New to group with a 2006 XB12

[Opie]

I purchased an XB12 Firebolt a few months back for a pretty good price. 2006, 14,000 miles, needs a few minor things..... It's been cutting out around 4,000 RPM with some nice backfire shots that sound like a hand gun going off. Doing some research it really keeps pointing me back to the TPS after checking for simple stuff like loose connections etc. I looked all over and finally found one on e-bay (PO279.3AA) for $87 and hope this replacement will do the trick. Apparently they are obsolete now? I don't have the software ECMspy and can't seem to locate any copies out there. It's likely I'll need it to reset my new TPS when it arrives (I'm handy but new hooking up PC's to bikes). I will install it and see what happens, then buy a cable and locate the software unless someone out there feels like sharing.

I also found an interesting post about low cost stock exhaust modification. I've been a Harley owner for many years (still have an 05 Deuce) and was always intrigued by the Buell sport bike with the Harley sound... I personally need to hear it Mine it too quiet so I'm going to try the "zip ties on the exhaust cable" trick so get a little more potato, potato sound. Genius, can't remember where I saw it but can't hurt to try it.

 

[neilrl79]

ECMSpy-https://www.dropbox.com/s/oy2o25ftx90v7xh/ECM_Spy_1.12.27.exe?dl=0

You can find a cable here- http://xoptiinside.com/ecm_cable__bluetooth_store

Or a Bluetooth ECM dongle here- http://www.buellxb.com/forum/showthread.php?50973-Bluetooth-Adapters

With the Bluetooth dongle and an Android phone/tablet you can use the ECMDroid app found here- https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.ecmdroid

 

[ToneTheMoan]

Hello mate welcome to the forum! a lot of people on here know a lot more than me but all i know from experience is i had "shotgun syndrome" and mine was dodgy plug leads which then fouled the plugs so i put in iridium plugs and fitted ironmachine plug leads and hey presto! may be worth you checking yours for any damage? good luck!

 

[neilrl79]

Just curious, what made you come to the conclusion that your TPS was bad and not just in need of a reset.

 

[user_deleted]

Just curious, what made you come to the conclusion that your TPS was bad and not just in need of a reset.

opie: what neil said. faulty tps will send stored code to your ecm and will activate the check engine light(CEL). a faulty tps is pretty rare as well. after fire out the muffler as tony mentioned and/or bogging at higher revs typical of faulty spark plugs and/or wires. NGK DCPR9EIX plug of choice. also, if you're in or near southern PA just install the new tps sensor, load up bike, bring it by, and i'll reset for you and clear any fault codes for free if that helps.

 

[ToneTheMoan]

The world needs more people like you John! Seriously! :up:

 

[UMDterp13]

Welcome, I'm around middle/southern md also can help if you are south of PA.
It could be a number of things. PO could have screwed with the ECM maps, timing, intake stack jumping around. Tps reset would probably help short term.

Mileage doesn't really matter so much as storage conditions & maintenance.
I've bought several cheap 50k + mile XB in better shape than 5-20k bikes OR with more hard to find accessories.

 

[SweatingYeti]

I'm new here as well, welcome!

 

[Opie]

Thanks!

ECMSpy-https://www.dropbox.com/s/oy2o25ftx90v7xh/ECM_Spy_1.12.27.exe?dl=0

You can find a cable here- http://xoptiinside.com/ecm_cable__bluetooth_store

Or a Bluetooth ECM dongle here- http://www.buellxb.com/forum/showthread.php?50973-Bluetooth-Adapters

With the Bluetooth dongle and an Android phone/tablet you can use the ECMDroid app found here- https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.ecmdroid

Thank you!!, I'll check out the links you provided!!

 

[Opie]

Thanks for the reply. The plugs are supposed to be new but I'm checking them just in case.

 

[Opie]

Just a bunch of reading on line and doing what I can since I didn't have the software to trouble shoot. Plugs are supposed to be new (previous owner said they were but I haven't checked) I also did a manual reset a few times but not sure if that a real thing or not.
To zero the TPS:

1. Set the Run/Stop switch to the Run position.




2. Turn the ignition key to the On position.




3. With the engine off, rotate the throttle grip from its closed
throttle position to the wide-open throttle position and back
to closed position three (3) times, holding the throttle grip
against eash stop (open and closed) for one (1) full second.




4. Cycle the ignition key off and back on. A properly
calibrated TPS sensor will indicate 3.7 to 4.2

 

[Opie]

Yup!!!!!!!

 

[Opie]

Thanks for the offer!! I'm in Beaverton Oregon. Neil provided the software so I'm going to try this on my own. Glad to be on this forum. Everyone is very helpful and I will "Pass it on."

 

[neilrl79]

The TPS procedure you outlined is for '08+ bikes only. The only way to reset it on your '06 is through software(ECMSpy, TunerPro, ECMDroid).

 

[Opie]

Oh! Got it. I just downloaded the software and figured out how to change it from German to English. Konfiguration, Programm, look for "Sprache, then choose English. Now just need to order the cable. Thanks again!!

 

[Opie]

Hello new Buell Friends. So here's and update. Got a new TPS and cable and downloaded the ECMspy software shared by Neil. Got it all working, reset the TPS and idles real smooth now. Took it out for a test ride and it still cuts out at 4000 rpms. Same symptoms. Previous owner said plugs were new, but I checked them. They looked good but they are NGK R DCPR8E. Not OEM plugs so I'm gonna try the Harley 10R12A per specs. Maybe some new wires too. While connected to ECMspy i had an error code referencing code 36... the fan. Checked the fuse and it had a wire under the blown fuse... by-passing any protection. So i replaced the fuse then thought I would look at the fan. What I found was just stupid. Someone replaced the oxygen sensor that is tool long. It protrudes up into the fan blades so the blades won't spin. Jeez.... I guess I need to locate a new, correct size sensor now. Fun stuff, learning alot. See picture.

 

[user_deleted]

you didn't heed my advice on the plugs so don't know if you'll follow now.....but.....i would NOT trust that O2 sensor plus your continued problem often symptomatic of O2 sensor on the way out. below is automotive cross-reference and cheap on evilbay.
can be removed by supporting bike, removing wheel, removing shock support bolt, lowering S/A, removing fan.

o2 sensor automotive cross-over reference:
GM=25162693
NTK= 21002
Airtex= 553071
Bosch= 12014
Denso= 234-1001
Walker= 250-21001
SNG= SN1-15
Union Sangyo[OEM Toyota Mfg]#C-170.

 

[vicenzajay]

Strongly suggest you follow John's lead here (post above). He's not known as the "Buell whisperer" for nothing....

 

[UMDterp13]

And I thought I've seen a lot... This is why we can't have nice things

 

[Opie]

Thanks, Lunaticfringe! I found a bosch 12014 nearby and will definitely follow your lead on the options of sensors and have also located the plugs you recommended. It's likely the fan could be burned out since it couldn't spin and some dummy bypassed the fuse. I'll certainly check it before putting things back together.

Much appreciated!!

So, the Bosch looks the same as the one thats in there now (AutoZone). I stopped by harley and had them look it up, they didn't have one in stock to look at. The picture seems the same size too. They don't have dimensions. Weird. I'm going to check to make sure the fan is installed properly now. Not sure why the sensor seems to long or maybe it's an after market fan or something.