ANYONE KNOW WHAT THIS INDICATES???

cvegmond

Member
Buy a Wire Plus

Ok, the outside temperature dropped to 45F this evening and the bike would not start. Turned the key and the emergency flashers started flashing - absolutely nothing else worked. No tach lights, no fuel pump whine, no starter engage, no horn, no head light, etc. The emergency flashers continue and can't be stopped unless I turn the key off. This is crazy!!!!!!!

If I happen to turn the key on and get No emergency hazard flashers, every thing works great - tach lights up, fuel pump whines, starter engages, and the engine turns over/starts like a champ!! This tells me the battery and wiring connections are fine. SOMETHING IS TELLING THE EHC TO FLASH THE EMERGENCY FLASHERS AND NOT ENERGIZE THE "POWER UP" CIRCUIT.

Still scratching my head?? :bang::bang::bang:
Your battery is fine. Your connections are fine or else the bike would never start. The ambient temperature nor the phases of moon have anything to do with the bike acting bizzare.

The EHC is giving up. The tiny switches, relays inside the module go out differently for different BDM onwers.

Sorry, my fellw K-9 owner...your time has come. Check my garage for a good wiring diagram of the Wire Plus system. By the way, the BDM speedometer and ignition systems are crappy too, so I replaced them as well.

I ride my K-9 to work and don't have anymore electrical issues...thanks to great aftermarket parts.

Cor.
 

badjack

New Member
Sometime, when the temp. is below 40 my 08 K9 wont start either. I get the same flashing signal lites. I thought the flashing signal lites meant low batt. voltage. I have a new braille batt. always on a tender. I dont ride below 50 degrees but I do want the dog to bark on command. Lately Ive been keeping my battery inside at 72. Dog has never failed to start since. Your problem could be that all batterys lose power at lower temps.
 

Quasimodo

Active Member
Darn - my K-9 2008 developed the same troubles. First it started with electrical system on but when I pressed start just nothing happened. Giving a little push with a gear engaged and back in neutral did the trick to fire her up. For a few weeks thats what I did. Now it happened that the bike started but all lights were in emergency mode and nothing worked anymore. Had to switch it off with the key. Then she started up again without problem.
Well, I am living in Sothern California and rarely have temps at 50 or below.
I guess I have to make a decision to travel around with a hairdryer or switch to wire plus? I think I order the wire plus so not to piss off my wife.......
 

Whistler

Active Member
TEST RESULTS AND SOLUTION

Testing: Took daily outdoor/ambient temperature readings and tried start-up.
Results: When below 50F, no start-up only four-way flashing emergency turn signals. Above 50F, normal start and engine running.
Trial Fix: Removed/inspected EHC and two multipin harness connectors. These looked normal, no corrosion, etc. Packed with dielectric grease, re-assembled, and tightened connector set screws.
Follow-up Testing: In every case where ambient was below 50F, I get a normal start-up now.
Conclusions:
(1) Nothing wrong with EHC internal electronics.
(2) This type of multipin connection to the EHC body is subject to excessive vibration and not a good long term design. External connectors with wired connections to the EHC (like Wire Plus) would be a better design.
(3) Vibration, over time, loosens the multipin connections so that thermal expansion/contraction causes an interruption in the EHC start circuit.
ACTION/RECOMMENDATIONS:
(1) I'm looking at ways to unbolt the base of the EHC and support the EHC and multipin connector assembly with vibration dampening materials.
(2) If you are experiencing a similar problem, try this simple procedure.
 

stlmikie

I wish I had more money.
Kinda funny how that worked out huh. So what your telling me is that it wasn't really the ehc failing! Holy SHIT!

Good for you Whislter! I couldn't be more happy for you. Im glad you didn't just start throwing money at it like so many have.


Your battery is fine. Your connections are fine or else the bike would never start. The ambient temperature nor the phases of moon have anything to do with the bike acting bizzare.

The EHC is giving up. The tiny switches, relays inside the module go out differently for different BDM onwers.

Sorry, my fellw K-9 owner...your time has come. Check my garage for a good wiring diagram of the Wire Plus system. By the way, the BDM speedometer and ignition systems are crappy too, so I replaced them as well.

I ride my K-9 to work and don't have anymore electrical issues...thanks to great aftermarket parts.

Cor.
 
TEST RESULTS AND SOLUTION

Testing:
Took daily outdoor/ambient temperature readings and tried start-up.
Results: When below 50F, no start-up only four-way flashing emergency turn signals. Above 50F, normal start and engine running.
Trial Fix: Removed/inspected EHC and two multipin harness connectors. These looked normal, no corrosion, etc. Packed with dielectric grease, re-assembled, and tightened connector set screws.
Follow-up Testing: In every case where ambient was below 50F, I get a normal start-up now.
Conclusions:
(1) Nothing wrong with EHC internal electronics.
(2) This type of multipin connection to the EHC body is subject to excessive vibration and not a good long term design. External connectors with wired connections to the EHC (like Wire Plus) would be a better design.
(3) Vibration, over time, loosens the multipin connections so that thermal expansion/contraction causes an interruption in the EHC start circuit.
ACTION/RECOMMENDATIONS:
(1) I'm looking at ways to unbolt the base of the EHC and support the EHC and multipin connector assembly with vibration dampening materials.
(2) If you are experiencing a similar problem, try this simple procedure.
I'm going through this same problem with my 08 Pitbull. It's frustrating. So what exactly is the solution
 

Mr. Wright

Knows some things
Supporting Member
More than likely when we see this problem, it turns out to be the battery. Hopefully it hasn't taken out your EHC.
First, what battery are you running and how old is it.
 
I'm running a braille. It fires up one day but next time I try to fire it up, it won't. So I'm assuming that eliminates the battery
 

HMAN

I just like my Freedom
Supporting Member
I'm going through this same problem with my 08 Pitbull. It's frustrating. So what exactly is the solution
The OG posters solution seemed to be dielectric grease in the ECH main connector. Pins were not making good contact all the time. Cheap to try. Ck all your ground connections as well. It all has to be tight on these vibration monsters.
 

Mikeinjersey

Well-Known Member
I'm running a braille. It fires up one day but next time I try to fire it up, it won't. So I'm assuming that eliminates the battery
What exactly do you mean when you say it won't "fire up" ? Your battery or connections could very well cause an intermittent no crank of the starter. Be more specific about what happens when the bike doesn't start. This file could help you.
 
What exactly do you mean when you say it won't "fire up" ? Your battery or connections could very well cause an intermittent no crank of the starter. Be more specific about what happens when the bike doesn't start. This file could help you.
When the bike doesn't fire, I get absolutely nothing but blinking turn signals
 

Mikeinjersey

Well-Known Member
Start by getting your battery load tested regardless of the voltage reading. Should be at least 12.8 volts but get it tested anyway because volts and current are 2 different things. Remove the connectors on the top of the EHC and clean it out and add fresh dielectric grease. Make sure the ground side of the battery has a good connection to the frame. I believe on your bike it's at the starter mounting bolts.
The next time the bike does start read the voltage accross the battery to see if it's approx 14 vdc but not more than 14.5 . It's possible your charging system is the problem and the battery could be not charging , undercharging or overcharging.
If you still have no luck after these checks come back with what you found.
 
Last edited:

Rottweiler

Well-Known Member
Supporting Member
Start by getting your battery load tested regardless of the voltage reading. Should be at least 12.8 volts but get it tested anyway because volts and current are 2 differant things. Remove the connectors on the top of the EHC and clean it out and add fresh dielectric grease. Make sure the ground side of the battery has a good connection to the frame. I believe on your bike it's at the starter mounting bolts.
The next time the bike does start read the voltage accross the battery to see if it's approx 14 vdc but not more than 14.5 . It's possible your charging system is the problem and the battery could be not charging , undercharging or overcharging.
If you still have no luck after these checks come back with what you found.
X2
Very good information.
 
So
TEST RESULTS AND SOLUTION

Testing:
Took daily outdoor/ambient temperature readings and tried start-up.
Results: When below 50F, no start-up only four-way flashing emergency turn signals. Above 50F, normal start and engine running.
Trial Fix: Removed/inspected EHC and two multipin harness connectors. These looked normal, no corrosion, etc. Packed with dielectric grease, re-assembled, and tightened connector set screws.
Follow-up Testing: In every case where ambient was below 50F, I get a normal start-up now.
Conclusions:
(1) Nothing wrong with EHC internal electronics.
(2) This type of multipin connection to the EHC body is subject to excessive vibration and not a good long term design. External connectors with wired connections to the EHC (like Wire Plus) would be a better design.
(3) Vibration, over time, loosens the multipin connections so that thermal expansion/contraction causes an interruption in the EHC start circuit.
ACTION/RECOMMENDATIONS:
(1) I'm looking at ways to unbolt the base of the EHC and support the EHC and multipin connector assembly with vibration dampening materials.
(2) If you are experiencing a similar problem, try this simple procedure.
update -i cleaned and reapplied dielectric. Fired right up. I tuned off, fired it up again. Bolted the ehc back to its mounting and tried to fire again. Nothing but flashing blinkers. All blinkers flash but the back left. Not sure why it would fire up 2 times then not again. Makes absolutely no sense
 

Coolbreezin

Active Member
I have an 05. I had the entire bike rewired just to remove the brain and hair thin wiring (thanks Sheldon Coleman). I have not had any electrical issues for the past 4 years or so. I have 2 fuses and a ton of space under my seat. Since you have an FI, you need the brain. Perhaps moving over to a reputable manufacturer for the brain will solve your problems? I know nothing regarding these control units but there are countless thousands of victimized riders here that can guide you. Thanks again Sheldon Coleman :job:.
 

SKOGDOG

One of the old ones.
When I installed DOC’s EHC in my 2010 EFI Bulldog Bagger, the problem of non-operation when cold was fixed. I read that Axel’s is bulletproof too. And for all of the discussion of stock EHC failure, all I know is that Blacktopper has a 2007 K9 with 85,000 miles and he’s owned a few other bikes (K9, Ridgeback—all w/some thousands of miles) his current is a 2016 K9 with 60,000 miles—and—I’ve had two 2008 K9’s (first one with 75,000 miles and current one with 55,000). With the exception of the Bagger, we have never had an EHC issue. The Forum has taught me about ‘EHC hygiene’ too—namely a strong battery and checking connections. Because of early warnings about the EHC, I bought a spare one to carry everywhere and it may have more touring miles racked up than my patch jacket!
 
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