k1200travelor
New member
I have a 2018 GTL with aprox 5,700 miles. Last fall I noticed that it was a bit hard to start when the weather got cooler. I mentioned it to my dealer, but nothing came of it. The computer checkout indicated a faulty throttle body assembly which was replaced, but didn't seem to really solve the problem. I decided to live with it until spring.
Then this winter I started it several times in the garage when the temps were in the 35 - 40 degree range. Very difficult to start, one time it took 5 tries. Sounded very much like it needed a choke ( I know it's electronic) because it just didn't want to keep running. Two - three weeks ago with the temp about 42 I took it for a ride. Again hard start, 3 tries, and then running rough for the first 1/2 mile. I documented all the hard starts with sound recordings on my phone.
Took it to the dealer last week and got good news. There is a notification for this problem. it is titled "Software update for SMSX and K48 instrument cluster US 47659129-02 - 5/24/16".
Complaint:
1. Engine fails to start, even though the starter turns.
2. Engine runs poorly or has reduced power.
Cause
The manufacturing tolerances for individual electronic modules in the control unit lead to signal levels outside of the expected range and cause poor engine running in the emergency program or a failure of the engine to start, even though the starter is turning.
Apparently their QC isn't what it should be on these electronic modules - so instead of replacing the out spec modules they rewrote the software to accommodate the wider tolerances. I guess that's one way of addressing the problem. Dealer did the software update (and the 6,000 service) and it worked. No more hard starts - fired right up today at 33 degrees and actually seems to be smoother running. We'll see as the riding season gets underway.
Then this winter I started it several times in the garage when the temps were in the 35 - 40 degree range. Very difficult to start, one time it took 5 tries. Sounded very much like it needed a choke ( I know it's electronic) because it just didn't want to keep running. Two - three weeks ago with the temp about 42 I took it for a ride. Again hard start, 3 tries, and then running rough for the first 1/2 mile. I documented all the hard starts with sound recordings on my phone.
Took it to the dealer last week and got good news. There is a notification for this problem. it is titled "Software update for SMSX and K48 instrument cluster US 47659129-02 - 5/24/16".
Complaint:
1. Engine fails to start, even though the starter turns.
2. Engine runs poorly or has reduced power.
Cause
The manufacturing tolerances for individual electronic modules in the control unit lead to signal levels outside of the expected range and cause poor engine running in the emergency program or a failure of the engine to start, even though the starter is turning.
Apparently their QC isn't what it should be on these electronic modules - so instead of replacing the out spec modules they rewrote the software to accommodate the wider tolerances. I guess that's one way of addressing the problem. Dealer did the software update (and the 6,000 service) and it worked. No more hard starts - fired right up today at 33 degrees and actually seems to be smoother running. We'll see as the riding season gets underway.
