can't connect ECMspy while running (transmission timed out)

[norwich]

ECMspy works perfectly with ignition on and engine not running I have not found any functions that don't work when in this condition

I recently swapped my wideband over to this bike, with the intention of doing some data logging. I quickly found out that no matter what I do, as soon as I start the bike, it disconnects.

procedure: I turn on the ignition, with the switch in the run position, connect the cable, open ECMspy, click the keys, it connects as it should, I can see all data channels moving including the TPS when I move the throttle. I can go to any tab and make changes, write them to the bike, etc., but as soon as I start the engine everything disconnects, I am not able to see engine RPM or any other channel, and I get the message "transmission timed out"

What I have tried to correct this problem:
1. connect charger to bike while starting to reduce voltage drop while cranking (5A charger)
2. fiddling with cable. It's rock solid while not running, and there's nothing I can do to make it work while running. (this seemed to be a solution on another thread)
3. Installed fresh software on different computer. Same issue
4. fiddled with program settings and referenced numerous tuning guides
5. Checked voltage at plug while not running and running. 5V and 12V lines seemed to be maintained in both conditions
6. disconnect and try to reconnect while running

Things I plan to try next:
1. fetch eeprom before starting
2. push start bike to see if it still disconnects when started
3. kick something

I've spent days trying the above to troubleshoot as well as countless stupid ideas. I would really appreciate your help!!

Bike: 2004 xb12s
ECMspy version: 1.12.27
usb cable: ebay link (it was only $25 when I bought it)
My computer is running windows 10

 

[Cooter]

Did #6 work?

 

[norwich]

Unfortunately, 6 has not worked. This is one I have tried many times in as many configurations as I can think of.

pressing the keys to disconnect, then press keys to connect again
unplug/ replug cable at both ends along with an ECMspy restart
etc.

 

[rchuff]

Did you try to open your com port again? As in click on the cable picture and another box will appear?

 

[norwich]

I just tried selecting the com port again, it didn't help. I also tried the autodetect function and it said "failed to get com port". I also tried downloading the eeprom directly before starting. That didn't work either. I think I'm going to try running an extra ground wire to the cable tomorrow to see if it's a ground problem.

Thanks for your help so far guys!

 

[mosquito]

I'm having the same problem! Only difference is I'm using a bluetooth dongle and the stock narrowband O2 sensor. Any ideas lowkey?

 

[norwich]

I ran a second ground cable from the battery to the ECM and communication port. that didn't help.

 

[norwich]

anyone else have any ideas I should try? I'd really like to get the bike tuned in without guessing and checking. That takes a long time! Thanks in advance!

 

[njloco]

Where are the brainiacs when you need them ? Let's go guys, get this bike going!

 

[Cooter]

I don't know if ECMSpy is different than ECMDroid (it shouldn't be) and even ECMDroid will disconnect when you start the bike. I have no idea why you can't re-connect to the the bike while its running. The comm port shouldn't care if it's running or not, just that it has power.

Since you have power with the key (and run switch on, I would assume you have power there while it's running. Check it?

 

[norwich]

that's interesting that ECMdroid disconnects when you start it. I measured the voltage with just the ignition on vs running. The 12V line follows battery voltage. I measure voltage from battery ground to the ground on the connector, and it remained very low ( a few mv) in both conditions. I have had other ground issues in the past with my bike so I ran an extra temporary wire from the battery ground to the ground on the connector, and this didn't change the behavior.

Is there any chance that there's something wrong with my connector or the fact that I'm using windows 10?

 

[Cooter]

Ya my ECMDroid disconnects, but i just hit the connect button again while its running and no problems. I don't even know if that's normal but all my bikes seem to do it that way.

You're on your own with windows 10, but I'd assume the connector is good if everything works with the engine off. Sorry man, wish I was more help.

 

[norwich]

so I made a bluetooth dongle and tried out ECMDroid. Unfortunately it works just like ECMspy. I am able to connect with ignition on and engine not running, but once started it disconnects and cannot reconnect.

Does anyone know if there is a chance that there is an issue with my ECM? I read something about updating firmware??

My bike is an 04 xb12s, and the ECM Info is as follows:

EEPROM Size: 1202
EEPROM Pages: 7
ECM Type: DDFI2
ECM Serial Number: 127
ECM Mfg Date: 10/5/06
Layout Rev: N/A
Country ID: 106
Calibration: N/A


Is it weird that the manufacturing date is in 06 when the bike is an 04?

 

[mosquito]

I had the same problem while using a bluetooth dongle-it would disconnect if I started the bike and would not connect with the bike running. I suspect your cable is the problem. I built my own cable following the instructions on ECMSPY website under "EcmSpy Cable for PC/Laptop". I bought the FTDI cable from Digi-Key online for 30 bucks and sourced the Deutsch plug locally for 5 more. The instructions are clear and it was easy peasy to solder up the plug (I don't have the correct crimper but soldering works just as well). It worked like a charm! Digi-Key probaby has the Deutsch plug parts too and they were super fast. Mouser Electronics might be another source.

 

[norwich]

my opinion is that now that I've tried it with 2 completely independent cables, software, operating systems, that the problem is not related to my setup.

 

[Cooter]

So take the engine running out of the equation for a sec.

With the ignition (and run switch) on, will it let you disconnect and re-connect easily?

Or conversely, have the bike running before you try to connect the first time.

 

[norwich]

I have tried both of those ideas. it works as it should in both cases.

 

[Cooter]

Then just do that?

 

[norwich]

Sorry, I misread your post...
with the ignition on , switch on, bike not running, it can connect, disconnect, reconnect easily
If the bike is running before I try to connect it doesn't work.