Buell XB 2008 Series, Service Manual, Page: 69 / 688

1.19 TROUBLESHOOTING
GENERAL
NOTE
The troubleshooting section of this manual is a guide to dia-
gnose problems. Read the appropriate sections of this manual
before performing any work.
The following check list of possible operating troubles and their
probable causes will be helpful in keeping a motorcycle in good
operating condition. More than one of these conditions may
be causing the trouble and all should be carefully checked.
For further troubleshooting information see the Electrical Dia-
gnostic Manual for this motorcycle.
ENGINE
Starter Motor Does Not Operate or Does Not
Turn Engine Over
1. Ignition switch not in ON position.
2. Engine run switch in OFF position.
3. Discharged battery, loose or corroded connections
(solenoid chatters).
4. Starter control circuit, relay, or solenoid faulty.
5. Electric starter shaft pinion gear not engaging or overrun-
ning clutch slipping.
6. Maxi-fuse not in place or blown fuse.
7. Bank Angle Sensor tripped and ignition switch not cycled
OFF then ON.
8. Clutch lever not squeezed against handlebar or transmis-
sion not in neutral.
Engine Turns Over But Does Not Start
1. Fuel tank empty.
2. Fouled spark plugs.
3. Discharged battery, loose or broken battery terminal con-
nections.
4. Engine lubricant too heavy (winter operation).
NOTE
For cold weather starts, always disengage clutch.
5. Spark plug cables in bad condition and shorting, cable
connections loose or cables connected to incorrect cylin-
ders.
6. Loose wire connection at coil, battery, or ECM connector.
7. Ignition timing incorrect due to faulty coil, ECM or faulty
sensors.
8. Bank Angle Sensor tripped and ignition switch not cycled
OFF then ON.
9. Fuel filter clogged.
10. Sticking or damaged valve or wrong length push rod.
11. Cam primary gear key sheared or missing the spacer.
12. Fuel pump inoperative.
13. Plugged fuel injectors.
14. Fuse blown.
Starts Hard
1. Spark plugs in bad condition or have improper gap or are
partially fouled.
2. Spark plug cables in bad condition.
3. Battery nearly discharged.
4. Loose wire connection at one of the battery terminals, coil
or ECM connector.
5. Water or dirt in fuel system.
6. Intake air leak.
7. Fuel tank vent hose and vapor valve plugged.
8. Engine lubricant too heavy (winter operation).
NOTE
For cold weather starts, always disengage clutch.
9. Ignition not functioning properly (possible sensor failure).
10. Faulty ignition coil.
11. Valves sticking or valves too tight.
12. Rotor key sheared.
13. Partially plugged fuel injectors.
Starts But Runs Irregularly or Misses
1. Spark plugs in bad condition or partially fouled.
2. Spark plug cables in bad condition and leaking.
3. Spark plug gap too close or too wide.
4. Faulty ignition coil, ECM, or sensor.
5. Battery nearly discharged.
6. Damaged wire or loose connection at battery terminals,
coil or ECM connector.
7. Intermittent short circuit due to damaged wire insulation.
8. Water or dirt in fuel system.
9. Fuel tank vent system plugged.
10. Air leak at intake manifold or air cleaner.
11. Loose or dirty ECM connector.
12. Faulty Sensor(s).
13. Incorrect valve timing.
14. Weak or broken valve springs.
15. Damaged intake or exhaust valve.
16. Partially plugged fuel injectors.
Spark Plug Fouls Repeatedly
1. Fuel mixture too rich.
2. Incorrect spark plug for the kind of service.
2008 XB Service: Maintenance 1-47