Trouble code 56

[Cliffntiff]

I have a 2000 FXDS dyna Glide Conv, It seems to be runing fine the Engine Light comes on then goes off I pulled the Code out of it It is 56 Camshaft postion sensor and crank postion sensor timing. It seems to be runing ok what does this code mean? do I need to replace both sensors or is it something more serious? i only have 30,000 miles on the bike.it has a twin cam 88 motor. it does pop sometimes when i try to start it but not all the time.please help dont know what to fix on it thanks Cliffntiff

[Mike]

This is an "out of phase" code that says the cam position sensor and crankshaft position sensor are incorrectly timed, relative to each other. This code can be set if the motor kicks back on the starter. The engine rotates backwords and the ECM can see the crank and cam senors out of time as a result. The ECM expects to see one sensor before the other and normally would, when the engine is rotating forward. An over-rev or sudden engine speed change (high speed downshift) can also set this code. This sensor is only used to determine what "phase" (compression stroke vs. exhaust stroke) the engine is in for ignition and injector timing events. The Kickback can be a function of a low battery, overprimming or just not the correct fuel (choke) for the temperature on starting. Somtimes, replacing the cam sensor will help in that a new sensor will have a higher "trip" thresshold due to a stronger and more clear signal. But over time the new sensor will degrade slightly, probably back to the same sensitivety as the old and put you back to the same position. H-D solved this problem by eleminating the cam sensor and uses the slight slowing of the engine rotation, on compression, to determine phase. Other than the above, we have yet to come up with a solid cure for this problem. So long as the bike runs ok there really is no problem other than the pesky engine light. If the sensor truly was bad the engine would not run or run well. We can clear the code for you or you can what for 50 key on-off cycles and the code will clear itself (unless tripped again, in which case the 50 cycle starts over).
Thanks, Mike

[Cliffntiff]

Thanks Mike for your reply and help and saving me a bunch of money, the harley place were i live told me that there is no code 56 and my bike didnt even have sensors on it and they could look at it for me for around 600.00 I do have a another question The bike sometimes smells like it is runing rich, It has a stock carb on it, is there a way I can adjust it ? its seems to not want to start very easy after it gets warm , have to give it some gas sometimes to make it start and then its usually to much and makes it pop. I set the Ideal up a little it helped some but not all the time. thanks for your help and time Cliffntiff

[Mike]

The "pop" is probably what is setting the 56 code (kickback). You may be rich on the idle and low speed jet settings causing slight flooding on warm starts requiring the throttle to be opened further to clear and start. Other than reducing the slow speed jet size (should be a 48 with 45 coming stock) and adjusting the idle mixture screw to a leaner setting, there is little else that can be done. Possibly experimenting with technique can help but it sounds like you've had the bike a long time and likely have this down. The down side to reducing fuel on start is that throttle response can suffer and an off idle cough can be introduced. Marginal ignition quality can also cause all the above symptoms. Due to the age of the bike it may be that the system is due for replacement. I would go with a Screaming Eagle or Dyna (tunable) module, both of which will tend to make the bike feel a little more "eager" and provide more spark energy. I would also replace the plug cables, coil and plugs to make sure a completly new system is in place. Last, I would be sure to check the charging system to be sure it is functioning at it's peak also.
Thanks, mike

[Cliffntiff]

Thanks Mike for the Info were can I get a screaming eagle or Dyna Module? and what is the price range if you no by chance. thanks again Cliffntiff

[Mike]

The SE unit is $199.95 and the Dyna typ goes for 299.00-345.00 depending on who you source it through. We can supply either through our enternet store on this web site.
Thanks, Mike