backfiring code 15

[Tenman]

I had my first semi hard start in a couple of years today. After the semi hard start I rode 4 miles killed it for 15 minutes. When I went to leave my bike started, backfired a few times and choked down and died. I restarted it and the same thing a couple more times. I noticed a 15 in the odo spot. So I scratched my head and cussed a little and tried again. 3rd time it fired up and ran like a new one. I ride in some remote places alone and this is really gettin in my head now. Any Ideas anyone. The code went away after it started running right.

 

[Dogdaze]

From what I gather the Code 15 refers to Throttle Position Sensor (TPS), a loose or broken wire, but as you started the bike I would check the throttle body connections and those at the ECU, then clear the codes and see if it reappears.

 

[Tenman]

I went outside It fired up instantly several times and ran like a champ . I unplug the tps and shot some elctrik cleaner in it. Looked brand new in the connectors. Gonna be interesting to see if it does it again. I didnt have to remove the code. just went awy

 

[WJBertrand]

The code will disappear from the dash but if you perform the diagnostics inquiry, it's probably still stored in the ECU. This is to help the techs diagnose intermittent problems. You can clear the code from the memory when you are in the diagnostics menu. That's the best way to see if it recurs or not. I think the system will delete the code after a certain number of key-start cycles eventually as long as the problem does not recur.

 

[Tenman]

I guess if it recurs I will know from it not starting. Never have done any diaganostics. May be over my head. While my bike was sitting there farting and backfiring. I did twist the throttle and nothing happened. My closest (real) shop is 90 miles away. My local dealer is pathetic unless things have changed in the last few years. Don't know if I should run it and hope for the best or throw a TPS at it. Thanx for the input. It is appreciated.

 

[RonH]

When they fail to start they throw all kinds of useless codes. Is your battery good?

 

[Tenman]

When they fail to start they throw all kinds of useless codes. Is your battery good?

Battery is 14s 1 year old and good.