So my bike is no garage queen. I ride her like the dirty girl she is and have fun doing so. I rarely wash her unless the filth is overwhelming or I am going to perform maintenance like hopefully sync my throttle bodies this weekend.
I wash the bike tonight with my normal hose, nothing crazy like a pressure washer. After I'm done I hop on, turn on the key, and nothing... I have power, the computer fires up, but the immobilizer light is lit and the bike won't start.
Long story short I found my owners manual and referenced the section where you need to enter the secret code of your handy-dandy owners card. I do so and the bike fires up without a complaint in the world.
What the heck? I guess I'm glad I learned the process in my garage where I could get my card and owners manual instead of the side of the road during a rainstorm. Has this happened to anyone else?
I have heard of a few odd instances where a bike's gotten wet and had the same symptoms as yours. It's typically the result of a bit of moisture getting into the instrument cluster, or at least that seems to be the common thread. They seem to almost always respond as yours did by resetting the system with your code key. My guess is that some instruments are better sealed than others and thus some bikes exhibit this symptom occasionally while others never do. I've had my Multistrada in some insane downpours with nary a hiccup, while I've heard from others who've had exactly the same situation you did. In some cases the bikes have fired back up after drying up. Good job figuring it out and getting it running again.
I suspected instrument panel too. When I was trying to troubleshoot the problem I pressed the trip/odometer button and water oozed out of the button recess. It was enough water that I actually said "uh oh".
My buttons have been sort of messed up since the bike was new. Trying to switch between trip and odometer is tough and switching between temp and time is all but impossible while moving. I actually need to press that button at an angle to get it to switch between functions which is starting to make sense now.
Good to know.
Quote from: gnostic203 on July 22, 2008, 07:59:51 PM
I rarely wash her unless .........
your bike must be in shock ......... ;D
Quote from: slyfox on July 23, 2008, 12:23:16 AM
Next time you wash it, try wrapping one of those plastic bags from the grocery store over the cluster. I do this when I wash along with baggies over the ignition and exhaust ends. when your done washing take the bags off and wipe all the protected parts down with the Damp rag. This should eliminate your problems.
so will or has this condition cleared up?
Yeah the bike was fine once I used the secret code to reset the immobilizer.
Slyfox I always wrap my exhaust or stuff a towel in it. I guess this just caught me by surprise since I've never experienced it before. Live and learn, next time I'll wrap the instrument cluster.
This has not happened to me yet, but good to know. I will have that code available since I do on occasion ride through a heavy rainstorm during my commute.
Quick question in regards to the Code Card... I didn’t realize when I got my Monster that I was supposed to get one. When I got home and dutifully read through the manual is when I discovered that I did not have one. The dealer doesn’t have it either apparently, or they can’t find it.
Can a replacement card be ordered? The dealer didn’t offer this but if there is a way to get one I would like to try and make them do it.
Thanks in advance.
Quote from: bfoster on July 25, 2008, 05:34:43 PM
Quick question in regards to the Code Card... I didn’t realize when I got my Monster that I was supposed to get one. When I got home and dutifully read through the manual is when I discovered that I did not have one. The dealer doesn’t have it either apparently, or they can’t find it.
Can a replacement card be ordered? The dealer didn’t offer this but if there is a way to get one I would like to try and make them do it.
Thanks in advance.
the code card should be attatched to your red key. You do have a red key right? if not, then i hope you didnt sign anything that says the bike does not include the red key. If you didnt, how much did you get your bike for? because your bike is worht alot less without it. (im talking in the $1000+ price range.)
No I have the red key and 2 blaxk ones... just didnt get the code card.
Quote from: bfoster on July 26, 2008, 03:50:05 AM
No I have the red key and 2 blaxk ones... just didnt get the code card.
i have the red key and two black ones as well but no card....what are we to do?
I've got all three keys for mine too, but no code card. There is a little metal tag on the ring with the red key, and that has a 5 character code stamped on it. Is this the card you are talking about that you say should be attached to the red key? If not, what's the little metal tag for and how do I get the real code card?
the little metal tab contains one of the numbers on your code card. The tabs number is the Mechanics code. the other number is the electronic code. The electronic code can only be found on the code card.
How can you get another one? I heard 3 stories. First one was, ducati throws away everything pertaining to the codes. So you can never steal a bike and expect to ride it. The other story i heard was, the codes are all kept with ducati, and they do not give them out no matter what. The last one is, they have given them to owners in a few occasions in very very special occasions.
I have a red key, two black keys and no card. I think this is a newer feature. Mines an 02 and all I need to reset the immobilizer is the red key *to my knowledge*. If someone knows any different let me know.
i got the same model as you 2002 M750 Dark. I have the red key as well. I thought the red key was only used for making duplicate black keys......not to disarm the immobilizer. Maybe it is, if it disables the immobilizer that would be great.
There is no way to disable the immobilizer to my knowledge.
what is the red key used for again? If your bike becomes immobilized, wont that start it?
Arent these bikes immobilized once the black key is pulled out? I know there is a chip in the key that has to sync up with the immobilizer unit on your bike. So in theory if your black key turns off the immobilizer, wouldnt the red key be no different? i dont get it stupidist idea any company ever had...immobilizer...if somone wants to steal a frikkin MC they pick it up and put it in the back of a truck and part it out.
Quote from: VeryMetal on July 29, 2008, 08:50:39 AM
I have a red key, two black keys and no card. I think this is a newer feature. Mines an 02 and all I need to reset the immobilizer is the red key *to my knowledge*. If someone knows any different let me know.
The card is in case you're key is not recognized. From the '02 owner's manual:
Code card
The keys come with a CODE CARD that reports:
A) (fig. 4.3) the electronic code to be used to start the
engine in the event of an emergency;
B) (fig. 4.3) the part no. code for the keys to be reported
to the DUCATI Service network when you are ordering
any duplicate keys.
Important
Keep the CODE CARD in a safe place. However, it
is advisable to keep the electronic code printed on the
CODE CARD handy when you ride your motorcycle, so
you will be able to start the engine in the event of an
emergency.
Quote from: SaltLick on July 29, 2008, 04:44:04 PM
what is the red key used for again? If your bike becomes immobilized, wont that start it?
Arent these bikes immobilized once the black key is pulled out? I know there is a chip in the key that has to sync up with the immobilizer unit on your bike. So in theory if your black key turns off the immobilizer, wouldnt the red key be no different? i dont get it stupidist idea any company ever had...immobilizer...if somone wants to steal a frikkin MC they pick it up and put it in the back of a truck and part it out.
The immbolizer is actually a very good defense. on alot of japanese bikes, a one man team can sit on the bike,stomp the handle bar (this deffeats the steering tube lock) jam a screw driver into the keyhole, twist it, and hit the starter. with the immbolizer, you can no longer do this.
Quote from: He Man on July 29, 2008, 07:20:11 PM
The immbolizer is actually a very good defense. on alot of japanese bikes, a one man team can sit on the bike,stomp the handle bar (this deffeats the steering tube lock) jam a screw driver into the keyhole, twist it, and hit the starter. with the immbolizer, you can no longer do this.
Yes, now if your bike gets stolen, you'll never, ever see it again. It's just getting parted out.
Who cares if they take it and can't use it? Either way, your bike is gone.
WHAT DOES THE RED KEY DO?
Quote from: SaltLick on July 29, 2008, 09:21:25 PM
WHAT DOES THE RED KEY DO?
Nothing useful.
It lets you make other black keys. Wee.
My code card came glued to the inside cover of my owners manual
Quote from: SaltLick on July 29, 2008, 09:21:25 PM
WHAT DOES THE RED KEY DO?
it revives you.
The blue key puts everything back to the way it was....
Quote from: He Man on July 29, 2008, 07:20:11 PM
The immbolizer is actually a very good defense. on alot of japanese bikes, a one man team can sit on the bike,stomp the handle bar (this deffeats the steering tube lock) jam a screw driver into the keyhole, twist it, and hit the starter. with the immbolizer, you can no longer do this.
This exact thing happened to me in AZ and in a good area (Scottsdale, North of 101). I left my bike outside under covered parking, knowing that AZ was the #1 car theft state in the nation I was still paranoid about my bike so I locked it to the support column at night with a burly Kryptonite cable lock. I came out one morning to find the lock cut and my steering lock broken! Luckily someone must have spooked the would-be thieves so I was lucky. The next day I showed the management and flat told them that I wanted a garage asap and at a discount, from that day forward she was parked in a secure garage and when I went away I still disc locked her!
So back to the red key thing, I don't have the code card either, but I do have the red key. Is it true the red key will start the bike if the immobilizer locked?
Taken directly from my manual:
The Red key performs the same functions as the black keys,
and is also used to wipe off and re-program other black
keys, if needed.
When the ignition key is turned to OFF, the immobilizer
inhibits engine operation.
When the ignition key is turned back to ON to start the
engine, the following happens:
1) if the CPU recognised the code, the CODE light on the
instrument panel will flash briefly. This means that the
immobilizer system has recognised the key code and
enabled engine ignition. When you press the START
button, the engine will start up.
2) If the CODE light stays on, it means that the code has
not been recognised. When this is the case, turn the
ignition key back to OFF and then to ON again. If the
engine still does not start, try with another black key.
If the other key does not work out either, contact the
DUCATI Service network.
Warning
The keys accommodate electronic components
inside. If dropped or hit, they might damage.
Duplicate keys
If you need any duplicate keys, contact the DUCATI
Service network with all the keys you have left and your
CODE CARD.
DUCATI Service will program up to 8 new keys and reprogram
your original keys.
You may be asked to identify yourself as the legitimate
owner of the motorcycle. Be sure have any documents
you might need to this end ready.
The codes of any keys not submitted will be wiped off
from the memory to make those keys unserviceable in
case they have been lost.
Note
If you sell your motorcycle, do not forget to give all
keys and the CODE CARD to the new owner
Found something interesting in the manual i never knew about these stupid immobilizers....
Warning
This vehicle is equipped with an energy-saving
CPU. If the key stays ON for a long period but the ignition
button is not pressed within 15 seconds, the CPU will
stop operating to avoid current absorption. Move the key
to OFF and then to ON again.
That's not as dumb as the immobilizer locking because the instrument panel gets wet. One poster suggested keeping your code card 'number' with you while keeping the actual code card at home. I highly recommend this as well as learning the process for unlocking the immobilizer. You have to turn your bike on a specific way and use your throttle to actually enter the secret code in. It's not hard once you learn the process but it took me a few tries with help of another guy in my garage to get it right. I'd hate to learn the process on the side of the road in the rain.
That will teach you not to neglect your monster ;D
Quote from: gnostic203 on July 30, 2008, 09:55:37 AM
That's not as dumb as the immobilizer locking because the instrument panel gets wet. One poster suggested keeping your code card 'number' with you while keeping the actual code card at home. I highly recommend this as well as learning the process for unlocking the immobilizer. You have to turn your bike on a specific way and use your throttle to actually enter the secret code in. It's not hard once you learn the process but it took me a few tries with help of another guy in my garage to get it right. I'd hate to learn the process on the side of the road in the rain.
Whats the process? I never got the manual for my bike since i bought it used.
Quote from: He Man on July 30, 2008, 06:05:12 PM
Whats the process? I never got the manual for my bike since i bought it used.
Owner's manuals for 2000 and newer Ducs are available here:
http://www.ducati.com/en/bikes/index.jhtml;jsessionid=XVFQSA5S51FLACRNCB3CFFIKFUIHSIV1