Posts: 281
Threads: 8
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Aug 2015
Does anybody know how to read/find codes for reading the check engine light. My bike has been starting hard lately and this morning it bucked and the check engine light came on and stayed on all the way to work. I have replaced the spark plugs, battery, checked/cleaned the air filter, oil is fine. Bike has 6300 miles . Rode daily. Mostly highway. No mods to drive train. I did open up the stock muffler. I had also bought a next to new muffler and put it on 6 mo's ago. My 09 Harley FXDL did the same thing and it was the crank position sensor.
Any clues?
Posts: 16,123
Threads: 342
Likes Received: 668 in 367 posts
Likes Given: 779
Joined: Apr 2025
Carguy, as in so many matters technical, popgun may well be your man. I'm sure he owns a cable and bit of software he got from Healtech that allows him to interrogate the ECU. It plugs into a red plug under the left side cover. I'll see if I can find the thread.
Edit: Here you go. It's probably only a little bit of help, but there is a link to the Healtech site,
http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=8666
By the way, Carguy, the user manual warns against riding the bike when the PGM-FI light is on other than at start up. It says, "reduce speed and take the motorcycle to your Honda dealer as soon as possible."
Posts: 861
Threads: 18
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Jun 2014
On page 5-10 of the '13 service manual there is a method for determining the main Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) by observing the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) blinking pattern. This will only give you the main DTC code, not the subcode. On page 5-12 of the '13 service manual there is a table of DTC codes and equivalent MIL blinking number.
If there is a DTC stored in the ECM, there should be a MIL blinking pattern that will allow you to determine the main DTC code.
With the side stand down, turn on the ignition and see if the MIL starts blinking. You can also have the engine idling but the side stand must be down. If the engine RPM is over 1700, then the MIL stays on and does not blink. If there is no MIL blink pattern then there is no DTC error code stored in the ECM.
short blinks last 0.5 seconds and long blinks last 1.3 seconds. One long blink is equivalent to 10 short blinks.
One short blink is equivalent to DTC main code 1.1
9 short blinks is quivalent to DTC main code 9.1
One long blink and 2 short blinks is DTC main code 12.1 (one long blink = 10 short blinks so 10+2 short blinks = 12)
I can post a picture of the DTC index on page 5-12 of the '13 service manual if the moderators say it is ok.
Posts: 434
Threads: 25
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: May 2015
(04-26-2017, 01:49 PM)Carguy1959_imp Wrote: Does anybody know how to read/find codes for reading the check engine light. My bike has been starting hard lately and this morning it bucked and the check engine light came on and stayed on all the way to work. I have replaced the spark plugs, battery, checked/cleaned the air filter, oil is fine. Bike has 6300 miles . Rode daily. Mostly highway. No mods to drive train. I did open up the stock muffler. I had also bought a next to new muffler and put it on 6 mo's ago. My 09 Harley FXDL did the same thing and it was the crank position sensor.
Any clues?
Well that stinks.....best of luck and let us know what you find out, please. 2013 or 2014 bike?
Posts: 8,026
Threads: 21
Likes Received: 180 in 103 posts
Likes Given: 123
Joined: Apr 2025
I'm out of town right now, but brought the '13/14 manual for just these occasions
What Curly typed is the same for the '14's
You may have multiple codes stored too. If you post your code or codes, Curly or I can tell you what it is.
Posts: 16,123
Threads: 342
Likes Received: 668 in 367 posts
Likes Given: 779
Joined: Apr 2025
(04-26-2017, 07:57 PM)curlyjoe_imp Wrote: On page 5-10 of the '13 service manual there is a method for determining the main Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) by observing the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) blinking pattern. This will only give you the main DTC code, not the subcode. On page 5-12 of the '13 service manual there is a table of DTC codes and equivalent MIL blinking number.
If there is a DTC stored in the ECM, there should be a MIL blinking pattern that will allow you to determine the main DTC code.
With the side stand down, turn on the ignition and see if the MIL starts blinking. You can also have the engine idling but the side stand must be down. If the engine RPM is over 1700, then the MIL stays on and does not blink. If there is no MIL blink pattern then there is no DTC error code stored in the ECM.
short blinks last 0.5 seconds and long blinks last 1.3 seconds. One long blink is equivalent to 10 short blinks.
One short blink is equivalent to DTC main code 1.1
9 short blinks is quivalent to DTC main code 9.1
One long blink and 2 short blinks is DTC main code 12.1 (one long blink = 10 short blinks so 10+2 short blinks = 12)
I can post a picture of the DTC index on page 5-12 of the '13 service manual if the moderators say it is ok.
Apologies, but please don't.
Posts: 8,026
Threads: 21
Likes Received: 180 in 103 posts
Likes Given: 123
Joined: Apr 2025
If you need them Carguy, PM me your phone # and I'll take a pic and text it to you.
Posts: 281
Threads: 8
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Aug 2015
Thanks for the info. I have a 13-14 manual. My manual has the directions on 5-12 and 5-13. I will check them tomorrow.
Posts: 16,123
Threads: 342
Likes Received: 668 in 367 posts
Likes Given: 779
Joined: Apr 2025
Be interested to hear what it is, Carguy.
Posts: 281
Threads: 8
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Aug 2015
So, I did what it said, short the green and brown wires in the red 4 wire harness. Turn on fuel, turn on key, the light comes on .3 seconds and then blinks 8 slow blinks and 5 fast blinks. There doesn't seem to be a code in my book for 8-5. I checked the blinks about 20 times, justsayin.
