| Author | Message | ||
     Discochris |
This weekend I took the bike (2008 XT) out for what I had intended to be an all day ride. I'd notice the bike killed when it started, but thought nothing of it. The bike seemed to be running a little rough, but I couldn't put my finger on it. Then I noticed the CEL come on, and then go off. It would come on intermittently, and always go off. I turned around and came home. I've checked the ECM and the plug wires, and double checked all grounds and battery connections. Everything seems in order. I can't figure it out. It doesn't appear the seat is rubbing on the ECM (but it IS rubbing on the spacer block.) The exhaust actuator valve is working, based on the startup test. I did the WD40 test on the intake, and nothing there either. Battery was replaced last year, and plugs at about 11,000 miles last year (now has 14,000). I'm stumped. I don't have ECMSpy to check for the codes, but I wonder if a code is even stored, considering that the light isn't staying on. My gut reaction is a bad plug wire or coil, based on experience with other bikes. My MPG is down quite a bit as well - I only got 120 miles on my last tank. Any ideas other than everything I just rattled off? I'm supposed to ride in a rally next weekend, and I'd like to get this figured out... help! | ||
| Froggy |
First thing you should of done is checked what trouble code the ECM stored before you start running in a circle. Do that, report back.  | ||
| Etennuly |
After you check codes, pull the plugs. Could simply be a fouled one that the de-fouling device cannot revive. | ||
| Discochris |
I ordered a cable to check the codes, but I'll see if I can build a jumper in the next day or so to do it that way. I don't have the "light on-off-on-off" at startup that would indicate that a code is stored (which is why I posted without checking), unless that was only on the 06-07 models. Once I check the codes, I'll post back. To add to the info, it wasn't a particularly hot day on Sunday - about 75, and the fan appears to be running normally as well, and oil level is fine. If I had to guess, I'm leaning toward a spark plug - plug wire issue that I can't see. | ||
| Whisperstealth |
Could somebody please give clear instructions on how to check error codes. For an 09XT if possible. Thanks! | ||
| Andymnelson |
sounds similar to my issues when I had a bad relay recently. When the bike dies, does your IC die as well, or just the motor? | ||
| Discochris |
IC? I'm going to guess you're asking about whether the clock and trip meters reset? No, they don't. If that's not what you mean, I'm not sure... | ||
| 7873jake |
Instrument cluster, I'm guessing (because this is more fun than asking Canada for permission to use RF spectrum, which is what I should be doing at the moment) (Message edited by 7873jake on June 09, 2011) | ||
| Andymnelson |
sorry- "instrument cluster". When the bike dies, does the instrument cluster also lose power? | ||
| Discochris |
No, instrument cluster is fine. That's why I'm leaning more towards a spark plug issue. I'll be able to check the codes either tonight or tomorrow via the jumper wire method. | ||
| 7873jake |
Check those plug wires for chafe and wear. Jimmy (Oddjob) had one that gave him a headache or two on a recent X country trip. | ||
| Hughlysses |
You can always try the simple stuff, like pulling and re-seating the relays, check for obvious worn wires, loose connections, loose battery terminals, etc. It might be something really simple. | ||
| Discochris |
Code is... 44 - BAS. Looks like I'll be replacing mine. | ||
| Uly_dude |
Does your bike have the BAS relocation modification done by Buell yet? Do you have the comfort kit installed yet? There was a recall back when the BAS was failing due to excessive heat under the seat. What Buell did was provide a relocation kit to the dealers so the BAS was now located in the very back of the tail section. I put the comfort kit on and have since moved my BAS back to it's original location. | ||
| Discochris |
Mine is in the tail of the bike. I do not have the comfort kit installed. | ||
| Discochris |
Hmm, so here's a semi-related question. I read the 44 code with the jumper method. Then I hooked up my ECMspy cable. Now I know mine is a 2008, so I can't actually tune the bike (nor do I want to), but I thought that it would read the code. It doesn't show a code. When I check for error codes, I get a "can't locate firmware - exiting" message. However, I know the bike and ECMspy are communicating, because if I choose to do a diagnostic on the fan for example, the fan will run. If I do one on the exhaust actuator, it will cycle it, and so on. Any idea why it wouldn't show a code, or I'd get that message, when the code shows up via the jumper method? Will TunerPro or another program read the codes via the cable? | ||
| Discochris |
Oh, and I'll be installing the new BAS tomorrow regardless. | ||
| Discochris |
So... New BAS - bike still ran like crap. Checked all the main grounds. Swapped battery out. - Bike still ran like crap. New plugs and wires from American Sport Bike. Seemed to solve the problem. Went for a short ride to the store and back and the bike seemed to run like normal again. The front plug was fouled pretty badly. | ||
| Uly_dude |
so much for error codes. Glad to hear you got er figured out Chris. Just in time for our one day of sun this week! | ||
| Steveford |
Mine is doing something similar (runs fine, runs weird, dies) and it's a dead fan which sucks as I replaced it last Summer, too. The motor's overheating, skip spark, shuts off to keep from committing Hari Kari, cools down and starts up again. Maybe it's just the connection but in the meantime, it's back onto the S1. I was wondering when I was going to see the Annual Useless Screw Up and here it is. Once every 10,000 miles it does something really aggravating but I'll get 100,000 out of the old pile yet! No fuel mileage issues, though. While I think of it, check out those spark plug terminals as the ones an my S1 are just steel, not copper, and will actually rust. I had to pull the boots up and give everything a good cleaning and coating of dielectric grease. (Message edited by SteveFord on June 16, 2011) (Message edited by SteveFord on June 16, 2011) | ||
| Discochris |
We'll see. Rode it to work today, no problems. I'm doing an 8-hour distance bonus points rally tomorrow, so hopefully no issues. | ||
| Discochris |
BIke ran flawlessly today. No CEL, fuel mileage back to normal. I'm even impressed with the Shinko's in the rain. Thanks to those who offered suggestions on my problem. | ||
| Etennuly |
Sometimes(for Froggy's sake) the simple problem can be found by old experienced mechanics where electrical devices fail to read a problem. Keep trying Froggy!   | ||
| Sekalilgai |
nicely done Vern |
