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ECU gremlins! AAAARRRGGGHHHHHHHHHH

M

Maf

Joined Aug 2008
26 Posts | 0+
Cornwall
Hello fellow RSV owners :doug This is my first post so I'd like to take this opportunity to say hi and compliment you all on your splendid taste in bikes! Well done!

OK ths is it, I need some help from people who just aren't trying to rob me blind... I have problem with my beloved '04 RSVR. This bike is the love of my life <looks over shoulder to check on whereabouts of girlfriend> and is very unhappy indeed. A while ago I was having problems with starting. The immobiliser light on the dash was flashing quickly and although the key switched it on it wouldn't turn over on the button. I had to remove/replace the main fuses until it started. After a while it would start ok even with the light flashing quickly. My local dealer was asking £300 for a new immobiliser but I felt that this may not have really been the problem.
Now, yesterday I've started the bike. It was running a little lumpy which I initally put down to being cold and spending a couple of weeks unused. I took it out of the garage and noticed the odometer is reading zero! The bike ticks over ok but won't rev past 3k. If I roll the throttle on it stalls. The bike is unusable. I think the ECU has lost the plot...

I'm going to check on the fault code later today and will post my findings.

Any ideas fellow Aprilia pirates??:pirate

Several pints go to any helpers!

Maf
 
Hi Maf

Sorry to hear of your problem. I'm sure that the manual states that the immobiliser light will flash rapidly if you insert a key that isn't recognised by the system. This could explain why the bike wouldn't start so perhaps your dealer was thinking along the same lines. The fact that you have since managed to start the bike suggests that it might be an intermittent fault. I also wonder whether the ECU has detected some sort of fault and is running the bike in emergency mode resulting in the revs being limited?
 
You have more than 1 problem there chap.

The clocks resetting is a known problem with 04 bikes and was cured by an updated version but was only free if the bike was in warranty.

The not revving issue is because the bike is in limp mode. The ecu has detected a sensor reporting an issue and is protecting the engine. The dealer should be able to pull the code to check or you can have a go at reading it yourself by turning on the ignition whilst holding in the lap button for 30 or seconds. The code will appear in the display.

Immobiliser ecu problems can happen but they are also ver prone to problems in and arounf the white loom connectors above the module itself. Look for corrosion or pins pushed out of the connector. also check for corrosion on the 30 amp fuses behind the batt. If the immobiliser is undervolted it will not play properly.

Worth a look before spending big bucks.
 
Sorry to hijack this one !!! But does my (older shape)04 edwards have a immobiliser from factory in key ?
 
Gentlemen, Thankyou.

I have already checked the loom. Not worried about the clocks re setting as I'm not planning of getting rid for ages. However I'll look at the fault code and report back.

You guys are great for taking the time to respond. Cheers!
 
Right guys, the saga continues.....

I have got the fault code up and it's 0. No fault.
The engine can be coaxed right up to the red line but only stalls when the throttle is opened too quickly. This isn't very quick at all. Probably about 1/8th of the throttle too.
It cracks in the right hand pipe on start up. The pipe's been off and investigated. Seems ok. There are no warning lights iluminated.

What the hell?
 
Poor starting, lumpy running, won't rev past 3k!!

Sounds like you may have a failed spark plug or coil gone down, could also be mechanical failure but lests start with the basics.

1. Hand and eye checks on all connections to the engine, that's electrical, vacuum, fuel the lot.
2. If all is OK above, then whip the spark plugs out and see what they are like.
3. If the plugs are OK then it's time to start looking at the HT leads, are they damaged and what kind of resistance do they have?
4. If all OK above then coil checks need to be completed, sure the test procedure for these is in the manual and all the figures too.

Lastly, I noted you said it was cracking in one exhaust!

This could be misfiring, hard to tell at this end of the PC.

Have you got any mods on the machine, such as Power Commander 3, upgraded spark plugs, trick HT leads, modified EPROM, EVO - Renegade Airbox?

How many miles have you done and when was it last serviced?

PS. If it was your immobiliser failed then the bike wouldn't start, been dealing with electronics for 20 years plus and they very rarely cause poor running issues, usually just kill the engine.
 
Thanks amb67.

Did you read the entire thread? Do you have any thoughts on the odometer resetting to zero? Would it be indicative of an ecu problem. My feelings are that the odometer, immobiliser and failure to run properly all have the ecu in common. However I can't really justify buying one to find out!
It's done 15k. I'm glad you share my thoughts on the immobiliser. I was sure it meant something else. Unfortunately I have very little confidence in my local dealer and the closest is a loooong way off. I'll check all of the stuff you said tomorrow, really grateful to everyone for the advice
 
Maf said:
Thanks amb67.

Did you read the entire thread? Do you have any thoughts on the odometer resetting to zero? Would it be indicative of an ecu problem. My feelings are that the odometer, immobiliser and failure to run properly all have the ecu in common. However I can't really justify buying one to find out!
It's done 15k. I'm glad you share my thoughts on the immobiliser. I was sure it meant something else. Unfortunately I have very little confidence in my local dealer and the closest is a loooong way off. I'll check all of the stuff you said tomorrow, really grateful to everyone for the advice
Click to expand...

Hi mate, yep did read the thread carefully, as Spoonz said it was all down to dodgy internals within the instrument cluster that caused it to lose it's settings. Seem to remember seeing many postings on how to cure it but none have been proved to work as yet. See issues reported here - Click me

One thing they do all have in common is the battery, if the battery lacks power then you will have immobiliser, ECU and running issues.

First check the battery leads are clean and tight and that it is fully charged.
 
The mileage has nothing to do with the ecu. It's stored in the dash itself.

You seem to be confusing the ecu's as well. There are 2.
1 controls the security etc and is on the left inner fairing panel. The second controls the engine management and is under the seat.

None of you issues are suggestive of a management problem to me.

If you have running problems but no warning errors on the dash then your looking at stuff outside of the ecu diags which would be plugs, plug leads, dodgy fuel etc. If the ecu was in limp mode it wouldn't rev past 3k period.
 
You guys rock!

I'l investigate all your suggestions over the next day or so and report back :)

Thanks for the input everyone.
 
Don't know where you are in Cornwall but you welcome to use my bike as a donor to find your problem. I'm about 35 - 40mins east of Launceston or 30 mins north of Okehampton if you want the fast roads.

Assuming you can get it here without conking out that is.
 
Flippin heck spoons, that's very cool of you. Thanks.
Im in Redruth. It's probably best to borrow a van so I'll sort it and be in touch.
I have my kids this weekend but am free evenings and next weekend.

When suits you?
 
I'm lucky enough that my office and workplace are next to my house so i'm generally always here.

Sure we can pinpoint the problem. Your welcome to leave it here whilst you wait for parts if needed. Once it's running right we'll stick it on the gas analyser for a final tweak if you want to.

I'll get Sabre over to sell you a pension or life insurance whilst you wait. (and make the coffee)
 
I'm in the middle of nowhere really. Nearest blink and you miss it village is Stibb Cross which is about half way between Holsworthy and Great Torrington.

The postcode is ex38 8lp if you want to plonk it into mapquest or something for a better look.
 
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