Electrickery fault.

[Squirrelciv]

Hi blokes. I've got a niggling electrical issue I'm hoping someone here can help me with.

Every now and then I get the FI warning when I go to start the bike. If you switch off and switch back on it will usually go away, but sometimes you need to do this a couple of times. I've also noticed that when the FI warning comes on the bike hasn't checked itself properly (you know, the noises they make as they test themselves).

I've had to chase down a poor connection on the light circuit as these kept cutting out... Yellow 10 way plug behind the radiator shroud...  but can't seem to trace a short for the ignition fault.

I don't want to take her to the dealer because the diagnostic service they offer only applies whilst the FI warning is showing and the engine is running (how bloody useless is that!)

Any clues where to look?

Cheers

[2112]

It could be the actual ignition switch itself. It's possible the contacts have become carboned up and need a good clean. A good squirt of electrical contact cleaner may well do the trick. After that it's trial and error with all the connectors you can find. If you have a multi meter you may be able to track down the fault quicker. Best of luck  

[Mikec]

The problem with the F1 light on my bike was caused by a failing battery. If the voltage drops whilst starting, it seems is can cause a problem with the electronics.

I also have the same problem with the head light, (plus others) connector on the left hand side of the fairing. I think the connector is packing up and I will probably need a replacement, so that could be fun! (I'm no electritian)

[greywolf]

You need to find the cause of the FI. http://www.vstrom.info/Smf/index.php/topic,7061.0.html

[Juvecu]

I'll put a fiver on a STV related issue

[greywolf]

A dealer with an SDS diagnostic tool can read stored codes. The FI doesn't have to be active like it would to be read with a dealer mode jumper. You could also leave the bike in dealer mode and ride it. It will display the code the next time it happens.

[mr_diver]

Another £5 on STVA.

[Squirrelciv]

Cheers for the tips blokes. What do you mean by STV though?

[tallpaul]

Secondary throttle valve

[Gassoon]

squirrelciv - for fault-finding (reading fault codes) see http://www.vstrom.info/Smf/index.php/topic,7061.0.html

Also try searching in the box at the top of the page in this section...type in STV to get some possibly useful answers. It'll get you started on an answer anyway! good luck

[Juvecu]

I meant it's possible your secondary throttle valves are sticking. This is usually because the linkages or shafts are stuck, perhaps because of corrosion on the shafts that the butterfly valves are on. This can end in the STV actuator servo motor failing. Best get the FI code sooner than later, if this is the problem I think it is you can save it all

[Squirrelciv]

...Right then, I'm knowledged up and going in this weekend. Cheers blokes, I'll keep you posted.  

[Squirrelciv]

OK, here's the deal... Bloody faults gone away!

I've removed the airbox anyway and checked out the action of the STVA and things did feel a little restricted with some mild corrosion evident on the pivot points. I gave everything a liberal spraying with ACF50 and things felt a lot easier so fingers crossed... I'm keeping her in 'dealer' mode for a day or two in case she plays up again.

Thanks for all your help blokes.

Cheers.