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Buell Forum » Old School Buell » Archive through November 19, 2013 » Wont fire on cold morning « Previous Next »

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Jcs64
Posted on Sunday, November 10, 2013 - 09:20 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

2000 X1
runs GREAT, battery cranks it over just fine.
Problem is, on a cold morning the bike will just crank but not fire. If I leave it on the trickle charger it will start.
Im pretty sure I read some where that the ignition wont fire if its not seeing at least 12 volts. My guess is that on the cold morn. that's whats happening.
Any fix for this?
I hate to replace a good battery just because its cold out :-)
Any changes that can be made w/ ecm so that it will fire under 12v?

jeff
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Impala
Posted on Sunday, November 10, 2013 - 09:30 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

In my experience that is pretty common with motorcycle batteries. They are fine above a certain temperature but when it is colder they do not have enough juice. Have run batteries like that for years after it happens. New battery or trickle charger is the answer.
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Jcs64
Posted on Sunday, November 10, 2013 - 09:53 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

yeah, its been doing it for a couple yrs, it will be fine all summer, as soon as the temp drops it wont start unless its on the trickle.
since I ride right up until the snow flies, this is a real P.I.T.A. and theres now way I can "plug in" while at work.

jeff
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Ratbuell
Posted on Sunday, November 10, 2013 - 10:38 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Um...buy a battery? If it's been doing it for a couple years, it may be time. Also check your charging system while you're at it, or take a longer route to work so you give it time to replace the juice you used up when you started it.
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Kalali
Posted on Sunday, November 10, 2013 - 04:55 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Or take the battery inside the office...
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Jcs64
Posted on Sunday, November 10, 2013 - 09:04 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

yeah I know I should replace the bat. but this late in the season kinda seems crazy to put a new one into service.
plus it cranks the bike over great so it seems like it must be the ecm telling it not to fire, no?
jeff
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Ratbuell
Posted on Sunday, November 10, 2013 - 11:45 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Here's a trick to try - cycle the fuel pump two times before a cold start. Key on, kill switch on, let the pump cycle. Then, kill switch off and back on to re-trigger the pump. See if the "extra-choke" helps any. I've had old cars that did that - the pressure totally bleeds off the lines and a double-cycle helped.
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Pikeben08
Posted on Monday, November 11, 2013 - 09:16 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I've also had this issue. My only solution was to jump it or replace the battery. I think that the starter just sucks up all of the battery current not leaving enough for the ECM and coil.

Could also be if the ECM sees a low enough voltage it doesn't allow injection.
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Impala
Posted on Monday, November 11, 2013 - 11:48 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

The cycle the fuel pump trick can help. Cycle it, turn it off, and then when you try the next time don't wait for the pump just crank right away. Might not work if it has been sitting but it may help the after work problem. Battery is still the answer in the end. Lost some of its CCA.
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Natexlh1000
Posted on Monday, November 11, 2013 - 05:04 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

One word of caution:
A weak battery can spin the engine without firing it.
If it's "just right" you can spin the engine, squirt gas in, and still not light the plugs.

My X1 never gave me trouble in cold weather so long as the battery is healthy.
I think the lowest I tried to start it was 14F. (yes it did!)
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S1owner
Posted on Monday, November 11, 2013 - 06:16 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Also make sure your battery connections are clean and tight. My positve loosened up ever so slightly thexarching actually melted part of the post! It would turn over strong but not enough to start. These bikes like full power batteries for sure.
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