[Yves_atlanta]

Folks,

Getting close to getting my FE back into commission. This is a project which went on ice when my company transferred me to Japan 5 years ago.
I finally got some time on my hands and want to get the bike in perfect shape before I register it. The bike has been stored for the past 5 years and over the past month I addressed the following :

• valves checked + shims replaced where necessary
• belts changed
• all fluids changed
• new fuel lines and filter

I tried to start up the bike today and it just cranked up flawlessly, awesome !
2 issues though for which I would appreciate somebody throwing me a bone :

1. Some of the gauges and lights on the instrument panel do not work. I cannot opine on the speedometer since the bike is still on a lift, but the tachometer did not move. Nor did any of the warning lamps seem to work (neutral, blinker, etc...). The illumination behind the gauges did light up and the temperature gauge seemed to work as the bike was warming up. All the rest was dead. I checked all fuses on the right side of the bike and none of them were blown. The connector at the back of the tach was pushed in correctly and the little bulbs inserted in the warning lights were not blown. Any idea what could be going on ?
2. My cooling fans kicked in as of the moment I turned the key. Ironically, in view of all the overheating problems with this bike it was my intention to install a switch so I can manually activate the fans, but this is too much of a good thing Any idea what could activate the fans below the thermostat induced threshold ?

Thanks in advance for your input. Attached a pic of the operating room

 

[Andrew]

These are different issues.

There are 2 relays that operate the entire bike, one is for the engine and the other for the instruments and lights. Check the relays, they are below the battery, the relays are small (but they are the same as used by many cars so you don't need to obtain them from Ducati). I had this issue with my 996R. If that doesn't fix things then there are also the fuses, sometimes they get some corrosion and just need to be pulled and reinserted to work. If these fail then we need to look further.

The fans are controlled by the ECU and if they are coming on there could be other problems with your ECU. It is possible but unlikely that the temperature sensor for the fans has failed (it is not the same sensor as the gauge uses). An ECU analysis computer will solve this I use VDSTS, however this is no longer available and there are other options out there. You can also remove the temperature sensor and bench test it with a multimeter and some hot water if you cant interrogate the ECU with an analysis programme.

Andrew...

 

[Namor]

Do the tail lights work?

 

[Yves_atlanta]

Thank you for your replies, this has helped me put my thoughts in order. Below are my current findings. Just as a disclaimer, I am familiar with my 999s and 1198R, but the 998 series is uncharted territory for me.
1] I am aware that the thermostat sensor is different from the thermistor. Since my temperature gauge reacted as the engine warmed up, I can confirm that the latter works. Question : do the sensors ever go bad ? LT Snyder's book mentions to be careful when removing the sensor since it seems to be locktited into the housing.
2] As it pertains to the relays, I had the 2 ones on the battery panel removed when I did my valves and belts. Removal of battery box and ECU is a requirement to remove the belt covers on this bike, as I am sure you are aware. I took my time to put everything back together in the right way, but I agree that the issues with the different gauges not working start to point in this general direction, whether it is ECU or relays. I have no tools to check the ECU, but I guess I could check the relays tomorrow and will report back. The fuse box has already been checked and is OK.
3] This afternoon I disassembled the headlight/instrument panel section of the bike and can confirm that all connectors are plugged in the right way, so I really think we are OK in the upper section of the bike. Having said that, I also saw a relay in this area. Could this 3rd relay influence the gauges ?
4] All lights and blinkers are in fine working order.
5] I haven't ridden the bike yet but intend to take it out tomorrow. Engine sounds normal and responds to throttle input. It's just those damn gauges that are not working...

 

[Yves_atlanta]

Put the bike together today and took it out for a ride. The bike drove wonderfully and was really enjoyable, I can't wait to take it out on a roadtrip this spring.
The only 2 remaining issues are :

1. Tachometer does not work at all
2. The fans kick in as of the moment I turn the key

Speedometer and all other warning lights kicked in. Earlier today I checked the relays which were all okay. I also went over all connectors in the battery/ECU area and could not detect any issues.
So, what are my next steps ?
I guess buying a new thermostat sensor is a no brainer, this might take care of the fan issue. The tachometer still throws me for a loop. Since all other stuff works, I would be surprised if it were the ECU. Anybody any idea or recommendation ?

Here's the bike after i came home from a shake down. I just love the way it looks

 

[Andrew]

Based on the lights working the relays are functional. While tachometers do fail (there are guides on how to repair them if you do a search), the reality is if both your tacho and fans are playing up the likely culprit is the ECU.

I'd suggest you check the plugs on the ECU (it is next to the relays). The plugs need to be removed by opening the latches, if you don't understand the system, then look for a how-to before trying to undo the plugs.

If there is no corrosion on the pins and connectors, then see if somebody can lend you an ECU that is working to check the systems.

NB one plug is for the sensors and the other is for the outputs (I can't remember which is which, but the wiring diagram in the owners manual may help) so you will only actually have to open a single plug.