I started another thread about electric issue on my bike. The dealer has had the bike for over a month, due to parts and timing. They concluded the alternator was bad and replaced it. I called today for an update, expecting to pick it up tomorrow. I was told the tech took the bike for a ride and it shut down and now there is a problem with the ECU. What are your guys thoughts on this?
Alternator replaced now ECU failure by dealer?
- Thread starter squid101
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Just got off the phone with them, they ordered the part but they believe the ECU went bad do to something they did so I am told they are replacing for free. It looks like I found an honest shop! I was sweating for a few hours though.
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What year and model bike are we discussing here? Did I miss something?
Maybe, just maybe, they are trying to be honest about the situation. Those ECU's aren't cheap so if they are willing to replace it pro bono, good on them.
Hopefully they are skilled enough to get it running for you soon....
Good luck...
Hopefully they are skilled enough to get it running for you soon....
Good luck...
Kevin_56
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It does not matter how fast anybody can replace an alternator, you/we get charged the flat rate that is set up to do this change out. I have removed an alternator to replace a failed o-ring on the alternator mounting seal. It is a time consuming task. No need to remove the engine. But one does have to remove the fuel tank. air box, throttle bodies, tupperware, coolant hoses, fittings and other items to complete this task. It is not a quick process. You also need to have the replacement items like new orings for the coolant pipes. Then put it all back together. 2 hours sounds like a Guinness book record.
I would agree with that!
I can R&R a clutch slave cylinder in an hour, but how in the heck did someone turn me into a super hero that could R&R an alternator in that amount of time?
I have removed/replaced them without removing the throttle bodies, but as you said, you still have to remove the radiator/hoses/elbows, and air box stuff (to reach through) etc. so it’s a 5 hour or so job.
As far as having parts on hand, I usually have more than most the dealers stock in my parts cabinet, so that helps.
I wish I lived near you!
Replacing the alternator by pulling the Throttlebody assembly would be quicker!
And you don't have to remove the radiator.
Yes, but some of the folks who follow advice given on the forum, about using rope and 2x4’s to pry stuff off, end up with a very expensive lesson, and a very damaged throttle body assembly.
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Sorry Larry, my mistake, I was thinking clutch slave cylinder where the OP had written alternator. Regardless, this has to be an expensive job at a dealership.
Sadlsor
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Larry is only a ride away..
I haven't done it that way yet! Nor, will I!
I've removed throttlebodies three or four times now, and haven't screwed one up yet!
Sounds like the mechanic confessed, and probably destroyed one of the connectors on the wire harness (common) they sometimes snap the retaining clips off trying to remove/replace them, then never tell the customer about it....unless its something obvious, like your ECU failed to work after you replaced the alternator.
Glad the dealership is taking care of you.
Lets just hope they have a different guy working on the bike this time. My concern would be....now they have another chance to damage something else
Good luck, hope everything works out for you.
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Make sure you get the old parts...,
That ain't gonna happen....I bet you a donut that they tell him that they must send the parts back to Honda for the warranty repair.
In other words, they don't want to release any parts back to the customers anymore.
That used wire harness would be worth having with all the other connectors and such in case something else broke etc.
I was told the same thing about having to send the parts back to Toyota when my 08 Rav4 engine was rebuilt with new pistons and rings under warranty a few years ago.
My brother in law works there so he told the rebuilder to put them in my vehicle when done. I have 4 pistons in my garage on my bench.
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To answer some questions, my bike is a '08. I believe they are getting a brand new alternator and I am going to ask for the old one back. I would imagine they are getting a used ECU and then need to send back the old one. I have spoken to the tech a few times. I like him and know he is very familiar with bikes and the ST, and he just made a simple mistake.
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I assume with an '08 bike this is not a warranty repair. There is no reason to send the ECU back to Honda or any other provider as it cannot be repaired. If I were you, I would insist that the ECU replacement be a new one and not a used one from some wrecking yard that you have no idea if it is good or bad or how long it might last before it fails.