EHC ISSUE?

[bdmridgeback]

st mike you can have my HID light as we talked about before. I have the updated software in my 04 chopper and it shuts off the ignition sometimes and i have to dissconect battery in order to get it started sometimes.

Yea, Double check all your grounds on the bike and make sure they are tight and don't have paint on the contact point. Also make sure that your voltage regulator mounting bolts have star washers in between the regulator and the frame and also on the top of the bolt where it contacts the regulator. You have a bad ground somewhere and that is why the ballast is going into protection and shutting down. If you don't find your ground problem, the new style EHC will fail as well just like your old ones. Trust me!

 

[stlmikie]

He has had that thing completely apart and back together again twice. Same thing both times.

Yea, Double check all your grounds on the bike and make sure they are tight and don't have paint on the contact point. Also make sure that your voltage regulator mounting bolts have star washers in between the regulator and the frame and also on the top of the bolt where it contacts the regulator. You have a bad ground somewhere and that is why the ballast is going into protection and shutting down. If you don't find your ground problem, the new style EHC will fail as well just like your old ones. Trust me!

 

[DRB11]

tim, who is your dealer?

 

[bdmridgeback]

He has had that thing completely apart and back together again twice. Same thing both times.

I'm not talking about unplugging and replugging the harness. I mean go over each and every plug on the bike, under the tank and all. disconnect them all, look for corrosion and fill them with dielectric grease. Then check all the major ground and power connections to the Regulator and starter. Somewhere he has a bad ground or power connection that is screwing with his EHC's. The Ballast sees it, and protects ITSELF and then teh EHC thinks the bulb is gone. He needs to go over the entire bikes electrical system before he cooks another EHC.

 

[demo man]

tim, who is your dealer?

PRECISION. actually just got my bike back today:2thumbs:. all is well, rich treated me well because i had to pay out of pocket. bike has the stock bulb back in and runnin good. my only bitch is he notified bd about the hid and documented:angry:. great to have it back, just got in from a 60 mile ride
tim

 

[TheDeadOne]

Hey Guys,
Everything that Jake is telling you on the HID and the EHC is exactly correct. The HID system that he sells is just like most HID systems out there in the fact that they all have built in protection to avoid electrical damage being caused to the unit! BUT....not just any 'ol HID will work with BDMs! Jake has spent the time to properly investigate "which" manufactured unit is most compatible with the BDMs EHC electrical system! Due to the EHCs "eccentric" operational patterns and issues, this is a "MUST" for the BDMs!
The EHC is designed with internal self protection circuitry also. It's not only the software of the EHC causing the use of the HID Kit problem with some bikes it's the internal electronic component designed parameters of the EHC as well.
The EHC headlight circuitry is designed to "automatically" (technical term = "Or" Gate circuit) switch from High/Low or Low/High "IF" either portion of the circuit fails to operate! "Check your Owners Manual" for validation. Now this includes bulb failures, wiring or connection failures, etc. This function is achieved by a solid state "Latching Relay" circuit within the EHC. It senses a (Pre Set) desired amount of "current" to that circuit and "Latches" the circuit "ON". If the circuit looses or does not receive the desired amount of current (telling the EHC there is a failure), the EHC will "automatically" (technical term = "Or" Gate circuit) switch to the other circuit ("Beam"). If nothing is found on either circuit, the EHC will "automatically" switch back and forth from Low to High continuously until it either finds a properly working circuit, with the desired amount of current load, or.... after the EHC circuitry cycles a number of times "without" finding the desired current load (telling the EHC that "neither" of the light circuit(s) are working) then the "Software" is programed to shut the function down. This may also include some other operational functions as well.
But my point here is "Jakes" got this BDM "compatible" HID system figured out!...BDMs are just built with some "electrical inconsistencies" (a nice way of saying it:lol, including "wiring usage inconsistencies" that may work fine with their headlight set up, but may not "always" work with all others! I know for a fact that Jake is working to "resolve this issue", for the "few" that have them, presently.
But Jakes done a "Very Good" job in bringing you guys other acceptable "Electrical" alternatives to your BDMs!
GOOD JOB JAKE!
:2thumbs::2thumbs::2thumbs::2thumbs:

 

[Mongo]

Here is an idea. When I start my bike the HID turns off. Maybe Tim's is shutting down because of the HID shutting down. Either way is there a better after market EHC or some way to get rid of those POS's. It seems those cause more problems They just need to make the shit simpler not complicating it with Computer and other shit. I'd rather flip 10 swithes then have to deal with some computer that could get crazy and crap out.

 

[TheDeadOne]

http://www.bigdogbiker.com/forums/customizing-add-ons/6170-ehc-elimination-ditch-bitch.html

:2thumbs:

 

[Big Brad]

I have had the bike apart two times. just got it back together again. I will go over all of the ground wires tonight and also look at the voltage regulator like you said. If i dont find anything i am taking out the HID light. I am tired of pulling up to a place and having to dissconect my battery to shut the bike off. Like i said it doesnt do it all of the time. I am bummed out too because i love the look of the HID light. I will probably go ahead with the wire plus kit this winter, but need to ride as much as possible for now.

 

[TheDeadOne]

I have had the bike apart two times. just got it back together again. I will go over all of the ground wires tonight and also look at the voltage regulator like you said. If i dont find anything i am taking out the HID light. I am tired of pulling up to a place and having to dissconect my battery to shut the bike off. Like i said it doesnt do it all of the time. I am bummed out too because i love the look of the HID light. I will probably go ahead with the wire plus kit this winter, but need to ride as much as possible for now.

I understand!
Sounds like a smart move! :2thumbs:

 

[bdmridgeback]

I have had the bike apart two times. just got it back together again. I will go over all of the ground wires tonight and also look at the voltage regulator like you said. If i dont find anything i am taking out the HID light. I am tired of pulling up to a place and having to dissconect my battery to shut the bike off. Like i said it doesnt do it all of the time. I am bummed out too because i love the look of the HID light. I will probably go ahead with the wire plus kit this winter, but need to ride as much as possible for now.

Better sell that EHC now while it still works to get the down payment on the Wire-Plus Module!

By the time you decide to do it, the EHC will shit out again and then your down the tubes about $200-250 that you could sell the EHC for.

 

[stlmikie]

I understand whqt you are saying. I mean he had it completely apart. Every nut and bolt. The harness and all. All the connections and grounds. He is a pretty good mechanic.

I'm not talking about unplugging and replugging the harness. I mean go over each and every plug on the bike, under the tank and all. disconnect them all, look for corrosion and fill them with dielectric grease. Then check all the major ground and power connections to the Regulator and starter. Somewhere he has a bad ground or power connection that is screwing with his EHC's. The Ballast sees it, and protects ITSELF and then teh EHC thinks the bulb is gone. He needs to go over the entire bikes electrical system before he cooks another EHC.

 

[Night Train]

This is not an accurate statement. The EHC will switch back and forth from lo to hi until the problem is fixed. At no point does it say, "fuck it, I give up". It does not shut any other functions down. Think about it. If BDM actually programmed this function into the EHC they would open themselves up to all kinds of liability. Your riding on a long day trip, you head light goes out and at some point the bike just decides to shut down right about the time the "huge as truck" was barreling down on ya.

Not trying to bust your balls, just want to make sure everyone is aware that that is not what is happening.

Hey Guys,
If nothing is found on either circuit, the EHC will "automatically" switch back and forth from Low to High continuously until it either finds a properly working circuit, with the desired amount of current load, or.... after the EHC circuitry cycles a number of times "without" finding the desired current load (telling the EHC that "neither" of the light circuit(s) are working) then the "Software" is programed to shut the function down. This may also include some other operational functions as well.

:2thumbs::2thumbs::2thumbs::2thumbs:

 

[bdmridgeback]

If BDM actually programmed this function into the EHC they would open themselves up to all kinds of liability. Your riding on a long day trip, you head light goes out and at some point the bike just decides to shut down right about the time the "huge as truck" was barreling down on ya.

Not trying to bust your balls, just want to make sure everyone is aware that that is not what is happening.

But that has happened to guys on here, not saying from the headlight, but something shuts the bike down, while they are barreling down the interstate at 70 mph and a truck on their ass! A couple guys and myself as well, and that was a few years ago and I didn't have a HID in my bike.

Mine died at 60 mph on the top of a mile long bridge! After it was towed to The dealer they found the headlight bulb blown out (hi & lo) and EHC not responding to their laptop. Replaced both and fine!


From another thread:

My problem was similar but not exactly as yours. Final straw was cruising down the highway at 80 then backfiring like a bad timing issue, then dying..... at least 50 times coming back from a Laughlin ride 2 yrs ago. Scary when trucks on your ass at 75 speed limit. Had to recycle key and pop the clutch at highway speed every 3-4 miles - hated my bike that day. No more. If theres the slightest possibility that it's the ehc :down: - I'd ditch it IMO. What the shit is the benefit of the EHC exept as a BDM big brother. Good luck

 

[Night Train]

With out seeing your bike I could not tell you what when wrong with it, I can tell you that it was not anything programmed into the EHC that caused it to shut down. Besides knowing the programming of the EHC would not allow it I ran the EHC for three days constant on a bench test with no light attached and multiple instruments attached monitoring outputs. At no time did the EHC shut down because there was no headlight. Again, not trying to bust balls just trying to dispel misinformation.

 

[Gas Man]

With out seeing your bike I could not tell you what when wrong with it, I can tell you that it was not anything programmed into the EHC that caused it to shut down. Besides knowing the programming of the EHC would not allow it I ran the EHC for three days constant on a bench test with no light attached and multiple instruments attached monitoring outputs. At no time did the EHC shut down because there was no headlight. Again, not trying to bust balls just trying to dispel misinformation.

WTF Night Train, where you been man? We need more of your intel around here!! We miss ya!

 

[Night Train]

Nice to know I have been missed. Work has been crazy I barely have time to get our and ride let alone get on my computer. I'll try to get up here more. Was able to take the family on vacation to Texas the week before. We had a great time. If Texas succeeds from the union I think we could find a place to live down there.

 

[TheDeadOne]

or.... after the EHC circuitry cycles a number of times "without" finding the desired current load (telling the EHC that "neither" of the light circuit(s) are working) then the "Software" is programed to shut the function down.

This is not an accurate statement. The EHC will switch back and forth from lo to hi until the problem is fixed. At no point does it say, "fuck it, I give up".

NightTrain, I've never seen the software! And it's well known that you are the "man in the know" when it comes to these units :2thumbs:. And I'm not arguing with you whatsoever, but I'm sorry, I do fully understand how to interpret electrical functions that "I'm seeing"! Maybe they were a few :loony: ones that did this for some other reason. But they all did stop cycling after a period of time. It was from that, I made the "assumption" of the programming. I know; "the mother of all "F" ups is an assumption"!

This may also include some other operational functions as well.

It does not shut any other functions down.

Keyword: "MAY" :2thumbs:

It's very hard to determine what these :crazy: units are doing sometimes, due to that they are "Very Temperamental", that's a nice way to put it, "very temperamental"! :up::roll:
I do agree with the "bench testing" of these units, but the problem I see; that is in a controlled environment.
However, I think that the next step taken should have been; for not only the EHC units themselves but the entire electrical system, and "operable" components, and connectors to be tested in a "real world" weather environment, with battery voltage fluctuations to simulate the charging system! And with all the issues of electrical failures along with some of the "electrical" service bulletins and recalls for the change or addition of.."whatever"...afterwards to the electrical system alone, showes that these tests weren't ever performed whatsoever!
From what I've experienced, in one way or another, 75% of these bike "electrical" failures were weather related; infiltration, contamination, oxidation or corrosion issues! It's not always the EHC that fails, but some of the "real" weather conditions placed on the other components "are prone" to failure and "could" cause an EHC failure if not corrected immediately.

It all reminds me of these 'puters, printers, flat screens, modems, etc.. we are "all" setting in front of right now! They work "great" in the office or at home, but take them out in the parking lot or out on the back deck and.... well it or some part of it "WON'T" be working for long! :lol::lol::lol:
That's just the way that it is! until it's all resolved once and for good!

But I do agree with Gas, NightTrain you've been missed here! Good to have you back! :2thumbs:

 

[TheDeadOne]

So I am going down the the Hwy the other day with my HID light in and I notice that the light was on high beam so the HID light wasnt on when i switched it to low the bike died.

It couldn't have "died" due to headlight failure! NT said it couldn't happen! J/K NT, Sounds very familiar!, Whatcha Think?

I pull over to restart and all the lights still on even when key was turned off. So i had to reset by disconecting battery. then go to restart bike and as soon as it would fire HID light would kill ignition. It did this a about 5 times and then started but only on high beam.

Low beam current (very little w/HID) overheated circuit and circuit protection for low beam kicked in, turning that low beam circuit off.

I have had enough of the HID problem. So i took it out on sat put in reg bulb no problems with bike since.

Sorry Brad about the problem! I know that doesn't help, but aleast you're back up and riding again! :2thumbs:

I gave HID light to my buddy who has a custom chopper(NO EHC) he put HID light in his bucket and it worked fine. We start riding for the night get about 20 min into ride and the whole time i am thinking man i wish i could still have the light in my bike, but it was cool to see it in his at least.. Then it goes out on his bike.... No more low beam just high beam. So it lasted about 20 min in his bike before it went out. Just dont understand why it didnt work in his.

Without knowing more about your buddies electrical system I can't really answer what's wrong. But if he has 12V going into the low beam circuit and it's not working, it may have damaged the low beam ballast, bulb, etc while in your bike from a lack of proper current. But don't take what I think here "as fact", ask Jake! It also may entail sending the unit back too him for examination as well.

Anyway my bike is fine without it..

:2thumbs:

 

[Night Train]

You are assuming it was a light out that caused the bike to shut down. Disconnect your bulb and ride it, see if it shuts down. I did this during testing as well (do you really think all I would do is bench test). I cannot tell you what testing was performed before the 2003, 2004, 2005 & early 2006 EHCs were released but I can tell you the new EHCs had both bench and road testing, give me a little credit.

You want my opinion the issue with the HID lights and the reason it is so hit or miss is an electrical noise issue. HID lights are very "noisy" from an electrical standpoint. Both conductive and emission. The EHC was not originally designed with HID in mind. I bet a choke or some other type of filter or isolation on the EHC light output would fix the problem. Unless it is emitted noise then it would need shielding. My guess is the ignition emits more noise than the ballast so my money would be on conductive noise.

But that is just MY assumption.