3 evil letters ehc

[BCombs]

Ok. Here is my story. I have a 2005 Pitbull. Approx. 2 years ago after an hour or so ride I stopped at a station only to be temporarily stranded. My Pit just wouldn't start. Just the painful grinding noise. Tried jumping it. No good. Let it set for 45 minutes or so and fired right up. Then last year on a few occasions, after riding, I would go to leave but it wouldn't start. This year after sitting over the winter I went get it out and it woudn't start. Took the battery out and had it tested. It was dead so I bought a new one. No problems starting up a few times but the bike was running ROUGH. (like half a**) So it was determined the spark plugs probably needed replaced. It should be noted that in diagnosing the plugs needed replaced the bike was started and stopped several times. During this process the NEW battery was being required to be jumped in order for it to start. Also, to start the bike i would have to hit the start button several times for it to even think of starting. But after replacing the spark plugs it ran great, probably the strongest since I've owned it. But after taking it for a short ride (15 mins or so) I stopped and attempted to start it back up with no luck. Since that time I have had to jump it to start, yes on the new battery. The last time I jumped it was to take to the shop it's at now. The mechanic is telling me the ehc is bad. Did some homework and found there was a recall on my bike for that year but not on mine? So I guess I am asking does this diagnosis of a bad ehc sound correct and if so should I get an after market ehc? Also the prices on these things are ridiculous so any where to get this part cheaper? Thanks for any input.:up:

 

[TheDeadOne]

Many EHCs are deemed bad by the dealers due to their lack in ability to properly troubleshoot the systems.

"IF" the EHC "intermittently" operates correctly and then "intermittently" DOES NOT work correctly, I doubt seriously that is the problem. Though the EHCs are very temperamental, the "ONLY" time you see them act erratically is when there is a low power (battery) supply or other continuity problems somewhere else in the system. Which does happen, more times than not. :down:

But "if" your battery is fully charged and the EHC operation is erratic (not consistent), I'd check elsewhere within the system first before spending any money. Grounds are a common issue of failure.

If your dealer continues to think and tell you that the EHC is bad. Ask them to "try" another EHC in the bike that is known to be good, and see what happens! If they refuse, saying you must commit to the purchase of the new EHC before it's installed, then I'd say that they are not really sure what's causing your failures. :nono:

It's "VERY" easy to through money at a problem until you find out what's really wrong. :loony:

"IF" the EHC is found to be bad, rather than purchase another EHC for a replacement. I'd seriously consider replacing the EHC with the Wire-Plus unit, which have proven to be much more dependable! :2thumbs:

You can get them from a fellow member here, "bdmridgeback" a.k.a. (Jake), which sells the through his business | | LOW DOWN CHOP SHOP | Big, Dog, Parts, New, Some*-*Low Down Chop Shop and would be more than glad to speak with you about the conversion.

just my :zz2cents: though!

Good Luck! :2thumbs:

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[BCombs]

Thanks a ton for your input. Is there any other way to see if it's the ehc. I had some prior to this say it was my stator? I'm by no means a mechanic so I have to take someone at their word. I am also not the wealthiest person in the world so I can't afford to waste money?

 

[TheDeadOne]

Thanks a ton for your input. Is there any other way to see if it's the ehc. I had some prior to this say it was my stator? I'm by no means a mechanic so I have to take someone at their word. I am also not the wealthiest person in the world so I can't afford to waste money?

Stator affects the charging system, which if the battery "IS" low, it can affect the EHC operations. But that can easily be checked by checking the charging system for proper operation. :2thumbs:

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[Dozer1]

Could be the starter, and if it were a cage, I'd say that was probably it. Bad starters in autos have a tendency not to work when hot. Hence the starting after a cooling period. But not sure about our bikes. I personally have replaced one starter, but only after it started leaking. I agree with Deadone, tho. Too many times mechanics blame EHC for their own inability to properly interpret. Yes, they are funky. And also yes, if they go out, replac'em with a Wire Plus, but first just make sure that's the real culprit.

 

[Big B]

What battery did you put in it? The battery has always been the root of my problems.

 

[V]

Did your bike have the upgrade required for the voltage regulator? It was required some 05's and 06's.

Check to make sure you are getting voltage back to the bat should be at least 14.2 volts. Check all connections.

And as asked what battery did you get?

 

[ChopperJeff]

Is the EHC on the '05 Pitbull the same as the one used on the '05 Chopper? If so, then TheDeadOne will know where I'm going with this. In a nutshell, I replaced my EHC with the Wire-Plus, and thus have no need for my old EHC. If nothing else, I'd be happy to loan it to you to see if that's the culprit. This is where the TheDeadOne comes in, as he currently has mine for testing.

 

[ChopperJeff]

Just to clear up my last post about my old EHC... it is not being tested to see if it's bad or not. My Wire-Plus is a permanent installation, and I have NO desire to go back to the 'ol EHC. The testing that's being done is a LOOOONG story, which we won't go into.

 

[2004BC]

One thing that sounds suspect is your statement that you have to jump it every time to start it. Sounds like your battery is NOT fully charged or your wiring from battery to EHC, starter solenoid, starter motor, is suspect. If your EHC is shot jumping or not shouldn't matter. If your providing the EHC with low voltage, then jumping it and providing full voltage, and it starts, then that's where you should be looking for a problem.

 

[BadBrad]

Like some have already said. the EHC is quite finicky. If low power is used (poor battery) then there's a lot or wierd things that will be produced by the EHC. Also, jumping your bike time and time again can cause permanent issues with your EHC. If the battery checks out good, then check the VR and stator. There is a "how to" for that on this site. You should not have to jump your bike with a new battery. Figure out that issue first, then see if your problem is solved. You can go cheap on some things, but never the battery!!

 

[TheDeadOne]

Is the EHC on the '05 Pitbull the same as the one used on the '05 Chopper?

Same :2thumbs:

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