Trouble codes

[TheFrawg]

Intermittently I get the check engine light, usually at highway speeds. Power off and restart and the code clears. I rode country roads 30-60mph no problem for 45 minutes, then when I got back on the freeway it started again.

I got home and pulled the codes with the cable, and I have s10, s12, s13, e14 lit up.

Reading another post tells me this is o2 sensor, engine temp sensor (maybe that's s14 not e14). Engine temp showed 226c. There didn't seem to be any problem with how the big was running and while the day was hot, it wasn't a scorcher (90F).

My exhaust is wrapped with fiberglass header tape, and sprayed with silicon paint. The problem *seemed* to start when I painted the tape, but that could be a coincidence.

What's my first thing to troubleshoot?

 

[Theycallmecrash]

Get your multi-meter that can measure resistance. In the service manual gives you specs for what temp creates what resistance. Disconnect the sensor and measure resistance through it. Compare that to specs in manual. Then run it, see if it changes resistance in the right direction. If it all checks out, look for bad wire, shorted open or to ground somewhere.

 

[TheFrawg]

After a bit more research and nosing around with my voltmeter, I decided to take it to the dealer. My first experience with a Harley dealer. They're the highest rated dealership amongst Buell riders in Dallas.

Still a bit scary as an older, non-stock bike may not fit service manual 1-2-3 instructions.

Wish me luck.

 

[TheFrawg]

Sigh. After having my XB12 for 4 days they said my ground was loose, come get it. On the ride home the light comes on again. After another 2 days they said while they saw that the code was in the ECM, they couldn't duplicate it (in my experience it only happens above 80mph).

They're recommending to replace the O2 sensor for FIVE hours labor, or $500.

After reading some more, some people report that bad coils, sparks plugs, intake leaks can all cause the bike to run lean and cause it to code 13.

I could end up giving them $500 and it's still one of these other issues.

Never done serious repairs and the service manual looks awfully intimidating. Rotating the engine, replacing intake manifold seals. I've done brakes, wheel swaps, basic mechanical and electrical. For $500 I'm tempted to go get it and start learning about some of the harder stuff.

 

[Theycallmecrash]

$500 for labor?!?!

Its a 30 minutes R&R to change the O2 sensor! I did mine last week drunk as all hell only took me 25!

 

[TheFrawg]

I did mine this morning, was very careful and took my time. Took me about an hour each for disassembly (dropped swingarm after removing tail) and assembly. The only hard part was balancing the bike on my jack and kickstands so it was solid.

$12 for the sensor and $20 for the crow's foot socket. Much better than $500!