2004 VFR cutting out

My friend and i went for a 300 mile ride today and his 2004 VFR with 30,000+ miles on it cut out intermittently. when we tried to start it the "FI" light was lit and it would crank but not start, we waited a bit then it would go. later it wouldn't stop flashing the "FI" light. we disconected the battery in hopes of resetting the computer which worked for about 80 miles then cut out at 55MPH. it did start and he made it home. i think it is the battery starting to not put out the proper amps and thus confuses the electronics or it is dirt in the fuel injectors although he has been using an additive octane/ethanol fix to the gas for the last few tank fulls, any ideas,??? we think to replace the battery since it is over 3 yrs. old...help...

 

Hmm doesn't really sound like a faulty battery, would have to run a test on battery to know though. But it sounds more like a sensor or electrical component getting hot and malfunctioning. The flashing FI light is a code for what it is picking up on. When the FI light comes on leave the engine on with kickstand down and count the flashes. Long flashes are for 10's digit and short flashes are for 1's digit. Example one long flash followed by three short flashes is 13. Post results. Another question, has the wiring recall been done? Also, it may be a good idea to pull the side fairings off and check all the wireing for burned/melted wiring/connectors.

 

thanks for the advice. the FI flashing is quick and multiple times, hard to count. But we did go thru the harness by the battery and there was considerable corrosion of the contacts and the 30 amp fuse. replaced the fuse with an inline one and cleaned and used the electro lube on all other contacts, part of that cluster seemed like it had gotten hot and melted the plastic wrap a little. the bike hasn't given any funny readings. we ran it til the fan came on, so, so far so good, thanks for the help we will have to see if that was the fix...

 

Whitedove,as Mrsleep said has your buddy had the dash wire harness replaced yet on his '04?

The dash wire harness was a known electrical problem with the earlier 6th gen. model bikes. The bike intermittently cutting out and the FI light going haywire were just some of the symptoms that the dash harness was melting and shorting out.

Have your buddy take his bike to the local Honda dealer and have them check to see if his bike has had the dash wire harness replaced yet.

The dash wire harness was a recall by Honda and should be replaced free of charge.

 

Good find! That fuse holder is a common failure point. I would still highly suggest pulling right fairing off and checking wiring/connections for the stator and R/R. Best to find these problems before they get too severe. I check my wiring once or twice a year just for peace of mind.

 

we did remove the fairing too and pulled on and checked all wires, so good there. He is the third owner and we don't know if dash wire harness was replaced with the recall but he'll be investigating that. we'll let ya know...thanks for all the help, its great to have this forum!!

 

It would help if you guys will post a picture or two with the location of the different hot spots for the benefit of the newbees...

Are there other issues with the vfr? I am considering getting one... my budget will allow me to get a 2002-2004 make, or should I stay with a 2001?

 

best bike in the world, buy one 6th gen....