The dog quit on me today...

Energy One
Caveman

Caveman

Member
Bad day...The dog quit on me about seven miles down the road. Got an engine light so I pulled off the road and shut it down. Let it sit for a minute then started right back up. When I put it in gear, quit...just like that. Did that a couple more times, then it was ok. Got to within a couple of miles of home and it started acting like it was out of gas. Had to pull off the road again and same thing. It would start up fine, but as soon as I stepped on the shifter it would quit. Had to get a tow truck. I just got home and am very frustrated. It's a 2008 Mastiff with EFI. Anybody got any ideas?
 
AIH SWANK

AIH SWANK

Member
You might chase down all the wiring to see if you have a rub grounding out the bike. I had a similair problem. Found a rub on a small wire running to the tail lite was touching the frame, only when i got on it or hit a bump, causing the rub to actually touch the frame. The bike would just shut down, i would still have electric power, but no tach. Just a thought, wouldn't think so with an '08, but you never know. Good luck!!
 
BBChopper

BBChopper

Supports 2 Disabled Vets
Troop Supporter
Loosen your gas cap and see if it runs ok if so its the check valve.:2thumbs:
 
key west big dogs

key west big dogs

Member
gretchen just had same prob twice. first was electrical related as mentioned earlier with a short, took out ech. after being in the shop for several weeks the bike ran fine for 60 miles, then happened again. this time the gas tank lining was coming apart. entire fuel system from tank to pump being replaced now. do the problems ever end. 07 bull dog.
 
Caveman

Caveman

Member
Haven't tried the gas cap yet since I'm out of town. I'll try it when I get home. My mechanic back in Houston is trying to track down a possible cause. He thinks it might have to do with what he calls the Neutral Safety Switch which is supposed to keep you from starting it when you're in gear. Other than that, he doesn't have a clue. Some discouraging news...when I talked to a shop that is supposedly certified for Big Dog servicing, he wasn't real thrilled with doing warranty work since he said Big Dog hasn't "been paying the bills". Looks like the economy strikes again.
 
pig pen

pig pen

Well-Known Member
Neutral safty switch? Your correct he doesn't have a clue, unless the 08's have something new. Someone fill me in so I can say I learned something today.
 
barhopper

barhopper

Another round please
pig pen said:
Neutral safty switch? Your correct he doesn't have a clue, unless the 08's have something new. Someone fill me in so I can say I learned something today.
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When you get in, the shift lever must be in neutral or park for the vehicle to start. It won't start in gear. If its a manual shift and you try and start it in first gear with the clutch engaged, watch out, something funny is about to happen when you turn the key on. I learned that in drivers Ed. :eek: I hope you learned something. :cheers: :cheers: :roll: :roll:
 
pig pen

pig pen

Well-Known Member
barhopper said:
When you get in, the shift lever must be in neutral or park for the vehicle to start. It won't start in gear. If its a manual shift and you try and start it in first gear with the clutch engaged, watch out, something funny is about to happen when you turn the key on. I learned that in drivers Ed. :eek: I hope you learned something. :cheers: :cheers: :roll: :roll:
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Thanks for the edumacation:D But seriously a neutral swithch on the dog.
 
Dakotabos

Dakotabos

Well-Known Member
Calendar Participant
Troop Supporter
Yes it runs through the EHC I had to cut that wire when I installed my new EHC

Its the white wire on a 2004 Big Dog Chopper
 
pig pen

pig pen

Well-Known Member
Dakotabos said:
Yes it runs through the EHC I had to cut that wire when I installed my new EHC

Its the white wire on a 2004 Big Dog Chopper
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I've got a friend with an 04 mastif that will start in gear.They sure jump when the clutch isn't pulled in.

Then why the big deal about parking you dog in neutral vs in gear if this neutral switch isn't supposed to allow the bike to start.

I wonder if that white wire was for the neutral lite on the speedo/dash
 
Caveman

Caveman

Member
I tried the gas cap, and lo and behold it worked. Seemed to run fine. Problem is my mechanic back in Houston said he had already removed the check valve, so he didn't think that was it. He thought maybe the plugs on the EFC were not torqued down enough, so i tightened them too. The good news is it's running again. Problem is, I don't know if i can trust it. I'm being optimistic and thinking it was the gas cap. Wife and I took it on a 30 mile ride yesterday, although we didn't venture that far from the town. We'll see how it goes. Thanks for all the suggestions.
 
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