ABS Light Stays On

[Mattman4403]

A couple of weeks ago, my ABS light came on and stayed on. Next time I started up, the ABS light acted as normal. I was getting ready to leave for about an 800 mile round trip and the light was staying on. I went to my dealer and they found a trouble code common on the 09 FLHT bikes (mine is an 08 FLHTCU). They cleared the trouble code and all was well for a couple of days then the same thing started up again. One time I would start up and the ABS light would come on and stay on then the next time, it would act as normal. I dropped the bike off at the dealer for a 20,000 mile service and told them of the issue. When I picked up the bike they had found a loose connection, reseated it and that seemed to resolve the issue. I stood the bike up and started it and the ABS light stayed on. The dealer took it right back in found the problem was now consistent. The trouble code for shorted failed front wheel sensor was always coming up immediately after being cleared. What they found to be the issue was where the ABS wiring from the front wheel goes back into the main harness. Where the wire is tied to the main harness it causes the wiring to pull when the steering is turned to full lock to the right. The stretch was bad enough to stretch the insulation which in turn tore the internal wiring. This caused the short / open error code. It was resolved by replacing the damaged section of the wiring and a slight re-route of the wiring. In talking to a couple of the guys and the service manager, this is the second instance of this they have seen. So, something to be on the watch for should you encounter such a problem.

 

[RetiredJake]

Had the same problem last year while on tour. First dealer said computer told them the front wheel speed sensor had failed but they did not have one in stock. Next dealer replaced the sensor, did not fix the problem. Lived with it until I got home and my local dealer found the bad wire after a lot of research. Exact same place as you describe. This may be a common problem that more people are going to see as they get some miles on their bikes.

 

[glyd-n]

This is good info to know. I have not had the problem, but if the light should stay on, this will be one of the things to get checked. Thanks.

 

[whatyardwork]

Id be real curious as to what the MOCO's take is on splicing ABS wireing.A very big NO NO in the automotive field.

ABS and airbag wireing dictates harness replacement (liability can be HUGE).Nothing like a service manager putting your life in jeapordy to save a buck.

 

[Mattman4403]

Id be real curious as to what the MOCO's take is on splicing ABS wireing.A very big NO NO in the automotive field.

ABS and airbag wireing dictates harness replacement (liability can be HUGE).Nothing like a service manager putting your life in jeapordy to save a buck.

What is the reason for harness replacement?

 

[whatyardwork]

What is the reason for harness replacement?

Signals are sent from the abs sensor to the computer and brake response is calibrated and put into effect.When you start splicing wires that dirrectly effect somenes life, you better know what you're doing.

1.Did you use the exact wire guage required (this would effect response).
2.How was the repair performed?If you solder and shrink wrap.. you may think its a good repair.Truthe is you just created a hard point (hard points tend to wear) in a harness that is already too short in the flex department.

Just saying, Id like to see the MOCO's recomended fix for this before accepting my local steelers version.

 

[Mattman4403]

Signals are sent from the abs sensor to the computer and brake response is calibrated and put into effect.When you start splicing wires that dirrectly effect somenes life, you better know what you're doing.

1.Did you use the exact wire guage required (this would effect response).
2.How was the repair performed?If you solder and shrink wrap.. you may think its a good repair.Truthe is you just created a hard point (hard points tend to wear) in a harness that is already too short in the flex department.

Just saying, Id like to see the MOCO's recomended fix for this before accepting my local steelers version.

Interesting points, they did match up the gauge of the wire solder and shrink wrap then re-routed the wiring. Looks like this problem is starting to show up. The guys in service have always taken good care of me. I will keep any updates posted.

 

[ballpeen]

Interesting, Ill print this one out and stick it in the manual..Thanks Tim

 

[JOHNNYREDPEN]

Interesting points, they did match up the gauge of the wire solder and shrink wrap then re-routed the wiring. Looks like this problem is starting to show up. The guys in service have always taken good care of me. I will keep any updates posted.

Mattman 4403. Did you get the above problem solved permanently please. I have the same ABS problem. Was the repair effected by the dealer OK long term? Thanks

 

[Bodeen]

Mattman 4403. Did you get the above problem solved permanently please. I have the same ABS problem. Was the repair effected by the dealer OK long term? Thanks

Unfortunately Mattman4403 hasnt logged on since April 2013. May try sending him a Private Message.