TMAX failure
TMAX failure
I have been running a Tmax for a couple of years. Experienced a second failure of the IAC driver today. After first failure I asked Zippers if this was a chronic issue with their product and was told it was a fluke. Now that I have experienced this failure for a second time, I am having serious concerns about the reliability of my TMAX. I am wondering how many others have experienced this failure. Symptoms are as follows:
Bike starts but does not idle correctly. Will eventually die. Runs better with some throttle. Runs very rich at idle per the SW monitor. Pulled the air cleaner and put a finger on the IAC plunger. It does not move like normal when the ignition is turned off. Installed the stock ECM and the IAC plunger moves normally when the ignition is turned off.
The first time I had this failure, it was immediately after I had washed the bike with a hose. Since then I have been very careful to not start the bike for at least 24 hours after washing. This second failure occurred out of the blue, this morning. The bike ran fine yesterday.
The Tmax has a 3 year warranty, last time they sent a new one no problem. Fortunately both failures occurred in my garage. This would be a serious issue if out on the road. I think it could strand you for a few days, not good.
Anyone else have confirmed IAC driver failures with TMAX? How about similar symptoms? Zippers is closed for the weekend, but I will be talking to them first thing Monday.
Bike starts but does not idle correctly. Will eventually die. Runs better with some throttle. Runs very rich at idle per the SW monitor. Pulled the air cleaner and put a finger on the IAC plunger. It does not move like normal when the ignition is turned off. Installed the stock ECM and the IAC plunger moves normally when the ignition is turned off.
The first time I had this failure, it was immediately after I had washed the bike with a hose. Since then I have been very careful to not start the bike for at least 24 hours after washing. This second failure occurred out of the blue, this morning. The bike ran fine yesterday.
The Tmax has a 3 year warranty, last time they sent a new one no problem. Fortunately both failures occurred in my garage. This would be a serious issue if out on the road. I think it could strand you for a few days, not good.
Anyone else have confirmed IAC driver failures with TMAX? How about similar symptoms? Zippers is closed for the weekend, but I will be talking to them first thing Monday.
Last edited by merdahl; Sep 24, 2011 at 09:24 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 619
Likes: 0
From: Corona Ca
What did they replace for you? Im going through the same thing right now, The IAC doesnt move at all when ign is cycled!!!! Im putting in a new one today to see if its that or the ecm thats the problem
When swapping ECM, remember the "proper" TMAX procedure.
1) remove ECM fuse
2) disconnect neg terminal on battery
3) swap ECM
4) connect neg terminal on battery
5) install ECM fuse
I did not start my bike with the stock ECM installed. This was enough for Zippers to issue an RMA. They replaced the ECM module which comes on a backplate. I kept the original Auto-tune module.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 619
Likes: 0
From: Corona Ca
Thats great info thanks Merdahl, I pulled the IAC last night because i have access to a newer one, if it does not slove the issue i will reinstall the stock ECM using you proceedure and verify from there.. I'll post my results later 2day
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 619
Likes: 0
From: Corona Ca
The Tmax in mine is junk, Randy says because i had a elect issue its gonna be $190 to exchange the ecm!!!!!
Thats total B.S. I paid too much for THE BEST TUNER AVAILABLE TO HAVE ONE ISSUE AND HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE IT REPAIRED.
I will not pay for it... It will not go back in...
On to the next tuner
I bought this in June of this year, if i was on a long ride and this happend, I'd be EFFED!!!!
Thats total B.S. I paid too much for THE BEST TUNER AVAILABLE TO HAVE ONE ISSUE AND HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE IT REPAIRED.
I will not pay for it... It will not go back in...
On to the next tuner
I bought this in June of this year, if i was on a long ride and this happend, I'd be EFFED!!!!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,919
Likes: 23
From: Seattle, WA
... been running mine for 18 months (over 19,000 miles) without any problems ... sorry to hear of your misfortune ....
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Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 619
Likes: 0
From: Corona Ca
Im just pissed that because a battery issue, my Tmax is trash, What does the Warrenty Cover?
I refuse to pay $200 to exchange it,,,
I refuse to pay $200 to exchange it,,,
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The Tmax in mine is junk, Randy says because i had a elect issue its gonna be $190 to exchange the ecm!!!!!
Thats total B.S. I paid too much for THE BEST TUNER AVAILABLE TO HAVE ONE ISSUE AND HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE IT REPAIRED.
I will not pay for it... It will not go back in...
On to the next tuner
I bought this in June of this year, if i was on a long ride and this happend, I'd be EFFED!!!!
Thats total B.S. I paid too much for THE BEST TUNER AVAILABLE TO HAVE ONE ISSUE AND HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE IT REPAIRED.
I will not pay for it... It will not go back in...
On to the next tuner
I bought this in June of this year, if i was on a long ride and this happend, I'd be EFFED!!!!
I told them there is nothing wrong with my bike that would cause the IAC driver to fail, it has been thoroughly checked. In fact, the TMAX should be designed to take the normal environment encountered on a motorcycle. Voltage spikes, transients, vibration. The IAC driver should be able to take an open or short circuit. If it was designed properly for this environment, then nothing on my motorcycle could take it out. If that is not the case, then the TMAX is improperly designed. I don't think that is too far off base.
I too am faced with a decision. In 2 1/2 years and 50k miles I have had two IAC driver failures. Zipper's replaced the 2 failed ECMs with minimal hassle. I only have 6 months left on my warranty. I do not trust the ECM anymore and carry my stock ECM in my saddlebag. When, not if, I have my next failure with no warranty, what will I do?
1) Pay Zipper's $400 for another ECM and another 3 year warranty.
2) Put in the stock ECM and buy a tuner package, $400. Dynotune, $300.
3) Put in the stock ECM and buy a piggyback tuner, $400. Dynotune, $300
I already had the bike dynotuned with the TMAX and it presently runs great. I just don't trust it. I asked for my money back and was told no. Like you, I paid the extra bucks for a final, hassle free solution. I did not get that and that does not make me happy.
Then you have the other 2 TMAX issues that Zipper's claims are motorcycle issues:
1) Dash goes dead, need to stop and cycle ignition. Happens once every 3 months
2) Battery gets drained overnight. Happens once every 6 months.
Last edited by merdahl; Oct 21, 2011 at 09:24 PM.
3 year replacement warranty. If they try to say it is your bike, tell them to prove it.