Gauge Cluster Replacement/Immobilizer Programming

[MonsterDamo]

I've recently purchased a brand new replacement gauge cluster for my 2002 M620. I understand that virgin clusters do not need the ECU to be reflashed. Upon installing it, though, the bike does not not start but goes through the three key programming sequence. As I only had the original red and one black key from the previous owner, I sent away for an additional black key blank with transponder. When I try to follow the programming instructions http://www.sosdiagnostics.com/Ducati_FAQ.html, the first two (original) keys seem to follow the steps, but when I insert/turn the new key it doesn't give me the "3-30" countdown and instead goes straight to the sweeping of the needles start-up display, immobilizer blinks twice and bike will not start.

Am I missing something? Is there something that needs to be done to this new key before it can participate in the programming sequence?

My goal has been to avoid having the ECU reflashed to remove the immobilizer.

[MonsterDamo]

UPDATE...

What I didn't understand at the time was that the new key blank does not come already suited for a Ducati - had to be cloned. So that bit is fixed.

However...

Now when I follow the instructions, I get the 30-0 countdown for red key, 1st black key, 2nd black key, but when I go to the next step (red key) instead of displaying 4-30, it reverts to 1.

Thoughts appreciated.

[brad black]

i'd probably buy a new ducati black key and start with that.

i've never experienced what you are, sorry.

[Thermite]

Did you buy the new cluster because of immobilizer problems?

If the answer was yes you may have problems in one of the other three parts of the system.

[Mr.Purple]

I had the exact same problem with my 05 S4r.  The cluster needs to be paired with the ecu. I didn't do it myself, but the mechanic said it was done with the red key. Call Ducati and ask. If they can't help you, I'll call the mechanic and ask how it was done.

[MonsterDamo]

Did you buy the new cluster because of immobilizer problems?

If the answer was yes you may have problems in one of the other three parts of the system.

I bought the new cluster because of inoperative needles, essentially. The idiot lights, odometer, etc. worked. When I reconnect my old cluster all three keys work to start the bike, so I guess I can rule out any issue with the new black key.

The new cluster I bought was described as unused, and certainly appears that way. Came to me in the original Ducati box and packaging. I guess I have to wonder at this point whether what I'm seeing indicates a previously-mated cluster. Has anyone else seen this behaviour when trying to mate a cluster?

NorwayS4R, I was under the impression that new/virgin clusters didn't need to be paired with the ECU by the dealer. What was your experience?

[Mr.Purple]

My mechanic said it had to be paired with the ecu and the black keys.
I found this when troubleshooting for my problems, I think this is how the mechanic paired the new cluster and keys, but I would have to call him to be sure.

At least three keys (included the RED key) are necessary to program the immobilizer up to max. 8 keys (included the RED key).
Programming the immobilizer
If one or more parts of the immobilizer are replaced, such as black keys, decoder or engine control unit, system must be reprogrammed. Proceed as follows:
-

ensure that battery poles are correctly connected and the battery is in perfect operating conditions
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take the red key and the black ones
-

insert the red key (3) in the ignition switch (4)
-

turn the key to ON so to switch on the instrument panel. The multifunction display will show the number of inserted keys (here "1") and a countdown starting from 30. Important: ensure that the ignition switch was to OFF for at least thirty seconds before performing the above
-

ensure that countdown has started and turn the key to OFF before it reaches zero (about three seconds)
-

remove the red key, insert a black key (5) and set the switch to ON within the next 15 seconds (display shows the number of keys inserted, in this instance 2, with the countdown from 30 to 0 at the side)
-

ensure that countdown has started and turn the key to OFF before it reaches zero
-

within 15 seconds: remove the black key, insert the other black key (5) and turn it to ON.
-

The multifunction display will show the number of inserted keys (here "3") and a countdown starting from 30.
-

ensure that countdown has started and turn the key to OFF before it reaches zero
-

remove the black key, insert the red key and set the switch to ON within the next 15 seconds (display shows the number of keys inserted, in this instance 4, with the countdown from 30 to 0 at the side)
-

ensure that the countdown has begun and set the key to OFF before it reaches zero. The LED (1) on the instrument panel will flash to indicate successful programming.

Now two black keys and the decoder inside the instrument panel are successfully programmed. Continue as follows:

-

turn the red key to ON within 15 seconds;
-

leave the key positioned to ON for 5 to 15 seconds (not less than 5 and not more than 15 seconds) to allow data transfer from the decoder to the engine control unit and then turn the key to OFF
-

allow 10 seconds before turning the key to ON again.

Now the programming procedure is over. Immobilizer programming is completed. The above procedure must be fully complied with even though just a part of the immobilizer system needs to be programmed. Partial programming is not allowed! When finished, ensure that the engine starts if programmed black keys are used.

[brad black]

ime a new dash that has not been coded will start a countdown any time the ignition is turned on.  once it reaches 0 it will then function correctly.  they don't need to be coded to work.

[The ModFather]

ime a new dash that has not been coded will start a countdown any time the ignition is turned on.  once it reaches 0 it will then function correctly.  they don't need to be coded to work.

Will it do this countdown every time or just the first time you start the bike with the new virgin gauges?

[brad black]

every time.

[iltl32]

Not exactly the answer you want but: What exactly was up with the needles on the old gauge? You can probably fix them, there's not much that can break.  Probably just the glue or the plastic bushings needed to be tweaked.  I've had to take apart my dash because of water lots of times and had to fix the needles.

[Ledz558]

I've recently purchased a brand new replacement gauge cluster for my 2004 M620. I understand that virgin clusters do not need the ECU to be reflashed. Upon installing it, though, the bike does not not start and didn't go through the three key programming sequence. As I only had the original red and one black key that came with the bike when I bought it  brand new and code card, I sent away for an additional black key blank with transponder. When I try to follow the programming instructions http://www.sosdiagnostics.com/Ducati_FAQ.html, the new cluster doesn't do anything. No countdown, just lights up, I put in all three keys and nothing. All I have is 0 miles and Lo flashing.


Am I missing something? Is there something that needs to be done to this new key before it can participate in the programming sequence?

I switched out my old because it didn't work and was smashed in a accident. Not worth fixing. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks
Ledz

[The ModFather]

You're gauges, keys and ECU all need to have the same code for the bike to start. If you still have your old gauges and they are not demolished you could send those with your new gauges to SOS and they can reprogram your new gauges to match your old gauges. ($250) Specifically for immobilizer code and milage. If you dont have your old gauges you can still send your new gauges and your keys to SOS and they can reprogram your new gauges with the proper code for the immobilzer and they can set the gauges to the proper milage (although they will need some kind of ownership and proof of milage as described on their website). They just reprogrammed my new gauges to match my old and were so great to deal with I really cant say enough good things about them. Plus they did everything in three days and then contacted me about shipping them back. I couldnt belive how fast they were.  Big Ups for SOS Diagnostics. 

[Ledz558]

Yeah I've emailed Chad lots of times about this, looks like I gotta go that route..last night I was thinkin..hmm maybe take a trip to OR with my gauges and keys.. don't think my boss would go for it though..

thanks

[jduke]

Contact Bobby at Houston Superbikes. He can reflash the ECU and remove the immobilizer.