later, stopped to add another layer and the bike again ran like crap. Turned around and started heading back as best as I could. About 5 minutes later, could feel the missing cylinder kick in for a second and stop a few times. Another 5 to 10 minutes and it kicked back in and ran fine almost all the way back home. Had to stop a couple times near home. Every time I let off the throttle, the cylinder would stop firing again and then kick in shortly after getting up to speed. Only trouble code is 1-3, exhaust O2 sensor. (Go figure...). Tried the manual fouled plug clearing procedure a couple times and the one cylinder starts strongly, but not both. Finger burn test says the front cylinder is firing, back is not. Smell of gas is very strong, so don't think it is an injector issue. So what is more likely? Fouled plug or bad wires? And any advice on troubleshooting / replacing? One last note — Huge thanks to all the know-it-alls on the board that got me this far. Search is a wunnerful thing. | ||
| Paralegalpete |
I had the same issue with my 09 the first season, changed the plugs and all was good. I had also re flashed the ecm at the same time to the latest offering. Never had a problem again | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
The O2 sensor complaint makes sense if the rear isn't firing. The sensors used in these bikes has no built-in heater and depends upon the exhaust to heat it up. No hot exhaust = no sensor output You know about the "Auto plug cleaner" thing? 2008-2010 bikes can do this: with engine off, open throttle all the way and hold it. turn on bike without trying to start it. computer will shoot the ignition without injecting gas. Sometimes this is all it takes. the sure thing of course is to replace the plugs though. | ||
| Brijasher |
Natex: Tried the manual fouled plug clearing procedure a couple times  But yeah, figured that was why the O2 was triggering, guess my sarcasm didn't come across very well. Guess I'm just putting off the inevitable. Grrr.... | ||
| Itileman |
How many miles on that set of plugs? Check connections at plug & coil. A little dielectric grease never hurt anything. Check the coil itself for cracks/leaks. | ||
| Brijasher |
Just shy of my 10k service, ~9800 mi. Bike is still under factory warranty, so going to have High Country H-D do it. Of course, plugs and wires probably aren't covered. | ||
| Zac4mac |
Nah, no warranty on "wear" items. :P Stop by the Parts counter and say Hi - Tomorrow's my "Monday". Got my fingers crossed for a fouled plug... Zack | ||
| Brijasher |
Well, pulled the plug wire and no obvious problems with the wire or coil. No cracks, all metal is shiny and no signs of waterspots or dirt. Don't have the tools to get at those plugs, so going to have to take it in I guess. *sigh* So guess I'll be seeing you sooner than later Zac. At least I won't have to trailer it in. /shrug | ||
| Trevd |
Don't bring it in... if you don't have the tools, get them. It's a pain to get at the rear plug, but once you figure it out, you'll know it for next time. It will probably take you less time than to bring it to a dealer. Do a search - IIRC, there are a couple of good threads about trick to remove that rear plug. |
