Unknown electrical problems

Ducati Diva · August 04, 2009, 04:38:02 AM

Greetings,
I purchased a 2002 Ducati 620ie in the Spring. The gas tank had dents on either side (handlebars) so I had the tank removed and the dents repaired. The bike was running well except for some difficulty starting. I would have to try 3 or 4 times to get it to start. I initially thought that there were problems with the antenna however, I have been told this is not the problem.Here is the situation that resulted in my bike being in the shop for the last month undiagnosed.
I was riding to work. I slowed down for a police speedtrap. When I accelerated the bike just died. I coasted off to the side of the road. Numerous attempts to restart failed. I took my bike to my mechanic. He looked for the usual problems but came up empty. He stated that I would need to take it to a Ducati mechanic. Once at the Ducati shop they failed to identify anything. I was advised that I would probably need a new Wiring Harness for $1600. After doing some research I asked if there could be a problem with the following:Solenoid, water leakage, voltage regulator, wiring between the starter and the ECU, dirty starter switch, immobilizer and the safety relay. "No" these had all been checked. I was told it appears to be a ghost. Could it be the electrical connection in the fuel pump? I'm in Ducati withdrawl.

Thanks Very Much!

Bones · August 04, 2009, 05:04:16 AM

Don't know anything about the shop you took it to, but I find it hard to swallow that you need a need new harness. Sure that should solve the problem, but its kinda like replacing a window b/c it's dirty. I have to also wonder if they really took the time to diagnose the problem considering how busy they must be right now.

I'm thinking your problem might be a bad ground or just a bad connection. I have also seen wiring deteriorate in the tank too, so that may be the problem as well.

wiring harness to me would be a last resort fix, in my opinion.

Ducati Diva · August 04, 2009, 06:05:14 AM

Hi There,
Thanks for the advice. Your response makes perfect sense. Once I picked myself up off the floor, I thought $1600 you have got to be kidding. I just got off the phone with the mechanic and he said he doesn't think it has anything to do with the gas tank/fuel pump. I wish he would just tell me if he is too busy rather than suggest something so radical. Perhaps it is time to drag one of my guy friends down there. They know way more about this stuff than I do. Cheers

Porsche Monkey · August 04, 2009, 04:12:39 PM

Will it crank at all? Are you getting fuel and spark? Where are you located? There is some great knowledge floating around the forum.

cdv478 · August 04, 2009, 11:48:00 PM

My '07 S2R800 died back in March. It would turn over, but wouldn't fire and the gauges wouldn't sweep. Then something failed further and it completely died. The dealer replaced the ECU and immobilizer, and the bike would start again, but still die. Then they replaced the wiring harness and put the old ecu and immobilizer back on. It has been good for about 400 miles since being fixed. It was under warranty, so I have no idea what it would cost to fix. The dealer didn't know where the problem in the harness was. When they go bad, it can be a major nuisance. It took over 4 months to get my '07 running again. Good luck with yours.

Ducati Diva · August 05, 2009, 03:33:24 AM

Thanks Guy's for your ideas. When I turn it on the gauge's sweep but it will not fire. Initially, my mechanic bypassed the starter and was able to get it to turn over. I recall a humming coming from the fuel tank so I think the fuel pump is OK.
Any idea if a 2006 Ducati 620 Wiring Harness would fit my 2002?
The dealer I bought my bike from originally is on the lookout for a used Wiring Harness and he feels comfortable installing it. I saw a 2002 Wiring Harness on Ebay for $99 US. I'm not sure if this is the right way to go since there are no guarantees or refunds.
I live up in the Greater Toronto Area of Canada. If I have to wait 4 months we will be deep into winter. So far this year our summer has been lousy so I am holding out hope for a mild Fall and maybe at least a few weeks of riding.

Bones · August 05, 2009, 05:53:11 AM

if you need a wiring harness, PM me. I have one off a 2004 monster 620. I'm thinking that should work for your bike.

Ducati Diva · August 05, 2009, 06:14:03 AM

I know this sounds ridiculous but what does PM mean.?

Slide Panda · August 05, 2009, 07:09:47 AM

PM = Personal Message. In board emails. Look belwo peoples little picture icon to the left and you'll see some icons. Click the one that looks like a speech bubble.

needtorque · August 07, 2009, 05:50:47 PM

Replacing the harness is a shot in the dark that has ZERO guarantee of actually working. There are many other electrical factors that could be at fault other than a short, open circuit, or other wiring issue. A component failure could cause the same problem. I wish you were closer as I actually enjoy chsing electrical gremlins and have torn many vehicles down to the metal to find a pinched or burned wire. DO NOT allow someone to replace the harness unless they guarantee you in writing that if it does not fix the problem they eat the cost.

News:

Unknown electrical problems