Harley Davidson VRSC 2013-2023 Troubleshooting User Manual
Troubleshooting
The troubleshooting section of the Owner’s Manual is a guide to diagnose problems. Read the service manual before performing any work. Improper repair and/or maintenance could result in death or serious injury.(00080a)
The following checklist of possible operating troubles and their probable causes will be helpful in keeping your motorcycle in good operating condition. More than one of these conditions may be causing trouble and should be carefully checked.
ENGINE
Starter Does Not Operate or Does Not Turn
Engine Over
- Engine run switch in OFF position.
Ignition switch not ON.
Discharged battery or loose or corroded connections (solenoid chatters).
Clutch lever not squeezed against handlebar or transmission not in neutral.
Blown fuse.
Engine Turns Over But Does Not Start
- Fuel tank empty.
- Fuel filter clogged.
- Discharged battery or loose or damaged battery terminal connections.
- Fouled spark plugs.
- Spark plug coil connections loose or in bad condition and shorting.
- Loose or corroded wire or cable connection(s) at coil or battery.
- Fuel pump inoperative.
- Blown fuse.
Starts Hard
- Spark plugs in bad condition, have improper gap, or are partially fouled.
- Battery nearly discharged.
- Loose wire or cable connection(s) at one of the battery terminals or at coil.
- Engine oil too heavy (winter operation).
- Fuel tank vent plugged or fuel line closed off, restricting fuel flow.
- Water or dirt in fuel system.
- Fuel pump inoperative.
Starts But Runs Irregularly or Misses
- Spark plugs in bad condition or partially fouled.
- Spark plug gap too close or too wide.
- Battery nearly discharged.
- Damaged wire or loose connection at battery terminals or coils.
- Intermittent short circuit due to damaged wire insulation.
- Water or dirt in fuel system, filter or carburetor.
- Fuel vent system plugged. See dealer.
- One or more injectors fouled.
A Spark Plug Fouls Repeatedly
- Incorrect spark plug.
Pre-ignition or Detonation (Knocks or Pings)
- Incorrect fuel.
- Incorrect spark plug for the kind of service.
Overheats
- Insufficient oil supply or oil not circulating.
- Heavy carbon deposit from lugging engine. See dealer.
Excessive Vibration
- Rear fork pivot shaft nuts loose. See dealer.
- Front engine mounting bolts loose. See dealer.
- Damaged frame. See dealer.
- Belt badly worn.
- Wheels and/or tires damaged. See dealer.
- Vehicle not properly aligned. See dealer.
Engine Oil Not Circulating (Oil Pressure Lamp Lit)
- Insufficient or diluted oil supply.
- Oil feed clogged with ice and sludge in freezing weather.
- Grounded oil signal switch wire. See dealer.
- Damaged or improperly installed check valve. See dealer.
- Oil pump problem. See dealer.
COOLING SYSTEM
Overheats
- Low coolant level or improper coolant.
- Cooling fans not operating.
- Air flow through the radiator is obstructed.
- Blocked coolant passages.
- Temperature gauge malfunction.
- Radiator cap problem.
- Thermostat malfunction.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Alternator Does Not Charge
- Regulator not grounded. See dealer.
- Engine ground wire loose or damaged. See dealer.
- Loose or damaged wires in charging circuit. See dealer.
Alternator Charge Rate is Below Normal
- Weak battery.
- Excessive use of add-on accessories.
- Loose or corroded connections.
- Extensive periods of idling or low speed riding.
TRANSMISSION
Transmission Shifts Hard
- Bent shifter rod. See dealer.
- Transmission shifting mechanism needs adjustment. See dealer.
Transmission Jumps Out of Gear
- Shifter rod improperly adjusted. See dealer.
- Shifter forks (inside transmission) improperly adjusted. See dealer.
- Worn shifter dogs in transmission. See dealer.
Clutch Slips
- Clutch controls improperly adjusted. See dealer.
- Worn friction discs. See dealer.
- Insufficient clutch spring tension. See dealer.
Clutch Drags or Does Not Release
- Clutch controls improperly adjusted. See dealer.
- Insufficient clutch spring tension. See dealer.
- Clutch discs warped. See dealer.
Clutch Chatters
- Friction discs or steel discs worn or warped. See dealer.
BRAKES
ABS System Behavior
- ABS lamp does not shut off above 5 km/h (3 mph). See dealer.
- Other ABS symptoms. Refer to Table 17.
Brakes Do Not Hold Normally
- Master cylinder low on fluid. See dealer.
- Brake line contains air bubbles. See dealer.
- Master or wheel cylinder piston worn. See dealer.
- Brake pads contaminated with grease or oil. See dealer.
- Brake pads badly worn. See dealer.
- Brake disc badly worn or warped. See dealer.
- Brake fades because of heat build up. Excessive braking or brake pads dragging. See dealer.
- Brake drags. Insufficient hand lever free play. See dealer.
Reference Links
View Full User Guide: Harley Davidson VRSC 2013-2023 User Manual
Download link: https://www.harley-davidson.com/be/nl/index.html