| Author | Message | ||
     Aeholton |
Here's a little recap of the days events: I get up early this morning and ride down to Jim's HD in St. Pete. I'm there at 8:00am (opening time) and I am second in line to drop off. The service advisor takes my information and punches my preferred customer card for the free 1000 mile service. He's a nice guy and seemed generally curious about how I liked the new Ulysses. I tell him about the 4-5 times that the check engine light was on and he notes it on the service ticket. I ask how long it is going to take and he tells me all the lifts are full and it will be late this afternoon. So much for waiting for it to be serviced. Call my wife and ask her to pick me up after she drops my daughter off at school at 9:00am. Since I have time to kill, I walk into the showroom and back to the parts counter to see if I can get the status on my bags and service manual. Manual was in, bags still on order. Great now I have something to read while waiting for my wife. Go to the customer lounge to wait. Wife arrives around 9:45am and we head home. Around 4:15pm my wife leaves to pick up our daugther from her music camp. I figure I will call and check if the bike is ready, so that when my wife gets home we can head down to pick it up. I'm connected with the service department and speak to a guy (forget his name, not the service advisor I left the bike with). Anyway, he proceeds to tell me that my bike has not been done and it will be tomorrow before they get to it. I start pressing him as to why and he says hang on I will get the service manager. The service manager gets on the phone and tells me that they only had 3 techs in today and that 2 of them were at school. I asked him why they made an appointment for me if they knew this or why didn't they tell me in the morning when I dropped it off? This is currently my only transportation (son's car broke down so he has my Cherokee). So I ask him when it is scheduled for tomorrow? He's apologetic and says they will have it ready around 10:00am. I tell him I'm not happy and that I will call him in the morning. Phone rings at 5:30pm and the guy identifies himself as calling from Jim's HD. He says my bike is done and I can pick it up, if I can get there by 6:30pm. I gather up my wife and daughter, grab my helmet and we rush down there. We arrive at 6:20pm and the only one left in the service department is the service advisor that I left it with this morning. He prints out my receipt (no charges). He goes through the receipt with me noting that the oil and transmission fluid were changed, new filter, new gasket on clutch cover and inspection cover, and some o-ring was replaced. I ask him about the check engine codes. He looks at the service document filled out by the tech and all it says is cleared historic codes. I ask what the codes are and he doesn't know. Now that I'm home and am thinking about this, I'm wondering what the codes were. Also, there is no mention on my work order/invoice of zero-ing the TPS. Should I be concerned that everything was done? I feel like they just rushed and changed the oil and transmission fluid to deliver the bike back after I griped at them about not getting it back today. I hate relying on dealerships for service. Is the Digital Technician (Part # HD-44750) available to folks other than Buell/Harley dealerships? If so, what do they cost? I would love to be able to do my own TPS zero-ing and be able to retreive trouble codes. (Message edited by aeholton on October 10, 2005) | ||
| Brat |
Is the first service free with Buell or is that something you negotiated? | ||
| Rhinowerx |
aeholton, You're experience is very similar to mine: Took my bike in the Saturday before last - service manager seemed friendly and curios about the bike. I too dropped it of at 8am - took it in on the truck so they wouldn't have to wait for it too cool down - still wasn't ready until 4:30pm, even though we hung around for it. My receipt of service completed was a slim list to say the least, but also included the same 'mistery' O-ring, and a quart of oil, with no mention of TPS adjustment  So here's the kicker - I ride it to bike night a couple of days later and notice that, once warmed, the idle doesn't drop beneath 2k. Once at my destination, I let it sit for a bit and then check the oil and notice that it is below the add line. Next day I call the dealership, speak to (a different) Service Manager who says bring it in and we'll check it out. So, I take it back, and this time they over-fill it with oil  I go home and start comparing the workorder with what is listed in the manual - then I start to investigate and find: Oil weeping from oil cooler lines - not checked! Rear tyre has 29psi - not checked! Low oil level - not checked! TPS (bike still running rough) - not checked! No mention of transmission fluid change! So I take it back and ask to speak to a manager - anyway, cut a long story short, the manager (yet another one), empathized with my concerns and offered to give the bike another service, only this time, following up personally to make sure things are done. Oh, and I was charged $320 for the service I really hate this type of circus... Hopefully all will be taken care of by this Thursday, but for sure, going forward, thay have lost my business. -Jack | ||
| Jim_sb |
Hi, I had a similar experience at the BMW dealership. NOTHING PO's me more than taking the time to call ahead and schedule a required service, showing up, going through the hassle of dropping my car off for the day, then coming back at 5:30pm and being told they were too busy or some other lame excuse. Of course the dealership has "award winning" service. And they had an independent survey company call a few days later to ask me some questions about my visit. I told the truth and roasted them. On a scale of 1 to 5 (5=best) I gave them a 1. They said "What can we do better"? I said "When you have a car for 9 hours to do a service that takes less than an hour maybe you should do the work". And "If you can't do the work, don't make an appointment". "Don't waste my time". Idiots. Thankfully the service was free (4 years free maintenance with purchase). <sigh> I think it is important for us as customers to let these folks know LOUD and CLEAR when they're doing poor work. Jim in Santa Barbara | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
Aeholton, You can still chech your trouble codes. The ECU remembers the last error code registered. Disconnecting the battery does not erase it either. This is how to read the codes without any fancy equipment: http://www.saintjohn.nbcc.nb.ca/Marriott/x1/DDFITroubleCodes/index.htm I generally use my swiss army knife to short the pins  The error codes are the same for X1 and yours except for your muffler valve. | ||
| 2hogs |
Aeholton, I've had my Road Glide serviced by 2 different dealerships, and wasn't happy with either one. Simple things were not done correctly, tires overinflated, too much oil in engine, heel shift lever not reinstalled after primary work, etc. I'm of the opinion if they are getting paid to do the work it should be right and I shouldn't have to check what they did. Because if I have to check their work, I may as well do it myself. That said, I just picked up the XB12X from it's 1K from a third dealership yesterday. I called to see if it was ready, was told yes and stop by @ 5:30 to get it. I show up at 5:35 and they are closing up, and get an attitude that they need to dig my bike out. I mention I was told to pick it up @ 5:30. I wonder it all was done correctly. Didn't get a chance to ride it, but will today and check it out afterward. I guess I'll buy the service and parts manuals and do the work myself. | ||
| Aeholton |
Natexlh1000, thanks for the info on checking the codes. I will try that in the next couple of days. However, that only gets me halfway there. I would like to get something that will allow me to zero the TPS. Anything out there that will help me to do this? Brat, that is something that Jim's HD supposedly gives away with the sale of a bike. Although, my original invoice has a $199 "service fee". When I questioned my sales person about it, she said no it's for initial servicing required to get bike going. Then I asked her what the $250 "prep" fee was and I never did get a satisfactory answer. So I figure I pre-paid the 1K service with the bike. | ||
| 2hogs |
Aeholton, Not sure if it will work on the 2006 models, but I may send this place an email. http://www.technoresearch.com/Products/VDSTS(Motorbike)/VDSTS-Motorbike.htm Resets TPS, shows/clears DTCs, etc. Cheers | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
My last scheduled maintenance done by a dealer on my bike was in 1997. I then bought the service manual and have since done it myself. I've put over 41k miles on my electraglide and since dealers don't hire or pay for rocket scientist wrenchers I figure I can do all my own maintenance and I have. Don't be fooled by those super long check lists they supposedly go through when they do their thing on your bike. I'm betting that they change your fluids and if you didn't complain about something specific when you handed them the keys then fluid changing is all you'll get no matter what they charge you for this 150 pt service check. I mean, do you really think your steering bearings need adjusting at the 5000 mile check??? Like most mechanic types that I've ever known, their overriding philosophy is "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". It amazes me that folks pay these dealers hundreds of dollars to have their oil changed. I think the kicker is the minimum wager they pay to shine up your bike so that you are amazed at how good your bike looks when they hand back your keys. | ||
| Daves |
The mystery O ring is probably the one on the oil plug. We do the whole check list, every time, Ernie, my Buell tech knows I will slap him around if he shortcuts a service! Yes, checking the neck bearings at 5000 miles is a really good idea as the XBs seem to loosen often. The Tecno software will work on all FI Buells Just last Sat Branebanger rode out from NY to have his 10K done here. I just talked to him and he is happy with our service. | ||
| Jim_sb |
Daves, I have no doubt you guys take good care of Buells. But Appleton is a tad far for a 1k service, eh? <ggg> Meanwhile, AEHolton, keep us posted on what you learn about the diagnostic goodies. Not sure of the differences between the $800 unit versus the $200 one, but I could afford the $200 stuff if I can make it talk to my laptop pc. If I can identify and clear codes to resolve any problems that arise it will be worth it. I'm quite a ways from an authorized dealership. Regards, Jim in Santa Barbara | ||
| Chadhargis |
Same question I had. Why the big price difference. I've got a laptop, all I need is the software, key, and cable. I'm a "do it yourself" sort of guy. Don't see much need in taking a bike do the dealer for maintenance if I can do it myself. | ||
| 2hogs |
Hey Guys, If I'm reading the website correctly the difference between the $800 unit verses the $200 are the manufacturers and ECU's supported by that unit. The $800 units cover more manufacturers and probably more ECUs, where the $200 units cover a single maker and one of the listed ECUs. I've sent a question to technoresearch to see if I'd need to spend $400. ($200 for my Buell and $200 for my Harley). I'll post the findings when they respond. Being a do-it-myself person, the Road Glide is on my lift so I can pull the primary to change the starter jackshaft seal as it's leaking a little fluid that could get on the rear tire. Cheers | ||
| Aeholton |
I called the guys at technoresearch.com and ordered the Buell cable with software for $195, along with the USB to RS232 adapter for $45. He also mentioned that they are finalizing re-mapping software that will allow you to re-map the stock ECM/ECU. He said it should be ready within a month. I plan on buying it when it becomes available, also. I should have the cable and software by Friday (Monday latest). I'll post my impressions after using. | ||
| Bumblebee |
Howdy..new poster... Seems like Buell service is an issue. My first service was...done by me! After making an appointment with the dealer I bought the bike from (who shall remain nameless), I showed up and was informed that they had overbooked for the day and told me I needed to reschedule, the first available appointment was (get this) 6 weeks out! That was not going to work! Picked up the parts at the parts counter on the way out, bought a shop manual and did the work myself. Bike runs great. I wonder why?  | ||
| 2hogs |
TechnoResearch got back to me. It was as I expected. I'd need 2 units, 1 for Buell XB12X and 1 for the Road Glide. Just have to figure out where to get the $400+ bucks. Cheers | ||
| Rhinowerx |
Just to follow up on my 1K service part II: Kudos to California H-D/Buell for taking my concerns seriously and taking care of the bike. This time, after the bike was completed, I received from them, a print-out of the before/after, running/not-running diagnostics showing what adjustments were made (including the TPS), as well as a full break-down of ALL work completed to the bike - they even checked and tightened the oil cooler lines (showed slight signs of oil weeping) It was a shame that I didn't receive this type of service the first time around, but I am really happy they took care it, after I bought it to their attention, and at no additional cost. Oh, and the bike is running noticeably smoother... Cheers -Jack | ||
| Aeholton |
Well, I received the Technoresearch.com software, cable assembly, and USB to RS232 converter. Works like a champ. Was able to Zero/Reset TPS. I will play with it more on the weekend, but I'm thrilled. I don't think I will be taking my bike back to the dealer, if I can help it. If anyone else in the Tampa Bay area has a fuel injected buell and would like to do their own TPS zeroing, email me. I'd be happy to help you out. | ||
| Jim_sb |
Congrats! Was that the $199 package? Jim in Santa Barbara | ||
| Aeholton |
Yeah. I paid $45 for the USB-RS232 adapter. I know I could have ordered it cheaper Comp-USA, but I would have had another shipping charge and tax to pay. So, I figure it was a wash. | ||
| Spoof |
What other functions are available---can you check the static timing for example? | ||
| Chadhargis |
Just ordered mine. For less than a trip to the dealer, I can own the software. Cool! For another $285, you can get the key to reprogram the FI. That's pretty cool! No need for a power commander, just reprogram the ECU. I didn't buy it, but if I mod the bike any, it might come in handy. | ||
| Aeholton |
Yeah. I spoke to the guy about it when I ordered mine. He said it wasn't going to be ready for a month or so. Sounds like it is done. Looks like I may have to put it on my Christmas wish list. Spoof - I only performed the TPS zeroing yesterday. Hopefully I will get more time to play with it over the weekend. However, it appears to let you monitor just about everything. I will post more as I discover it. | ||
| Chadhargis |
What is involved in resetting the TPS? Simply keep the throttle closed and hit the "reset" key on the software? I know on my FJR, I had to click a button at idle and again at full throttle. This had to be done with the engine running, so you had to do it FAST! | ||
| Aeholton |
Actually there is a little more to it than that (not alot more but a little). They sent a 2 page procedure written by Al Lighton from American Sport Bike along with the cable and software. | ||
| Thunderbox |
I brought my Uly in to the dealer this morning. I supplied my own Formula+ oil as they say you can't get it. Well I got 3 quarts at Calgary Harley last weekend. Told them my mileage was down and my exhaust really stinks. Check engine light is on almost every ride or when I start it. I also have an imperfection on the left grab rail where the powder coat didn't take. The service writer tells me I was supposed to report that earlier and Buell may not cover it. Right like I am an idiot. First Service blues. I will let you all know the damage when I pick it up this afternoon. They also wanted to sell me Syn3 on the first oil change and I told them no thanks. I did talk to the owner and told him I bought my Formula + at another dealer and he stormed into the parts department right away. Cha Ching. Money talks. I also wore my new Buell T Shirt in and they don't have any Buell stuff other than the Beavertail Gell pac which I already have. | ||
| Chadhargis |
I'd pick up the software from Techno Research. You can diagnose your own CEL code, then go to the dealer and pick up the part (or mail order it). It's always easier, less time consuming, and less expensive to fix it yourself. Even if it's covered under warranty, any dealer that is trying to put the wrong fluids in the bike would scare me away. | ||
| Thunderbox |
First service done picked up the bike yesterday. TPS adjusted, oils all changed and everything done as per the owners manual 1000 mile service. Dealer ordered the exhaust servo it came in today and is being put on tomorrow as it was below freezing this morning so I didn't drive the bike. Timing was off and I find the bike idles better, much better and the exhaust doesn't stink anymore. Fan does run a bit more than it should because the servo is not going to the correct position as required so it heats up more than it should. Cost 246.00 US or 303.00 Can. Could have bought some really good BC pot with that kind of cash. But hey they don't give air miles. LOL | ||
| Cdallen |
Hey Dave, Did you get any trouble engine lights due to problems with the exhaust servo? I ask because my fan seems to run a lot and the exhaust has a bit of gasoline smell. In fact after getting home last night I closed the garage door and later found the garage nearly unbearable due to the gasoline/exhaust fumes. I have never had a large V-Twin so wasn't sure if that was normal or not, in addition to just having refueled about 30 miles prior to getting home as well... | ||
| Thunderbox |
Yes I have had engine lights on since I took the bike home. It wasn't on when I took it in and they said there was no code but they must have been able to get it to light. The exhaust smelled and burnt the eyes also. New part is in and I am very hopeful. | ||
| Thunderbox |
Buell came through with the left grab handle. I don't think it was an issue for Buell as much as the dealer. As soon as I told them I was going to write Buell if they didn'y get a positive reaction from Buell the part showed up. So far parts have been only one day away. That is impressive with a new machine. We can't get parts for the police MCs faster than that. Keep up the good work Buell. Did about 200kms yesterday and the exhaust servo issue is gone. Never had a light on all day and the Uly was awsum. Did about 70 kms at 140 kph and it ran flawlessly. The more I drive this bike the better it feels. | ||
| Aeholton |
Update to first post - I took my bike back to Jim's HD and they changed out the Sportrans w/ Formula+. Also, they read the trouble codes and documented them this time before clearing. It was a trouble code 21. This is some exhaust valve problem, I believe. Anyway, it hasn't occured in over a week, so I don't know if there is a problem or not. They also ordered the missing screw from my airbox cover. Gotta say that they were very apologetic and did everything they could to make things right. I have restored faith in them for trying. Figured I owe it to them to say they have done right, since I took so much time/bandwidth complaining about them. | ||
| Buelldyno_guy |
Look in the archives for information on "Engine Light and Code 21" is is something that should be fixed and the factory will take care if it. ... Terry |
