Ultra Classic Electrical Power Loss

[scooter_chris]

I have an 02 Ultra Classic and was riding in a poker run with about 400 other bikes (most Harley) and had a sudden power failure. It was electrical in nature, but all power was lost and I had to coast to the side of the road. After a few minutes, it started and I went on my way -- for about 5 miles, then it did it again. Pulled to the side of the road and the chase vehicle showed up. We took the seat off and tightened the battery connectors and it started again and we got back to the finish point. Later, riding home, it did it again. Just riding along, and suddenly everything shuts down - no lights, nothing. Pulled to the side of the road, sat for a few minutes, then it started again. This is a very dangerous situation and I am hoping someone can help me determine what is going on. The engine has the Stage 1 kit, Rhinehart true duals, Power Commander and Big Sucker Air Cleaner - otherwise it is stock. This happened once last summer and I was told that there is an "automatic" shutdown to prevent overheating, but my bike was the only one of about 400 to have any problem. Any help out there? Thanks.

[HarleyCruiser]

Sounds like a bad main circut breaker.

Originally Posted by scooter_chris

I have an 02 Ultra Classic and was riding in a poker run with about 400 other bikes (most Harley) and had a sudden power failure. It was electrical in nature, but all power was lost and I had to coast to the side of the road. After a few minutes, it started and I went on my way -- for about 5 miles, then it did it again. Pulled to the side of the road and the chase vehicle showed up. We took the seat off and tightened the battery connectors and it started again and we got back to the finish point. Later, riding home, it did it again. Just riding along, and suddenly everything shuts down - no lights, nothing. Pulled to the side of the road, sat for a few minutes, then it started again. This is a very dangerous situation and I am hoping someone can help me determine what is going on. The engine has the Stage 1 kit, Rhinehart true duals, Power Commander and Big Sucker Air Cleaner - otherwise it is stock. This happened once last summer and I was told that there is an "automatic" shutdown to prevent overheating, but my bike was the only one of about 400 to have any problem. Any help out there? Thanks.

[shovelmike]

I also have an '02 Ultra. They were subject to a recall for replacement of the main breaker, failure of which would cause those exact symptoms. Check with a dealer to make sure yours wasn't missed, If it was it is on Harley's dollar.
I would strongly encourage replacement of the main breaker in any case.

[scooter_chris]

Thanks to both of you who replied. I was able to go to recalls.gov and locate the recall on the main circuit breaker. I took a look at mine and it does not look as though it has been replaced, but we will see what the dealer says. In any event, that appears to be the problem and I will have it changed regardless.

Blessings - and thanks again.

[HarleyCruiser]

Chris, don't remember exactly but think it was the connections, were bad caused resistance in the wire/screw, and caused the breaker to heat up and trip.

Originally Posted by scooter_chris

Thanks to both of you who replied. I was able to go to recalls.gov and locate the recall on the main circuit breaker. I took a look at mine and it does not look as though it has been replaced, but we will see what the dealer says. In any event, that appears to be the problem and I will have it changed regardless.

Blessings - and thanks again.

[scooter_chris]

Well, I took the bike to the dealer and insisted they change the breaker and they put a new one in - a 50 amp. Went riding today and after about 5 or 6 hours and 250 leisurely miles, the bike shut down again. Got it to the side of the road and after about 1 or 2 minutes, it fired up. Then it did it again about 30 minutes later. This is driving me nuts. Both times it happened after I had been at a red light and taking off. I think I got to 3rd gear when ALL engine and electrical power went dead. Any ideas????

[frisco-rigid]

It sure sounds like circuit breaker huh, and the new one could be bad also but not likely..
If it is the circuit breaker it could also be from an intermittent short or over-load causing the temporary closure of the circuit..

But---

I seem to remember another member that had a similar prob and it turned out to be a faulty lean-angle sensor,,, was that here..?

The sensor that shuts off the motor in the event of go-down..

Doncha just despise sparky probs..

[steve dennis]

That model had a recall on the main circuit breaker.You should have
got a notice.Harley will change it out for free-it upgrades to a bigger
breaker.

[HarleyCruiser]

Originally Posted by scooter_chris

Well, I took the bike to the dealer and insisted they change the breaker and they put a new one in - a 50 amp. Went riding today and after about 5 or 6 hours and 250 leisurely miles, the bike shut down again. Got it to the side of the road and after about 1 or 2 minutes, it fired up. Then it did it again about 30 minutes later. This is driving me nuts. Both times it happened after I had been at a red light and taking off. I think I got to 3rd gear when ALL engine and electrical power went dead. Any ideas????

I would still put my money on the Circuit breaker, but you need to find out why it is tripping.
Check for a ground, anything that would cause an excessive load.
Check for bad connections where the circuit breaker plugs in, loose connections cause the terminal to heat up and heat the circuit breaker causing it to trip.

[JCourneyaP]

Steve, Those Service Notices seem to only go to the shops. Even the shops seem not to get or remember getting one. Bad way to do buisness...