| Author | Message | ||
     Motorfish |
So last year I started to get the check engine light on the highway around 70-80mph. It didn't happen all the time, and when I slowed down a bit, it would eventually go out. The bike ran fine when the light went on, and has always ran great. I checked the exhaust value actuator and it does cycle when I flip the kill switch. I also took the cable off the actuator and made sure it operated smoothly, opening the muffler valve. My ECM has not been relocated, but I have the spacer block on it, and don't really see any damage to it. And, like I said earlier, the bike runs great. I tried to bring up the code with ECMspy, but it showed nothing in code history. I'm no expert with ECMspy,so maybe I'm doing something wrong with it. I'm suspecting the O2 sensor, but would like to have some proof that it's the problem. They're not too expensive (Bosch 12014, I believe), but kind of a pain to replace. The bike is an '06. Sorry for the long post, but I just wanted to throw out all the info I have. Any ideas folks? Thanks in advance. (Message edited by Motorfish on May 03, 2016) | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
Don't just throw parts at it without reading the code from the computer. Instructions on how to do that are freely available from knowledge vault. You don't have to use anything fancy to short those two pins. I use a jackknife or screwdriver. Just don't mangle the pins, eh? | ||
| Timbobuell |
Had the identical problem. The code reader showed exhaust valve and o2 sensor. I replaced the exhaust valve and the cel is gone. My exhaust valve appeared to move also but was not moving enough. I picked up some power after its replacement. | ||
| Teeps |
My '06 Ulysses would exhibit the same symptom. It was always 02 sensor DTC 13. The bike never seemed to care, it ran great either way and always returned between 49 and 51 MPG. So I continued to ride the bike... until the fan failed. this from another thread: http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/142 838/769070.html Teeps Posted on Saturday, August 29, 2015 - 11:14 am: The original fan on my '06 crapped out August last year. Made clickity, clickity noise for about 6 years, louder during the cool down phase. Finally stopped running, that was about 32k miles. With the fan out. The 02 sensor can be replaced without rotating the engine. Even borrowed the 02 sensor crowfoot wrench from PepBoys, no charge. | ||
| Portero72 |
Mine did that. Was throwing the O2 sensor code. My specific issue was the wiring to the sensor itself, so.....good luck. | ||
| Motorfish |
Thanks for the responses. I have to look at the wiring to the O2 sensor, and the connector, but the SEL only comes only at hi-way speeds. Easy enough to check it out. I haven`t noticed a drop in mpg, still around 50. Pulling on the exhaust valve cable, I can "feel" the valve working, but I really want to find a code. I didn`t think that you could access the code history by shorting the pins, but according to the SM, it seems like you can. I`ll try shorting the pins to get the codes, but why wouldn`t ECMspy pick that up? Strange. Thanks for all the input, I hope to dig into it more tomorrow. Time is always tough for me to find. The front wheel is off now for a tire, new brake pads, and bearing check/add grease. (Message edited by Motorfish on May 03, 2016) (Message edited by Motorfish on May 03, 2016) | ||
| Arry |
The seat can contact the (grey?) ECM connector, even with the single spacer block. Look for any sign of rubbing on the top of the connectors or bottom of the seat. When my ECM went bad, it had a variety of symptoms, including CEL coming on and going off, without leaving a code. Eventually it did leave a code, after 2 years of intermittent issues. The exhaust actuator will operate smoothly with the cable disconnected (no load). Be sure it is operating smoothly and consistently (more than once) with the cable connected. If your actuator is stock (early style), it is over due to go bad. | ||
| Zane |
My 09 XT had the same symptoms. Running at 75 or above and the CEL light came on. Slow down to 55 - 60 and in a few minutes the CEL went out. Repeated that cycle several times. Mine was an O2 sensor. What Natexlh1000 said, find out what the codes say. Just throwing parts at a problem gets every expensive, very quickly. Don't ask how I know that... | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
Here's another take. I replaced my 02 sensor a couple of years ago because it was getting worse and worse and replacing it cured the problem. Then last summer we went out to Colorado to meet up with other Buellers. I wasn't 50 miles away from home and my bike started to experience more 02 sensor problems but this time it was self inflicted by my over filling the oil before we left home. I backed off the speed and apparently burnt off the excess oil and did not have any other episodes of the CEL lighting up on that trip or since then. Make sure your oil level is where it is supposed to be because it sure razed havoc with my 02 Sensor when I over filled. But 02 sensors begin to degrade after over 15,000 miles of use and my original one gave up the ghost at 35,000 miles. If you do need to change that sensor you'll need to move the fan to get at it and use a crows-foot socket to remove the sensor. Pain in the ass, but doable. http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result? q=crows+foot | ||
| Motorfish |
So I made it out to the garage today. Shorted pins 1 & 2, and came up with DTC 13. So like the SM states, it does store historic codes. It`s good to read the service manual! I`ll start to dig into it, checking the wire and connector to the O2 sensor first. Anyone know why I couldn`t access any past codes in Code History using ECMspy? I have upgraded the exhaust valve actuator to the newer one with metal gears. I may try to ride without the outer airbox cover on to see it work on the highway. My ECM doesn`t look like the seat contacts it, or the connectors. I still would like to relocated it. I keep the oil level on the second "X" on the dipstick. I`ve gone through that whole oil level thing, it can be deceiving. Thanks for all the input folks, now I have to find some time to rip into it. I`ll post my results. | ||
| Teeps |
Since you mentioned engine oil level. At oil change, I add 2.5 quarts of oil including filling the oil filter. Ride the bike for a few miles. Check the oil level on the stick. I maintain that level as any higher on the dip stick than that, will likely be blown out the breathers. | ||
| Motorfish |
Finally had time to change the O2 sensor. I managed to get the ECM out although the nut was spinning in the plastic shroud, so after I got it all apart, I used hot glue and secured the nut. Eventually i'd like to relocate it but it hasn't been a problem yet. I also found my fan seems to have a shaky bearing. It's been making some rattling kind of noise for some time now, but works. Luckily, I had a new one on the shelf, so I'll keep the old one as a spare. I wound up buying the crows foot for the O2 sensor which works great. Put it all back together, and also threw in a K&N air filter. Took it out for a ride today and did 75-80 mph on the highway for about 14 minutes, so the ECM could re-learn, if necessary because of the new filter. It ran great, and no CEL came on. I'm taking a trip in a few weeks, so should be good to go. I was thinking of putting more holes in the air filter cover, like an '07, but I'm hesitant because I'm not sure if the ECM would have to be reprogrammed. Anyone know? Thanks everyone for all the input. | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
Seems that way back when we all opened up our airboxes to update to the 07' style airbox. I remember taking the bike in to get the ECM reflashed to accommodate the airbox change. I'm not sure it was at all necessary since the ECM is able to learn up to a point. My advice would be to open up the airbox and then take it for an hour ride near your home at highway speeds and see what happens. Check the front plug after the ride no matter how it ran to make sure it is not running too lean which means the engine will be getting hotter than is normal. Manufacturers make bikes run very lean but that means the engine gets hotter the leaner the mix. If the plugs are running way too hot from the fuel/air being way too lean then you'd better consider visiting the dealer for the reflash. I paid $40 if my memory serves me. Good luck. | ||
| Teeps |
Motorfish, EG is correct, the '07 ECM flash was different from the '06 due to the more open air box, of the '07. Just flash the Eprom for an '07 Ulysses, to your bike's '06 ECM, with ECM Spy. PM if you can't find Eprom data for '07. | ||
| Motorfish |
That's what I'm thinking of doing Electra, sounds like the best way to go about it. I have stock exhaust, comfort kit, and I'm wondering if opening the airbox like an 07, is worth doing. Will I lose a little bottom end power, while gaining midrange and top end? Or does it help throughout the entire range? I know you get more intake honk. If needed, I would consider trying to flash the EPROM for an '07, but I'm no expert with ECMspy. But that's how you learn. I don't plan on doing anything until after my trip in June, because it's running great right now. Thanks guys | ||
| Motorfish |
Just to update, the new O2 sensor seems to have solved the problem. I put over 1300 miles on without any issues. I haven't opened up the air box yet, maybe I'll get a chance this fall. Thanks all, for all the input!! | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
Nice! | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
The common culprit is that darned O2 sensor. Glad that fixed it for you. It is just too darned bad the 02 sensor has to be such a w.hore to get at and replace. Hope you got it at a local auto parts store for 20 bucks and not from motorcycle shop for 50. I really can't see an excuse for selling a part for over double the price. No wonder so many folks hate to buy from dealers or internet bike suppliers. | ||
| Motorfish |
Yeah EG, it's a process to get at, but it went pretty smooth. I bought a Bosch 12014 for about $20. Found out about it here, as usual. I believe the stock sensor is a Bosch too, as I remember seeing the little Bosch icon on it. That's quite a gouging by Harley. |
