Engine Temperature Light

[Tim H]

I know there are some other threads on this issue, but they didn't seem to speak directly to what I'm experiencing.  When I bought the bike the guy told me this problem was existing, so I knew this ahead of time, but now it's time to find a solution.

Yesterday I took a short 8 mile trip.  About 2 miles into it the temp light came on.  I pulled over and turned off the bike, turned it back on and never saw the light again the rest of the way to the destination.

On the way home in the evening the light came on less than a mile from my house.  This time instead of a solid illumination it flickered off and on randomly for a few seconds while sitting at a light, then another light, then stayed on the last few hundred yards.

I have the Thermostat and Temperature Sensor parts that he bought, but never installed.  I've also read that a air pocket in the anti-freeze could cause the sensor to go off without cause.  The only thing that I found odd is that it blinked on the way home, which may lead me to believe it's a faulty sensor or a short.

[MP]

What year bike?  I believe some early models had a problem with this, and there is/was an update kit to change the sensor out.  I believe the sensor is the problem.

MP

[csj]

Mine does the same thing, light comes on when it's cool out, but
does not come on when it's stinkin hot out.

It's that 'indicator unit'. For me north of the border it's $70, for you
south of the border it's $45. Lot o money for a little bit o hardware.

You replace that, problem is gone.

[Tim H]

It's a '98 Standard.

Thanks for the input CSJ.  I'll look into that.  I'd like to use the parts that the previous owner bought if it will work for me.  We'll see what I can come up with.  I road about 60 miles today and for the most part never saw it.

[Tundra]

I cut and paste this from previous posts...I did a search and found this post from RP#62. It was the cause of my problem.

The '97-'99 models have an Engine Coolant Temp Indicator Unit between the sensor and the light. On the later models, the sensor was replaced with a thermostatic switch that turns the light on directly. If you've replaced everything else and you still have the problem, barring any wiring or connector problems, its probably the Temp Indicator Unit. Some folks have just got the new sensor (switch) and wired around the Temp Indicator Unit as was done on the later models.

Its listed as 38710-MZ0-003
INDICATOR UNIT, TEMPERATURE (Honda Code 5051974)

#16 in the diagram... Check out this thread and scroll down for the schematic illustration. http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,19430.0.html


 
 
  
 

[Tim H]

I checked on the parts that came with the bike when I purchased it.

Switch, Thermostat
37760-MT2-003

Thermostat
19300-MG9-000

Not that that has anything to do with the problem, but these are the new parts I have.  I'll read up on the new information.  Thanks.

[Tundra]

I had the same problem as well as others with that year and model. I also replaced the sensors and thermostat, (not knowing better @ the time), removed and flushed the radiator. Good amount of labor to get access into the thermostat and sensors located behind the radiator top center of the engine.
  The indicator is EASY, remove the sidecover plug & play. Speaking from experience, my money is on the indicator unit.

[Tim H]

I've called around to a few shops and they're all hitting the $65 range after taxes.  I may as well order from CheapCycleParts.com, at least I'd get a free sticker...

Anyone else have a good source to save a few bucks on this before I place an order.

[Tundra]

It's STILL only $45.00, same link. Part #16 in schematic. http://www.hdlparts.com/fiche_section_detail.asp?section=148117&category=MOTORCYCLES&make=HONDA&year=1998&fveh=3466

[dallastar]

Im NOT as picky as some. my light comes on off more regularly now then b4 ...when it 1st started   after  i checked fluid levels and make sure my fan comes on and goes pff bike dopnt overheat   runs great  ...i say so be it   im NOT fixing that light let it blink no big deal to me

oh btw 98 Standard

[Tim H]

It's STILL only $45.00, same link. Part #16 in schematic. http://www.hdlparts.com/fiche_section_detail.asp?section=148117&category=MOTORCYCLES&make=HONDA&year=1998&fveh=3466

Thank you, $52.74.  Saved at least $11 toward the next thing.

[Gryphon]

Im NOT as picky as some. my light comes on off more regularly now then b4 ...when it 1st started   after  i checked fluid levels and make sure my fan comes on and goes pff bike dopnt overheat   runs great  ...i say so be it   im NOT fixing that light let it blink no big deal to me

oh btw 98 Standard

I've also got a 98 standard.  Does the same thing.  It's been blinking for almost 5 yrs now.   I put on Motosens guages about 3 years ago.  One of these days I'll change out the sensor.  For now, as long as the fluid is good, the fan is working, and the guages show it isn't overheating, I'll worry about it when I have free time.