2009 Harley-Davidson Flhp

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation in July 2016 based on forty-three (43) Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQ).During the course of this investigation ODI received a total of 145 VOQs related to the alleged defect on the subject motorcycles.Owners allege they experience a sudden and complete loss of brakes on one or both wheels.To better understand the cause of the braking issue on the subject motorcycles, ODI requested NHTSA's Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) conduct inspections and testing of affected vehicle braking systems.Through its work, VRTC determined that deposits were forming on the valves in the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) of the Antilock Braking System (ABS). These deposits could prevent the proper function of the HCU and render the brakes ineffective.To understand why deposits were forming in the HCU, Harley Davidson completed an analysis of the Dow 460 brake fluid used as original equipment on the subject motorcycles and determined that it had stability issues if left in the brake system for an extended period of time.Harley Davidson found that if a brake fluid flush was not conducted as outlined in the owner?s manual for the motorcycles, and was left in the system for a period of time beyond their recommendation; deposits could form in the HCU.Through further testing, Harley Davidson identified an alternate, commercially available, brake fluid that did not have the same stability issues as the original fluid and could stop the proliferation of any current brake system deposits.ODI sent Information Request (IR) letters to Harley Davidson and Dow Chemical (the supplier of the brake fluid on the subject motorcycles) to collect information about the subject bikes and the alleged defect.Harley Davidson responded in full on Sept 30, 2016 and Dow responded with a confidential submission on October 25, 2017.ODI analyzed the information contained in both IR responses and concluded that motorcycles manufactured during Model Years (MY) 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 were failing at a rate greater than their peers.Based on this analysis and the brake fluid study conducted by Harley Davidson, a group of motorcycles was identified that were potentially affected by the instability of the original brake fluid.2008 marked the introduction of ABS on Harley Davidson motorcycles and a change in the Dow 460 brake fluid used in the 2012 MY vehicles provided the bases for the scope of the affected population.With recall action 18V-076 taken by Harley Davidson this investigation is closed as further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at: https://www.nhtsa.gov/ using the complaint identification numbers attached to this resume.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HARLEY-DAVIDSON ROAD KING POLICE FLHP. WHILE RIDING 25 MPH, THE REAR BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT FAILED TO OPERATE AS INTENDED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL SEIZED. SPACE COAST HARLEY-DAVIDSON (1440 SPORTSMAN LN NE, PALM BAY, FL 32905, (321) 259-1311) WAS CONTACTED AND AN APPOINTMENT WAS MADE TO HAVE THE MOTORCYCLE DIAGNOSED. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V076000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000.

NHTSA ID

11075458

Incident

Feb 26, 2018

Mileage

107,000 mi

FROZEN REAR BRAKE PEDAL. REAR BRAKE INOPERABLE.

NHTSA ID

11030777

Incident

Aug 30, 2017

Mileage

17,000 mi

WHILE ACCELERATING UP TO HIGHWAY SPEED THE ENGINE WENT INTO LIMP MODE MAKING ME A PROBLEM VEHICLE IN MY LANE OF TRAFFIC. COASTED ONTO SHOULDER AND SAT ON SIDE OF HIGHWAY UNTIL MECHANIC ARIVED.

NHTSA ID

10981202

Incident

Apr 27, 2017

Mileage

20,060 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HARLEY-DAVIDSON ELECTRA GLIDE FLHP MOTORCYCLE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT BLED THE BRAKE. WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKE FAILED. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT BRAKE LEVER SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,460.

NHTSA ID

10958238

Incident

Feb 28, 2017

Mileage

71,460 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HARLEY-DAVIDSON. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE FRONT ABS SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000. *TT *CN

NHTSA ID

10956819

Incident

Feb 10, 2017

Mileage

13,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLH MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, AN ABNORMAL NOISE EMITTED FROM THE REAR WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AN INDEPENDENT DEALER, WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE ENGINE COMPENSATING SPROCKET WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID

10536671

Incident

Aug 12, 2013

Mileage

37,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON ROAD KING FLHP MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING DOWNHILL AND BRAKING, IF THE REAR WHEEL SLIPPED THEN THE ABS WOULD RELEASE CAUSING A LOSS OF BRAKING POWER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKING SYSTEM WOULD INDEPENDENTLY RELEASE MANY TIMES WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THEY WERE UNAWARE OF HOW TO REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,300.

NHTSA ID

10365011

Incident

Nov 7, 2010

Mileage

6,300 mi

SERVICE BULLETIN M1684: MARKET SPECIFIC BATTERY INTRODUCTION. PURPOSE: Initial Release. This bulletin informs dealers of the availability of new batteries for new Original Equipment (OE) vehicle production and in the Parts and Accessories (P&A) catalog. Availability of the new Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries will vary by market and will be transitioning over the next few months. NOTE: The ring terminal screws are not compatible between Leoch and East Penn batteries. The new batteries will include new ring terminal screws, which must be used. The ring terminal screws from the old battery need to be discarded.

SERVICE BULLETIN M1650: MILWAUKEE EIGHT AND TWIN CAM CAMSHAFT DRIVE GEAR RETENTION KIT CHANGES. PURPOSE: This bulletin informs dealers that changes have been made to the Camshaft Drive Gear Retention Kit and service proceduresfor the Milwaukee-Eight and Twin Cam applications. In an effort to increase the clamp load of the camshaft drive sprocket bolted joint and prevent the drive bolt from loosening in high lift camshaft applications, the following changes have been made: a. The camshaft drive bolt final torque has been increased to 40 ft-lbs (54 N·m) for all Milwaukee-Eight and certain Twin Cams models. See Vehicles Affected. This increase in torque will make the bolt a one time use application. Never re-use a camshaft drive bolt for service after tightening to the increased specification. See service manual for updated procedure. b. A new camshaft drive gear retention kit (Part No. 91800088) has been created. This new kit is compatible with all Milwaukee-Eight and Twin Cam engines using Parts and Accessories (P&A) camshaft and Original Equipment (OE) camshaft applications. See Instruction sheet for specific fitment on Twin Cam OE camshaft applications. The new kit utilizes friction washers to prevent unwanted rotation of components in the drive sprocket bolted joint under stress. The use of liquid threadlocker on the threads of the bolt and pre-lube to the head of the bolt flange and outside of the washer help the bolt reach full stretch when tightening. NOTE: Engines produced at all Harley-Davidson Motor Company (HDMC) plants will not come with the new kits installed. They will continue to be produced with (Part No. 25566-06).

SERVICE BULLETIN M1555 (REV E): BATTERY WARRANTY GUIDELINES. PURPOSE: Revision E. Added: Added procedures for the DCA-8000 E Battery Tester.* Updated: All sections. This bulletin informs the dealership network that Harley-Davidson has provided guidelines for battery warranty.

SERVICE BULLETIN M1490 (V 24.8.8): DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II - UPDATES AND RELEASE NOTES. PURPOSE: This bulletin informs dealers that Harley-Davidson has made a software update to Digital Technician II (DT II). DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II (PART NUMBER: HD-48650). Version 24.8.8. Release Date: Week of August 5, 2024. New Features for Harley-Davidson vehicles: Advanced Module Replace for 2021 and later Revolution Max; 2023 and later CVO Touring; and 2024 Street Glide (FLHX), Road Glide (FLTRX). New Features for LiveWire vehicles: Updated calibrations for 2024 S2DM EV1/ EV6; 2024 S2MH EV1; and 2024 S2DM, S2MH. Changes: Added Hand Control Module (HCM) (Part No. 71500522A and 71500536A) for reflash support.

GENUINE MOTOR PARTS AND MOTOR ACCESSORIES BULLETIN PAB1158: OIL FILTER PACKAGING AND CASE QUANTITY UPDATE. PURPOSE: To inform dealerships that Harley-Davidson has made updates to oil filters including new part numbers, packaging design, and bulk case quantity changes.

SERVICE BULLETIN M1490 (V 24.6.4): DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II - UPDATES AND RELEASE NOTES. PURPOSE: Revision. This bulletin informs dealers that Harley-Davidson has made a software update to Digital Technician II (DT II). DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II (PART NUMBER: HD-48650). Version 24.6.4. Release Date: Week of May 1, 2024. New Features for LiveWire S2DM and S2MH, 2024 Revolution® Max, and 2024 Touring.