Engine management warning indicator coming on

[des]

2012 NC700X (37500kms): My engine management warning light has started coming on intermittently with no noticeable change in engine performance. Switching ignition off cancels the indicator but it comes on again after a few minutes. Trying to link it to an event/action proves fruitless, but I initially thought it occurred at a gear change. Yesterday while at idle waiting for the garage door to open (bike on side stand) the indicator began flashing on/off at one second intervals. I will check for loose connections and have an idea it could be the oxygen sensor failing (my guess). Has anybody had this experience or able to point me in the right direction?

[goingslowly]

Jan 12, 2020 9:09:45 GMT 2 des said:

2012 NC700X (37500kms): My engine management warning light has started coming on intermittently with no noticeable change in engine performance. Switching ignition off cancels the indicator but it comes on again after a few minutes. Trying to link it to an event/action proves fruitless, but I initially thought it occurred at a gear change. Yesterday while at idle waiting for the garage door to open (bike on side stand) the indicator began flashing on/off at one second intervals. I will check for loose connections and have an idea it could be the oxygen sensor failing (my guess). Has anybody had this experience or able to point me in the right direction?

Also have a 2012 model, had the light come on few times on one day couple of months ago. No issues since. Hope you find the issue.

[des]

Problem solved. Sent the bike in to a local friendly bike shop (Suzuki South) for a diagnostic check to try and isolate the fault. On stripping they found the bank angle sensor was loose and "hanging" at an angle. One bolt was missing and the other loose. Remounting the sensor has eliminated the problem and two lengthy rides later the bike has run perfectly. No MIL, flashing digital display in the combination meter or engine cut......and no charge for the fix!!! They sure to get my business in future if/when I need them.

This explains and confirms my suspicion that the cut out occurred after a right turn where the banking angle was exaggerated by the already offset sensor.....and the sensor did what it was supposed to do. I think the MIL was possibly caused by the intermittent momentary signal from the sensor. I do not know why the mounting bolts were not secured with spring washers or locktite.......they are now.

[des]

I have received numerous inputs from another Honda NC700 forum and it appears my problem might not be over. The engine cut-out could be explained by the bank-angle sensor doing its job BUT not the initial code 86 MIL or the communication meter (CM) display blinking and later going completely blank when the engine cut out. So far I have done two rides of 5o kms with no problem......but I am watching/listening due to lack of confidence now.

[DaveH]

Hi. Thanks for the feedback. Where is that bank angle sensor mounted?
Sounds like it is worth checking it is secure at the next service.

[Cronos]

yeah, that would be good to know Where does it sit?

[des]

Hi all
The bank angle sensor appears to have been the cause for the engine cut-out, but the intermittent MIL communication error code 86 is still a question, although since the bank angle fix the MIL has not appeared. My suspicion has now moved to the ignition switch / HISS? A week ago, after a few days of faultless performance, I failed to start the engine after a long ride. I had parked the bike with the ignition steering lock engaged. Switching on the ignition to leave, everything was fine until I pressed the start switch......all display info faded away with no starter motor action....like having a battery with a dead cell. Turning the ignition key on and off a few times had no immediate effect but after about 10 minutes it came on. Not trusting the start switch I managed to push/bump start the engine and rode home with no further issues. I later removed and checked the battery & connections, finding all to be good. It has been over a week now and with no problems BUT I have not engaged the ignition steering lock when parking (I have a disc lock). Could there be an earth / wiring problem inside the ignition switch? I have also been told that the HISS can sometimes have an intermittent diode fault (somebody else's terminology). The service manual gives very little information about the ignition switch & HISS. Has anybody dismantled this unit and is it able to be stripped or is it a sealed unit? Does replacing the ignition switch include replacing the HISS and key and having it coded?
Compared to other bikes I have owned this ignition steering lock operation has always been more "difficult" to lock/unlock.
Could an intermittent fault in the ignition switch trigger the power / communication problem to the CM?
I would appreciate your advice & experience.

[des]

The bank angle sensor is mounted on the rear frame below the rider's seat. You need to remove the storage box to get access to it.

[blouberger]

Mar 16, 2020 14:54:19 GMT 2 des said:

Hi all
The bank angle sensor appears to have been the cause for the engine cut-out, but the intermittent MIL communication error code 86 is still a question, although since the bank angle fix the MIL has not appeared. My suspicion has now moved to the ignition switch / HISS? A week ago, after a few days of faultless performance, I failed to start the engine after a long ride. I had parked the bike with the ignition steering lock engaged. Switching on the ignition to leave, everything was fine until I pressed the start switch......all display info faded away with no starter motor action....like having a battery with a dead cell. Turning the ignition key on and off a few times had no immediate effect but after about 10 minutes it came on. Not trusting the start switch I managed to push/bump start the engine and rode home with no further issues. I later removed and checked the battery & connections, finding all to be good. It has been over a week now and with no problems BUT I have not engaged the ignition steering lock when parking (I have a disc lock). Could there be an earth / wiring problem inside the ignition switch? I have also been told that the HISS can sometimes have an intermittent diode fault (somebody else's terminology). The service manual gives very little information about the ignition switch & HISS. Has anybody dismantled this unit and is it able to be stripped or is it a sealed unit? Does replacing the ignition switch include replacing the HISS and key and having it coded?
Compared to other bikes I have owned this ignition steering lock operation has always been more "difficult" to lock/unlock.
Could an intermittent fault in the ignition switch trigger the power / communication problem to the CM?
I would appreciate your advice & experience.

[blouberger]

Hi Des. I have exactly the same problem with my NC750 Integra. It starts intermittently. Ironically this morning my mechanic fetched my bike with his bakkie and the whole day there he started the bike successfully every time. Well now I know Honda is not as reliable as I always thought. What do you believe was in the end the real culprit for the problem and who fixed it for you. I live in Blouberg.