Harley Throttle Control

By Dennis Santopietro

Question for Fix My Hog 2009 Harley Ultra Classic w/25K no past problems in the past, but on 07-12-14. I had a problem with what I found out and is called “Limp Mode”! no throttle response at all other than running at idle. Error codes I found on the bike were; P1511 & P2135. all having to do with the Harley throttle control. I did some looking on the WWW and found most who had this problem removed the connector “pin” plug from the throttle body, cleaned out with cleaner and added “die electrical grease” and the problem went away.
It’s running great now.
Just asking if this is “The Cure”?
Thanks Harold D

Via Email

Fix My Hog Answers Yes, We have come across this problem a few times and that seems to be the fix. Other times, however, guys make a mess of their harness when attempting to install a set of handlebars and the Harley throttle control. That can also cause that problem.

Question for Fix My Hog I recently changed my battery and when I connected the new one and start the bike I cannot throttle over 2000 rpms I turn the throttle and 2000 is as high as it will go. I was told to reset the ECM is that true and if so, How do you do it?

Fix My Hog Answers Sounds like the motorcycle is in limited performance mode, or “limp mode”.
Start by checking for possible stored diagnostic trouble codes that may help steer you in the right direction.
Related Videos:

Handlebars 101
Troubleshoot with Harley Error Codes

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21 Responses to “Harley Throttle Control”

  1. James Acklin

    All I here is what set in limp mode then they fix that does not reset limp mode. My ? Does it reset limp by just clearing the codes or do u do something else cause if clear codes then mine ain't fixed

  2. Alan Huntress

    Fix My Hog is invaluable! I just experienced the 'Limp Mode' after washing my 09 FLTR. I envisioned having to replace the throttle by wire but thanks to this post, it's back to normal :)

  3. 6pin

    May help future issues. https://www.ebay.com/itm/HARLEY-DAVIDSON-PRE-WIRED-THROTTLE-BODY-6-PIN-CONTROL-ACTUATOR-CONNECTOR-PLUG/224644881466

  4. Steve

    i understand the throttle ride by wire configuration is designed to be a dry condition. After reading lots of forums and asking local techs, the grease option appears to be a big no-no. Would you explain why you agree with dielectric grease being a fix. HD says no.

  5. Lisa

    How to install a TPS on 2013 Street Glide

  6. mike

    got the same thing going on here too 1510 pn 2138 2012 tri glide..bone stock. ck light comes on an no cruise. a couple times into limp mode ...to old to be pushing this heavy breast! any help out there ?

  7. Duane

    I had a similar problem when returning from a rally last week, I hit a small pot hole and my cruise kicked off and I had no throttle, I coasted to a stop on the shoulder the bike still idling bit no response of throttle. Engine light was also on. I shut the bike off, waited a minute and started it back up and all was normal I finished my ride home. This morning on my was to work I changed lanes at an uneven lane area and the same thing happened, I pulled over shit it off the restarted it seemed like I only had half throttle. Limped to work, came back out started it and all was normal again. This is on a 2013 CVO Ultra.

  8. CREG

    2018 flhr, I got 18 miles out of it before it quit. Now has 54 miles on the odometer, has "limped" 4 times. Now it will not come out. Dealer has it, replacing throttle grip sensor. Haven't owned it a week yet. A little more than disappointed.

  9. Lance

    I have a 2009 Street Glide, same problem as most of you here. On the Highway goes into Limp Mode, No Throttle and high idled it to next exit and parking lot, shut it down for a few minutes, was alright for short trip then it happened again a few days later, same - same. Disconnected the Throttle Control Actuator Plug, cleaned it with CRC QD Electronic Cleaner and then put a good dose of CRC Dielectric Grease on both sides of the plug (Male & Female ends). After, both sides of the plug seem to fit back together just fine and the pins seem to be going into their respective holes just fine, but I can't seem to get the Female side of the plug to seat completely into the Male side. It doesn't want to seem to clip in and stay. If I pull on it, it will come back out. The clip doesn't seem to be seating or clipping over the small nub that is on the backside of the Male plug that's part of the Throttle Actuator Housing. Any thoughts of how I can get this to seat solidly so it doesn't vibrate off after a certain amount of miles. Appreciate any comments on this. Thanks.

  10. Phil Scasserra

    2008 ultra classic. HD suggested I sell the bike. Finally good with both throttle harness replacement and pin replacement. The MoCo assumes no responsibility. Now I get random high rpm (4K-4500) starts when bike is not cold. Changing induction module ($500).