Hi All,
I'm lost on this issue and so is my local Ducati Dealer (though I have a feeling that if the computer can't help them, they're a little lost).
I recently had an issue where the bike (an 07 S4R Testastretta) would not start. The dealer replaced a crank sensor and all was well. However, shortly after, I started to get an intermittent starting problem.
The main problem is it appears to be a little random. Every so often the bike will turn over fine but will not startâ€"or even fire a little for that matter. Then after a while, without doing anything (maybe after quite a few attempts) I will try again and it will start. Most days it will start after a couple of revolutions, but every now and again it will not start (it doesn't seem to matter whether the engine is hot or cold).
I recently replaced the battery (which I leave on a smart charger), replaced the plugs and I have taken every electrical connector apart and sprayed them with switch cleaner (including the eco connections).
So... any thoughts? Failing that, does anyone in the UK know a really good Ducati expert not a million miles from South Wales?
I did wonder if the dealer had completed the job correctly on the sensor, however, when it's running it gives me no issues at all, doesn't miss a beat and pulls as well as ever.
Cheers, any help gladly received.
I would suggest taking a close look at the ecu ground wire - it is clamped between the ecu body and a bracket that holds the cabling in place. I had a problem there and had almost identical problems... crank sensor error & random starting - but my bike would also randomly die out on the road so that part is different. It seemed to be temperature related at the time.
In addition to the ground Bill in OKC mentioned it is possible the sensor air gap is too wide. It should be .75-.95 mm. Either way, I would get the bike back to the dealer and let them have another try.
Hi both,
Thanks for the replies, I will check out that ECU ground wire. But as you say, that would also give some issues when running which I have not had.
As to getting it back to the dealer, there appears to be no point as they are pretty lost with the issue and I don't see the point them having it if they're just going to scratch their heads more hassle than it's worth).
Is the sensor something I can get to and take a look at. Can I check the air gap or or that a specialist area.
Cheers.
Jeff
At the sensor you will see a piece of plastic with a screw holding it on. Remove the screw, then remove the plastic piece. This will reveal a space big enough for a feeler gauge. You will need a non magnetic gauge brass or plastic). Gap is adjusted by changing the shim under the sensor. Yeah, hard to understand but this should help, go here http://www.ducati.com/services/maintenance/index.do (http://www.ducati.com/services/maintenance/index.do) fill in the info for your bike, then go to drawing 11a.
Intermittent problems are difficult for any shop to find since when all operates correctly all will test good. To find the problem the tech needs to diagnose quickly while the problem exists.
I checked my gap the Moto Guzzi way, but since I had to take the sensor out anyway to change it... To remove sensor there is a coolant hose in the way. I had to pull the pump cover and hose. Then I measured the depth to the sensor teeth from the case surface and measured the length of the crank sensor. My gap was set with the thickest shim from the factory -it was way out of spec- and I replaced it with the thinnest shim to bring it into spec. It was all for nothing though as my original CPS was OK - just a bogus error code because of the bad ground. Having the correct gap must help somehow some way though.
So with regard to the sensor, would being slightly incorrect cause intermittent starting issues? The bike works 100% fine most of the time, no starting issues, then occasionally refuses to play ball, not even a sniff. Then, like magic, just decides to start on the next prod of the starter.
Any other thoughts apart from the sensor?
Cheers
Jeff
IMHO - no a 'slight' out of spec gap would not do this. As far as other things - do you always hear the fuel pump when the key is turned on? Maybe a problem relay. There are three identical ones near the right side of the battery - maybe pull them, inspect the pins and rotate positions to see if the weirdness moves somewhere else. Relays can do odd intermittent things. I cut two of mine open and the windings of one were slightly discolored - it was not a bad relay though. I replaced all three with aftermarket after I ruined two of them. Sometimes a bad sidestand switch can spoil the show. I do not know exactly how it would affect a Ducati but they can get dirty from chain oil and grime and give bad readings - this would change each time the sidestand was raised and lowered.
My S4Rs had a similar issue. Tried everything the tech could think of. On the computer everything tested OK.
The dealer ended up putting a new starter, on a gut feeling...That fixed it.
Quote from: localhero on October 16, 2013, 11:34:09 AM
So with regard to the sensor, would being slightly incorrect cause intermittent starting issues? The bike works 100% fine most of the time, no starting issues, then occasionally refuses to play ball, not even a sniff. Then, like magic, just decides to start on the next prod of the starter.
Any other thoughts apart from the sensor?
Cheers
Jeff
Pretty much I agree with you. The reason why I suggested checking the gapb was that part was just changed.
I had similar issues on my S4RS. Turned out to be a relay.
Pull the clutch when it won't start. That will override a bad kickstand or neutral switch.
Hi Thermite,
A relay is a possibility, the only question would be which one? However, I always pull the clutch when starting.
Can anyone tell me if, when the immobiliser kicks in, the engine turns over or not?
Cheers
The relay would be the aft one.
I had immobilizer problems at oe time as well. It's been a while but if memory serves me the gauges sweep, the yellow light stays on, but the engine will not turn over.
I also had the metal tab that actuates the clutch switch break. Not a problem if you are in neutral while trying to start.
Cheers Thermite.