Ecm
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Ecm
Regards to all.
Much as we love my 2006 FXSTBi (!)
I need to understand what is inside the ECM.
My one is in the local dealership being replaced :-( any one opened one up ?
Are they programed to expire ? Is it a common problem ?
Is it time to strip it all out and get back to basics ?
You all take Care. db (UK)
Much as we love my 2006 FXSTBi (!)
I need to understand what is inside the ECM.
My one is in the local dealership being replaced :-( any one opened one up ?
Are they programed to expire ? Is it a common problem ?
Is it time to strip it all out and get back to basics ?
You all take Care. db (UK)
Last edited by db133; May 28, 2014 at 09:34 AM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 2,710
Likes: 529
From: Lethbridge, Alberta Canada
Regards to all.
Much as we love my 2006 FXSTBi (!)
I need to understand what is inside the ECM.
My one is in the local dealership being replaced :-( any one opened one up ?
Are they programed to expire ? Is it a common problem ?
Is it time to strip it all out and get back to basics ?
You all take Care. db (UK)
Much as we love my 2006 FXSTBi (!)
I need to understand what is inside the ECM.
My one is in the local dealership being replaced :-( any one opened one up ?
Are they programed to expire ? Is it a common problem ?
Is it time to strip it all out and get back to basics ?
You all take Care. db (UK)
- Exposure to a magnet MAY hurt or kill it, especially if the bike is running at the time. On a practical basis, the most likely way for this to happen is for someone to add a magnet that triggers traffic light left turns signals when the bike itself won't reliably do so., but this is only if the magnet and the ECM are in pretty close proximity. COULD happen on a Breakout or Rocker, where the ECM is buried just in front of the rear wheel.
- A voltage spike delivered by a defect in the electrical system can kill it.
- Water exposure can kill it, and even if it doesn't it will start corrosion that will likely kill it given some time, but will be preceded usually by erratic operation before final death.
- Water IMMERSION (e.g. bike tipped over into water puddle) will almost certainly kill it.
- Long-term exposure to high humidity, like you find in many parts of the UK where you are located, can cause corrosion on the terminals, even "inside" the connectors, that will likely manifest first as erratic or improper operation, and end in inability of the bike to run. This is why dielectric grease is used on electrical connections in vehicles. It provides a barrier against water or humid air entry.
- Physical pressure onto the ECM can impair it or kill it. (Example: Rider installs a seat not intended for this model bike that puts pressure directly onto the ECM)
- Battery leak onto the ECM can impair and then kill it.
Looking at your UK location, I'd look to terminal corrosion first maybe.
Jim G
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Thanks for your input much appreciated.
Just normal use as per the last 7/8 years and stored in the dry when not in use.
Chap at the dealership said he is getting quite a few that require replacement.
So what is inside it then ?
Kind regards.
Just normal use as per the last 7/8 years and stored in the dry when not in use.
Chap at the dealership said he is getting quite a few that require replacement.
So what is inside it then ?
Kind regards.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,392
Likes: 184
From: Big ol Titties
Same as any other electrical component, it's full of smoke. As soon as you let it out you're screwed.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 2,710
Likes: 529
From: Lethbridge, Alberta Canada
Seriously, it is a small computer. It has both "read only" software coding that is permanent, and "read/write" software coding that can be altered by either an HD dealer or by certain tuning tools (e.g. Power Vision). Physically, it's mostly composed of:
- Circuit boards
-Electronic devices on the circuit boards
- Connections between the devices
- Connector terminals that allow the ECM to communicate, both directions as needed, with physical and electronic components spread throughout the bike.
Jim G
- Circuit boards
-Electronic devices on the circuit boards
- Connections between the devices
- Connector terminals that allow the ECM to communicate, both directions as needed, with physical and electronic components spread throughout the bike.
Jim G
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 154
Likes: 2
From: Denver Co.
This brings up another interesting question. If the ECM dies can it be mated to your existing tuner? Or are you screwed into needing a new tuner too? I know the PV can be setup to work on two bikes for a price. But what about the SEPST. This could be a very expensive repair if you need both. I sort of understand where they are coming from on insisting that the tuner marries the ECM but there should be an equitable way to divorce it too. Another question is can the dealer at least install your old map if you gave it to them on a keydrive without needing to purchase a new SEPST.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,543
Likes: 19
From: Ashland Ohio
New ECM, new tuner. Cannot unmarry a SEPST. Dealer cannot do so, it would be illegal. One MUST buy a new tuner if the ECM craps out.
There is for the most part, very small amount of read only stuff, most can be adjusted, just not by the tuners available today. The Delphi calibrator tool can get to most areas.
There is for the most part, very small amount of read only stuff, most can be adjusted, just not by the tuners available today. The Delphi calibrator tool can get to most areas.
Last edited by wurk_truk; Jun 2, 2014 at 03:08 PM.
Trending Topics
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,543
Likes: 19
From: Ashland Ohio
So that makes me think that dealer is full of **** and is possibly ripping folks off.... either on purpose or from incompetence. ECMs going 'bad' is a truly non issue.
What is the reason YOUR ECM went 'bad"?, If you know. Very curious.
Last edited by wurk_truk; Jun 2, 2014 at 03:18 PM.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,702
Likes: 38
From: Houston area
Harley is hardly normal in many regards. I have zero knowledge about Harley ECM fails. However, in the automotive world they are very common recalls. Cold joints failing are a prime example of a recall. The guts are designed fairly tough considering the complexity in such a small space, and protected by a very robust box. Designing and executing are not the same, even with good quality control stuff happens. I have the opinion that generally the Harley ECM is far better protected from the environment than automotive under hood installations. I think it is possible for stuff to fail, even on a Harley Davidson. Somehow Harley can even make chrome that is kept in a garage, clean and waxed, fail.
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Re: HD chrome they used it under black paint on my rack ! Strange but true.
Re: Ecm I have a power commander connected. I was wondering what would happen to my Dyno tune map. Collected the bike (Ł500 ! ouch) nice ride home, time will tell.
Thanks for your input fascinating subject, any one have a picture of inside the ECM ?
Kind regards to all. db
Re: Ecm I have a power commander connected. I was wondering what would happen to my Dyno tune map. Collected the bike (Ł500 ! ouch) nice ride home, time will tell.
Thanks for your input fascinating subject, any one have a picture of inside the ECM ?
Kind regards to all. db