Check engine light/codes

[pekingduck]

There are 2 ways to retrieve DTCs. The dealer uses a laptop interface to read the exact code, (8-2 for example, for TPS high voltage test).
We count blinks, which gives a simple code (8 for example, which means the TPS is the problem area), and we do all the troubleshooting that starts with 8.

On the DTC Index page (5-12 of the 2013 Manual) the first column lists the DTC as a code with a dash between, followed by the simple code's number in parenthesis.

The long flash has a value of 10, so 8 long flashes is 80, and short flashes have a value of 1, so 5 short flashes is 5, for a simple code 85. It is not 8-5.

Now, there is no diagnosis for code 85 listed, but that doesn't mean it is not a code 85. The ECM is a computer and the troubleshooting listed is for normally expected failures in the US market. Aftermarket accessories such as HID or LED headlights and tracking devices have been known to cause problems. And like any computer, you may have a random unexpected glitch that no one can explain or re-create.

I'm curious if there are any aftermarket accessories, or other modifications installed, or a gas fill-up before the problem started. Next thing I would do is siphon the gas out and fill it with fresh juice. Then take it to a dealer. Your bike has a 5 year, 18,641 mile emissions warranty, if it has not been tampered with and has no accessories that may affect it, and this certainly sounds like it is not mechanical. If you can record the code on video, the dealer may need it for diagnosis.

[Lord Popgun]

Shorting the terminals and reading the blinks reads the stored code.

If you do not short the terminals you read the current code. What does it read? See page 5-13, and the DTC READOUT paragraph.

[Carguy1959_imp]

I had no current codes only the stored one. I have reset the ECM and will see if it returns. When the light came on, the bike was still cold, less than 3 minutes run time. I did take off rather quickly, shifting at about 6500 rpms. I ride to work most every day and fill up at least 2 times a week and only when it starts counting down miles to go. I only gas up at 2 different stations, both are newer. The only other mods on my bike are the Windjammer fairing and I wrapped my pipes with header wrap all the way to the end of the cat. It still sometimes cranks hard cold or hot. I replaced the battery with a new cheap one that had the same cold cranking amps of the orginal one. Charging system is working fine, 14+ volts when rev'd. I live in the Deep South (Mobile AL) lots of moisture and humidity. My bike is garage kept and kept clean. Maybe some of this info might be helpful.
Also popgun, I use to live in the tide water area. My brother lives in Aragona village, off the Blvd, behind Food Lion by Pembroke mall.
Thanks for the replies.

[Lord Popgun]

Maybe it just logged a transient error or the ECU just hicupped. No code now is obviously a good thing.

Although there is no 85 code listed, there is a code 86 but it is for the serial communication bus. The '13s do not have that though.

Hard to crank? You mean the starter is not spinning full speed? Or hard to start (engine won't fire up)?

[Carguy1959_imp]

Hard to crank, my bike is a 14STD. It will crank hard, let off button and then crank normal. I checked all connections no change. I may have to brake down and buy a higher CCA battery. Batteries plus has one for around $110 and I think it is a lithium battery.

[Lord Popgun]

OK, sorry. For some reason I though it was a '13.

In any case, for hard cranking, I would normally go with battery and connections. If all good, then the starter relay could be the problem. Relays will act like that when the contacts get burned or pitted, etc.

Remember to check the starter ground cable connection too. Shown on page 18-8 in the '14 manual.

The circuit is fairly simple so if it isn't the battery it should be easy to trace it down.

[PowerDubs_imp]

Just saw this as I am looking to figure out the MIL / CEL I just conjured with my fiddling might be-


Not that it is relevant to me, but I always like an end to the story- what happened?

[itstuantran_imp]

You should think of the malfunctioned O2 sensor. That's the most common possibility for check engine light to come on. A diagnostics would provide precise result though. Mine had the same symptom and had to replace the one on the left (RS 17 has 2 sensors)