How Do I Know If My Harley Ignition Module Is Bad?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Usually

when the module goes bad the bike either won’t start

, or starts fine when cold and starts cutting out or dies when it warms up, and won’t restart until cold.

How can I test my ignition module?

Connect the ground lead from the 12-volt

test

light to the negative terminal on the ignition coil. Have your partner crank the engine over several times. Your test light should flicker on and off. If so, your module is working properly and no further testing is necessary.

How do I know if I have a bad ignition module?

1. Engine performance issues. One of the first symptoms of a problem with the ignition module are engine performance issues. If the ignition module fails or has any problems it can lead to performance issues with the vehicle, such as

misfires, hesitation, loss of power, and even reduced fuel economy

.

What does a Harley ignition module do?

The module sends a signal to the ignition coil,

which turns 12 volts into thousands of volts to make a hot spark

. The ignition coil is connected to the spark plugs through spark plug wires, which are specially designed for their specific duty.

How do you test a Harley Davidson ignition module?

  1. Turn off the motorcycle. Allow the engine to become cool to the touch before proceeding.
  2. Disconnect, by hand, the two spark plug wires from the coil.
  3. Set the ohmmeter to read resistance on the “Rx1” setting.
  4. Set the ohmmeter to read resistance on the “Rx1000” setting.

What happens when the ignition control module goes bad?

A faulty ignition module can affect ignition timing, resulting in an

engine that misfires and runs rough

. The engine may also run well at low speed, but won’t accelerate well. 3. Stalling: A failing ignition module can occasionally prevent the engine from getting spark, causing it to stall.

Can you bypass a ignition Control Module?

To allow

the ECU to take control

of ignition timing it will “bypass” the ignitor and send the signal to the ECU for ignition timing processing. … The ECU then sends a signal back to the ignitor with the ignition timing adjusted and then the ignitor module fires the coil.

What causes the ignition control module to fail?

The common cause of one driver/transistor failing is

a shorted ignition coil primary winding

. This is a winding of wire within the ignition coil where each loop is separated by a very thin plastic coating.

How do I test my Duraspark ignition module?


Measure the cranking voltage to

the ignition module, or “brain-box”. Probe the white wire leading into the module while cranking the engine. Inspect the circuit from the starter solenoid “S” terminal, if the voltage is weak or missing entirely. Replace the solenoid if no faults are found in the circuit.

How much does it cost to replace an ignition control module?

Ignition Control Module Replacement Cost – RepairPal Estimate.

Labor costs are estimated between $57 and $71

while parts are priced between $221 and $313. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific vehicle or unique location.

What does a Screamin Eagle ignition module do?

This module is programmed to

allow the engine to turn 7000 RPM and retards timing by 5 degrees at wide-open throttle

.

Is my Harley single fire or dual fire?

With the exception of the new Twin-Cam 88 and late model Sportster 1200 engines, all carbureted Harley-Davidson® engines have been

dual fire

. A single coil winding with two high voltage output terminals fires the spark plugs on both cylinders simultaneously. Each plug is fired twice during each four stroke cycle.

Why does my bike have no spark?

If the spark is weak or orange, it is probably your

coil not generating enough voltage

. Test for spark by touching the spark plug to the engine and pushing the starter. While you’re at it, make sure the spark plug hole is not full of water. That is sure to cause spark problems.

How do you know if your powertrain control module is bad?

  1. Check Engine Light Turns On.
  2. Engine Stalling or Misfiring.
  3. Engine Performance Issues.
  4. Car Not Starting.
  5. Poor Fuel Economy.

Can you drive with a bad ignition module?

A failing ignition control module can be a real headache at times. It can produce a

wide range of engine performance problems

, including preventing the engine from starting or stalling the engine as you speed down the road, just to let you resume your driving a few minutes later, as if nothing had happened.

How do you reset an ignition control module?

When you disconnect the battery you’re accomlishing the same thing as resetting the BCM by

pulling the IOD fuse meaning

, cutting off power to the BCM.

David Evans
Author
David Evans
David is a seasoned automotive enthusiast. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and has a passion for all things related to cars and vehicles. With his extensive knowledge of cars and other vehicles, David is an authority in the industry.