While making a left hand turn from a dead stop, when I whip the rig around at a speed that is close to breaking the rear tire loose, the engine dies and if I remember right it shows a code ELP? I have to turn the ing. to off and the back on to restart the bike, can be a little dishearting in traffic............lol.
turtleman
turtleman57 - 7/19/2010 2:10 PM
While making a left hand turn from a dead stop, when I whip the rig around at a speed that is close to breaking the rear tire loose, the engine dies and if I remember right it shows a code ELP? I have to turn the ing. to off and the back on to restart the bike, can be a little dishearting in traffic............lol.
turtleman
What year is the machine? I presume that it is an FL.... It's the problem that is mentioned in the Harley sidecar literature.
The later model Harleys (Evos and later, IIRC) with either a TSM or a TSSM (Turn signal module or Turn signal security module) contain a small electro-mechanical pendulum inside of the case along with the circuit board. That pendulum is designed to shut the engine off in the event that the engine is running and the left or right angle of the motorcycle exceeds 45 degrees. This is to ensure that the engine will quit either in the event of a solo crash or if the bike simply falls over to either side with the engine running.
In your tight turn with a sidecar and standard, unmodified, TSSM, the pendulum will swing and exceed the 45 degree setting, effectively cutting the engine off. This is extremely dangerous and if the speed is excessive, can easily cause loss of control. In the event that the rig were to turn completely over, the engine will still be running, with all of the fuel leaking out onto hot exhaust and cylinders.
Harley foresaw this and in the early 2000's made a fix that permitted the owner to enter codes into the TSSM using the turn signal switches, much like the keyfob codes can be entered to program the key fob or to unlock the security system if the key is lost.
After 2002, they no longer used the turn signal switches to change the settings but added an extra piece of equipment - a Rollover Switch Kit (88115-03) which contains a rollover engine shutoff switch and a bank angle sensor harness. This is connected inbetween the motorcycle TSSM conector and the TSSM.
Once this is connected, it's necessary to take the machine to a Harley dealer and have the TSSM and ECM re-programmed to toggle the system to "Sidecar" use, that is so that the components will only shut the engine down after a complete rollover. The technician at the dealer will connect the proprietary Harley-Davidson Digital Technician to the data port connector and switch the system over. They get a half hour standard time for the privilege.
So, that's why your bike shut down and threw a code. It probably restarted immediately after the incident. Fortunately, that was all that happened. If the incident doesn't recur, the code will clear within 50 starts. It can also be cleared using a procedure shown in the electrical troubleshooting manual.
When I bought my 2007 TLE sidecar in the crate from the local dealer, the 88115-03 cable and switch were in a plastic bag in the trunk. If you have the 99485-XX (year of motorcycye) HD sidecar manual, it explains all of this. With the switch in place and programmed, the engine won't kill in a corner...It cost me $45 (1/2 hour) to have it programmed.
Ahhh, why was it you were taking a corner that fast....ahem? Just kidding. You can drive however you want. It's your rig. Just get a rollover switch and have it programmed. They are about $129.95 MSRP, the last time I looked, although you can find discounts on the internet.
By the way, AFAIK, Harley-Davidson is the only company that has addressed this issue. There are numerous other machines that have a bank angle sensor, Honda Goldwing most notably, and it might be something to consider if you have a rig with one of those machines for your "tug". It would be a simple matter to install a switch on the ignition system, perhaps with a mercury switch and a relay to kill the engine in the event of a rollover or a hard turn.
That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.
It is an 08. And this forum rocks, thanks. And yes I was taking that corner a little fast............lol, yes I was.
turtleman
turtleman57 - 7/19/2010 7:25 PM
It is an 08. And this forum rocks, thanks. And yes I was taking that corner a little fast............lol, yes I was.
turtleman
Happy to help!
Just back from the stealership, re-flashed for sidecar, and now I can really scoot around the left hand corners................at a slow speed.............lol
And a big Thanks GNM109!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
turtleman57 - 7/20/2010 10:45 AM
And a big Thanks GNM109!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Aww shucks..(digs toe of boot in dirt...walks slowly away with grin on face...) It weren't nuthn'.
🙂
