Ducati Monster Forum

I have a 2012 Monster 796 with stock exhausts and only 2800 miles on it.  Every once in a while, usually on the highway, the check engine light comes on and tells me I have an EXVL Error.  The error and the check engine light clears as soon as I turn the bike off and back on.  Also when I turn it back on, I can see the exhaust valve turning back and forth during the initial ignition check so I know the exhaust valve motor is ok.  I had the dealer look at it, but they couldn't find anything wrong.  Any suggestions as to what could be wrong?

I searched the forum and read about ways to disable the exhaust valve so the error doesn't appear, but I haven't actually read what the actual problem is.  I'd rather fix what's wrong instead of disabling the exhaust valve.  Appreciate any feedback.

Exhausts get really hot with use, so something like a valve that works freely when the bike is cold could completely sieze up after heating up. Maybe try giving the bike a blatt to see if you can trigger it.

This is true... but....  on M1100 at least and so I assume the same for M796.... under normal riding conditions the exhaust flapper gate does not move - at all.  So it's curious that the OP is getting this error, bike in gear, whilst underway.  

I'd fit a Duc.EE and be done with it, but since the OP wants the issue resolved rather than worked around..... make it the dealer's problem.  It's under warranty and it has an issue (albeit in the minor but irritating category)... an issue which the dealer cannot dispute exists... they just have not yet discovered the cause.  Can't find it isn't an option.  Insist it be found.  

Or dispense with the useless lump of excess hardware altogether  [evil].

Check your connector maybe its vibrating loose

It is odd that it comes on after it has warmed up and I'm doing 75 mph on the highway.  It's also odd that it clears right away after I stop/start it back up.  I think it must be an electrical problem instead of a mechanical problem because I can see the motor working and I've already had a temperature sensor issue and a blown battery fuse before this issue.  Is it true that the exhaust valve is for noise emission only and works only at idle?

My Ducati dealer is awesome and I'm sure they will continue to diagnose and fix it as long as I keep bringing it back to them.  I want to get Termignoni slip-ons with the upgraded air filter and ECU.  If it is an electrical issue with the ECU, maybe that will fix it!?

 The bike is certified for noise regs at 4125 rpm, so I would think that is the rpm that the device is intended to work at.

That makes sense because the error occurs at about 70-75 mph in 6th gear which corresponds to about 4125 rpm. 

What I think I know...  ;D..... relates to M1100, but it's likely also to be the case for M796....   and that is that the exhaust servo operates the exhaust flapper gate (open/closed/open) at engine start up to confirm correct operation.  The only other circumstance the servo motor closes the flapper gate is at a noise emission testing rpm (which I believed to be 3000rpm, but it could indeed be 4125rpm on M796) with the bike in neutral.   That's why I find it odd that you get this error on the move.... 

Maybe his neutral switch is playing up, or the neutral wire back to the gauges is shorting to the frame, making the computer think its in neutral while riding.

Hmmm... good call  [thumbsup]  ...but then maybe the OP woulda noticed the neutral light flicking on when it ought not be? 

I haven't seen the neutral light come on when it happens, but I do think it happens when I am changimg gears - 5 to 6 or 6 to 5.

I'm pretty sure the flapper is only closed at idle to pass Euro noise regulations.  Either way, the computer only knows if the electric circuit is complete.  Check for a loose connection.

Not quite right.  Once bike is up and idling, the exhaust flapper is open and stays that way.  It does cycle open/closed/open at start up, but then remains open whilst the bike is ridden.

It will close to pass somebody's (Euro?) noise emission testing in neutral at a fixed rpm (which IIRC is 3,000rpm... or 4125......).

Thanks for the clarification.  I would still check for a loose connection first.