trouble code 53

[MustangGuy]

Hey all-

I was hoping for a little advice and direction from the more experienced members. In addition to my rear brake light switch going out and my speedometer going on furlough, the check engine light was blinking last time I rode. I pulled the trouble codes: 35 (tachometer.... although the tach is fine, it's the speedo that's out) and 53 (EMC failure, specifically ROM failure). The 35 is to be expected I think but I am stumped by the 53.The bike runs the same as it always has. The only thing I could say that might be different when I got just over a year ago is the ticking issue, which appears to be very common. I don't think that has anything to do with code 53. So, do I need to replace the EMC? If I have to do that, will I have tune the replacement EMC? The bike has a Drummer muffler and a K&N air filter (airbox not modded). The previous owner did not know much about the bike, so I don't know if the current EMC is running the stock program or not. Any words of wisdom will be helpful to me.... Thanks!

 

[MustangGuy]

I was able to find a couple of past threads... One Bueller replaced his ECM (or ECU if you wanna call it that) with a race ECM and it seemed his problems were solved. The other one had some kind of issue with a loose connector but it doesn't really say what he ended up doing... and that was a couple years ago. Someone mentioned that it might mean the ECM is "on it's way out" - maybe.... I always thought it was an "all or nothing" deal, but maybe not. At the very least, code 53 will probably not go away on it's own. I've had vehicles with intermittent problems before, but never one that healed itself. I need to start researching what years will fit and where I can get one. I really don't want to deal with altering the stock program - it looks like that's something easy to screw up unless you know what you're doing and sometimes I know just enough to get myself in trouble.

 

[anrkizm95]

check all the grounds for the ecm and check the harness under the seat some models have problems with the seat rubbing on it also check the ecm connector for the terminals being splayed out or corroded.

 

[MustangGuy]

Thanks man - I'm going to do that. I did pick up what I think is a good ECU from Ebay. If I end up with an extra, that's fine too.