FI Light stays on

Discussion in '5th Generation 1998-2001' started by Eugen, Jun 17, 2026 at 11:52 PM.

  1. Eugen

    Eugen New Member

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    Hello everyone,
    I took my 1998 VFR for a spin yesterday after two weeks of standing ( rainy and cold weather), started without any issues, went for a 30 minute ride, parked it on the side stand and shut it off. After a hour started the bike and the FI light stayed on; started again but nothing changed. The bike starts and runs well , arrived home, removed the battery, charged it, put back but the light stays on.
    Any tips on what should I check?
    Cheers
     


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  2. raYzerman

    raYzerman Member

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    Suggest retrieving the error codes from the ECU.... see what you have and go from there.
     


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  3. Eugen

    Eugen New Member

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    I tried to read the error codes but the FI light is not flashing, absolutely nothing, it just stays on and nothing happens.
    Found some things on google to check: removed the negative terminal from battery and turned the ignition ON for 5 minutes, nothing.
    Tried to insert the paper clip into the diagnostic connector while the bike was idling, it should have dumped ECM historic error log and the light should start blinking, but nothing.
    Removed the kick stand sensor and put the bike in 1st gear while idling and the engine switched off, I guess the sensor is good.
    Will check the voltage of the battery later and with that I'm out of ideas what else to do
     


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  4. raYzerman

    raYzerman Member

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    My memory is bad, but I had an FI light on mine, and it turned out to be a MAP sensor issue. I found a used one, replaced it and that fixed it up. Don't know if that is your issue, but not likely anything to do with the start circuit/side stand/clutch switch/kill switch... Perhaps ensure MAP sensor connections are clean and hoses good. There's a second MAP behind the right side/tail cover that has no hose and is vented to atmosphere. You could try swapping them around.
     


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  5. Eugen

    Eugen New Member

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    I checked the voltage of the battery and it says 12.8V, with the engine started the multimeter read is 13.5 to 14V. I then put the multimeter again on the battery and when I started the bike the voltage dropped for a second to 9V and after that it went up to 13.4-13.5. I'm guessing the battery is on its last legs, it has more than 2 years
    Will check the MAP sensor as well, thanks for the advice.
     


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  6. vfrgiving

    vfrgiving New Member

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    If you have doubts on the battery take it to any major auto parts chain store and let them load test it.
     


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  7. Terry Smith

    Terry Smith Member

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    Your procedure for getting the FI into diagnostic mode sounds flawed. On the sidestand with the engine idling should generate blinks. Or with the ignition off, short the service connector, then turn the ignition on, will generate blinks if there are any stored faults. If that doesn't work there is a reset procedure as well to clear any stored fault codes.
     

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  8. Eugen

    Eugen New Member

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    I will check everything again, also got a new battery ( the old one wasn't even the right spec, 12V 11.8 ah).
    Could it be that the bank angle sensor is bad and the bike doesn't know it is leaning on the side stand? I'm thinking of this because a butterfly flew from under the dash when I removed the bike cover and maybe it messed up some wires.
     


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  9. raYzerman

    raYzerman Member

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    The bike is running, so bank angle sensor should be OK??
     


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  10. vfrgiving

    vfrgiving New Member

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    I've dealt with a handful of FI lights on various Hondas. None have ever been due to a failed sensor. Dirty wiring connections or crispy fuse holders were cause of all.

    If you can figure out what code is triggering that light, pop open a wiring diagram. Trace out the affected circuit. Crack open and clean connectors that go to it. Hold off on buying any parts.

    Most connectors on these bikes aren't sealed like deutsch connectors. With exception of ECU and maybe injectors, most are open to atmosphere. Oxidation brings resistance which brings headaches
     
    Last edited: Jun 20, 2026 at 3:08 AM


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  11. Eugen

    Eugen New Member

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    Yes it starts and runs well

    I can not get it in diagnose mode, the FI light does not blink at all. Bike on side stand, kill switch on RUN, paper clip in diagnose connector , ignition ON-> no blinks; start the engine and the light stays on

    Should the bike start if the MAP sensor is disconnected ? I removed the plug from the sensor and the bike started
     
    Last edited: Jun 20, 2026 at 5:16 AM


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