First big dog, Need help getting k9 to fire with bad EHC.
- Thread starter Big dawg boss
- Start date
Mikeinjersey
Well-Known Member
Rottweiler gave you the diagrams you will need to troubleshoot your bike. Start by reading your battery voltage across the terminals. If it's 12.8 + it's good. Next read from the Positive terminal to any frame ground. If you can read voltage your ground side is connected to the frame. You could still have a poor connection but it's not likely you would get no life to the system. Look at your EHC when you turn the key. You should see some lights. If you get nothing move on to the ignition switch. It's a simple normally open switch and closed when you turn it on. If at this point you are unsure how to read the key switch reach out to a friend for help on using the meter.
Read Chapter 13 from the files he gave you and it will help you have a better understanding of what is going on with the BIG DOG electrical system.
Tip: always disconnect the Negative side of a battery first then the Positive side. Do the opposite when reconnecting: Connect Pos side then the Negative side.
Good luck and come back with any questions you may have.
Big dawg boss
Member
I sure do appreciate the diagrams. I’ve got the big dog itch and really just wanna ride.
chubs
Guru
You say you can manually crank it. Has it got a "slam button" on the starter solenoid? If so, and it cranks , that would tell me that the battery isn't the problem. I don't personally know how the ignition key switch is mounted, but if you could somehow bypass it (like unplug it and jumper the connector) that might be a way to check that much out. If I'm not mistaken, there have been a few owners that had to replace their key switches to get back on the road. Anyhow, that would be a good place to start,without having to spend money.
Big dawg boss
Member
The switch tests good. Can anyone tell me what is recommended. Like new ehc or rip kit.
SCC007
Active Member
This may be redundant but trying to clarify some things to better diagnosis the problem.
So if you are saying switch are you referring to the ignition switch? If so are you getting lights to the EHC? Also you said you can get it to crank, do you mean jumper from battery to starter or slam button? Or do you mean that the crank with switches switches at bar but doesn't fire up?
If ignition is good (power to and from) - check wiring from ignition to EHC making sure it is getting supplied power (also checking breaker or fuse between battery and EHC).
If wiring is good and fuse/breaker are good then you should be getting some lights on with the EHC. If getting power but no lights get a new EHC. Also when you turn the ignition switch on the headlight signals and gauge should all power up. If they do not then either a wiring or EHC issue.
If the bike cranks with the controls (ie ignition on, run switch then start switch depressed, cranks) but does not fire then that is either a fuel or spark issue and check to make sure sparkplug is getting power (pull a plug and crank to see spark) If spark plug has power check fuel. If no spark go through the electrical system to the coil (often times I have found that it is a crank position sensor or the wiring to, that is keeping it from getting signal to send power to coil/spark).
If EHC has power (lights) but does not crank might be the switches and/or wiring at the handlebars. If this is the case easiest way is to start by checking switches in the bars and or replacing.
So if you are saying switch are you referring to the ignition switch? If so are you getting lights to the EHC? Also you said you can get it to crank, do you mean jumper from battery to starter or slam button? Or do you mean that the crank with switches switches at bar but doesn't fire up?
If ignition is good (power to and from) - check wiring from ignition to EHC making sure it is getting supplied power (also checking breaker or fuse between battery and EHC).
If wiring is good and fuse/breaker are good then you should be getting some lights on with the EHC. If getting power but no lights get a new EHC. Also when you turn the ignition switch on the headlight signals and gauge should all power up. If they do not then either a wiring or EHC issue.
If the bike cranks with the controls (ie ignition on, run switch then start switch depressed, cranks) but does not fire then that is either a fuel or spark issue and check to make sure sparkplug is getting power (pull a plug and crank to see spark) If spark plug has power check fuel. If no spark go through the electrical system to the coil (often times I have found that it is a crank position sensor or the wiring to, that is keeping it from getting signal to send power to coil/spark).
If EHC has power (lights) but does not crank might be the switches and/or wiring at the handlebars. If this is the case easiest way is to start by checking switches in the bars and or replacing.
Big dawg boss
Member
I’ve got no lights on the ehc at all. I know the key switch is good or tested good. I used a jumper to try and start but nothing. I’m thinking of ordering a rip kit. Any thoughts
pknowles
RETIRED
Is your bike fuel injected or carburetor? The EHC i have is for the fuel injected but i think it would still work on the ones with a carburetor. Maybe someone on here knows for sure. I have no use with it but would hate to fry it . Did you do something to yours that makes you sure it is bad?
Big dawg boss
Member
My dad changed the starter a few years ago and I think he over charged the battery by using a big charger. I don’t know for sure what happened but Tim a bd said no lights on the ehc and a good battery it’s definitely the ehc.
Big dawg boss
Member
And it’s carburetor
SCC007
Active Member
If your getting power to the EHC but no lights (on the EHC, or head/tail etc) then sounds like EHC is out.
I would recommend getting with Wild Steed Worx :
and getting a replacement EHC. He may also be able to test yours if you send it to him. Either way start there. Before putting the new EHC in you will want put a fuse between the battery and the EHC to help protect it. When you do get in the new EHC and get the bike running you will want to check the charging system (edit: stator and voltage regulator ...there are several posts on here about how to check them).
The EHC on these bikes aren't bad but they do seem to be susceptible to damage from electrical problems...like trying to jump the bike with a running car (edit: or a high amp charger).
I would recommend getting with Wild Steed Worx :
WSW, Rule Your Ride!
WSW : - BIG DOG SERVICES and REPAIRS BIG DOG MOTORCYCLE PARTS big, dog, motorcycles, parts, shop, online shopping, store
wildsteedworx.com
The EHC on these bikes aren't bad but they do seem to be susceptible to damage from electrical problems...like trying to jump the bike with a running car (edit: or a high amp charger).
Big dawg boss
Member
So you think I’d be better off just doing the replacement not a rewire
SCC007
Active Member
Yes, recommend the replacement EHC over the rewire, WSW's EHC has some improvements over the stock ones too.
BIG DOG EHC 05 to 11 CARB VERSION 3 Big Dog Motorcycle EHC Replacement 05 and Up [000-00058C-V3] - $599.00 : WSW, Rule Your Ride!
Big Dog Motorcycle EHC Replacement 05 and Up
wildsteedworx.com
knothead
Second Chance Customs
Yes replace it will be cheaper
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Big dawg boss
Member
Axels looks like it’s the same as wild steeds. And from a different country. Not sure if I could get that here
Wildsteeds sells the Axel unit.
They are the same. Axel built us a new EHC. Rock solid.
Absolutely the cheaper route. If you go with the Axel unit #58 (‘05 & later)make sure to ask Curtis if they got the problem resolved that they were having with that unit.
Big dawg boss
Member
I just want to say to all you guys on here. Curtis at wild steed is the man. I strongly recommend anyone who needs parts or just needs information about these dogs go through him. He is on the other side of the country from me. VIA phone he mocked up a wiring harness at his shop and went wire to wire troubleshooting each one just to help me start ripping up the pavement. I purchased a new VR system and ehc from him and I’m now riding this beast for the first time. BDM are the greatest.