What components in the system contribute to cold start mode?
Purchased/ Ordered new 2003 FLHTCI with then optional Delphi Fuel Injection. Has always started in any weather until now. Still starting but after long cranking in 40 degree garage. Normal would be higher RPM with enriched AFR but now it seems to start at operating temp RPM and no enrichment.


Tomorrow is New Years Ride and temps to be 25 degrees, concerned it may not start at that temp. Where do I look first?

 

My '03 HD Manual shows an engine temperature sensor an intake manifold temperature sensor, and an idle air control valve. Idle at operating temp is normal so assume problem is in 1 of the 2 temp sensors. Manual has nothing in the way of troubleshooting cold start or these sensors. Backup plan is to purchase and replace both, however I would prefer to troubleshoot and replace only the failed part.

 

Have your battery load tested first. Always start EFI diagnostics with a good battery.

 

I had the battery on a battery tender all week, went out this am, unplugged and plugged both temp sensors several times, hit the key and it fired up with high idle and sounded rich. Only difference was I turned the heat on in the garage for a few hours before I started it.


Heat is off again, 25 outside so it will be 40 in the garage soon and I'll try it at the cooler temp....

 

larsfum, thinking back, the battery in the bike is the 2nd and in about 12 weeks she will be 12 years old. Think I got about 6 years out of the 1st so maybe you are on to something here.

 

Took battery to dealership, put on test, test displayed charge before testing. Battery had been on tender all week and only started bike once. $167 and my old 97A for a new 97C most likely will be the difference between pushing a button or pushing the bike to start it tomorrow in the 25 degree weather.

 

OK New battery solved the cold start problem. Started in the garage at 40 degrees, rode out onthe frozen bun run for New years Day and she restarted like a new bike after sitting in the 19 degree parking lot for 3 hours.

 

Hope that was the fix. I love it when it is something easy.