Uh-OH dreaded red triangle

[Ncdan]

Another big clue to it being either a bad sensor or bad connection is that the light and oil can comes on after 10 seconds or so with just the key in the on position, not even started. I was in the middle of a ride when it first happened. Hit a bump and it went off... Rode for another month before it happened again, then I pulled the tank. Took 10 minutes. No need to put on a rack Dan, can be done anywhere. 

If this is the first time you are taking the tank off, remember to lift the tank, disconnect the electrics for the fuel pump, then turn on key and cycle the starter a bit. This will relieve pressure in the system and make removing the fuel line disconnect easier. It is a strange combination of pressing the line slightly towards the tank connector and pulling the ring back. This detaches the latches. The Collar comes off WITH the fuel line, leaving only the barb sticking out of the tank. Be aware it is plastic and likes to break if you put too much pressure on it.

Thanks for the response Mopar!
I’m a little confused about the pulling the tank issue. I can easily get to the sensor which is screwed into the oil pan. It has a wire running to it with a rubber boot covering the plug sensor. There is also a zip tie attached to the rubber boot, sealing it off. Last night, by lying on the floor I was able to take my fingers and turn the wire and the boot, Maybe to see if it is a bad connection issue (to remove the boot and check the connection properly I’ll have to put on a lift and remove the fan for easier access).  After I did this I have started the bike several times with no triangle lite issue, except the every 4 seconds while sitting with switch off.
If this stops the issue for a time but starts again I will go all the way with removing the boot and checking the wire connection to the sensor.

[Bulldog9]

Thanks for the response Mopar!
I’m a little confused about the pulling the tank issue. I can easily get to the sensor which is screwed into the oil pan. It has a wire running to it with a rubber boot covering the plug sensor. There is also a zip tie attached to the rubber boot, sealing it off. Last night, by lying on the floor I was able to take my fingers and turn the wire and the boot, Maybe to see if it is a bad connection issue (to remove the boot and check the connection properly I’ll have to put on a lift and remove the fan for easier access).  After I did this I have started the bike several times with no triangle lite issue, except the every 4 seconds while sitting with switch off.
If this stops the issue for a time but starts again I will go all the way with removing the boot and checking the wire connection to the sensor.

I think that may be a temp switch for the cooling fan. The MGX had one of these in the plumbing to the oil cooler. The main Oil Pressure switch (at least on all my Guzzi's MGX, Norge, Griso, V7)  is in the valley between the cylinders, thus under the tank. Do you get the little oilcan too?  If not, then it is likely not the oil pressure sensor.

[lucian]

   According to this manual the temp sensor is located in the v between cylinders and the oil sensor is in the bottom of the sump
 Bulldog is right about the oil sensor being between the v on the 1200 motor
   From the service manual for the 1400;
Engine oil pressure sensor
ENGINE OIL PRESSURE SENSOR
Function: it indicates to the instrument panel if
there is enough oil pressure (0.5 + / - 0.2 bar (7.25
+ / - 2.9 PSI)) in the engine.
Operation / Operating principle: normally closed
switch. With oil pressure above 0.5 + / -0.2 bar
(7.25 + / - 2.9 PSI), open circuit.
Location on the vehicle: right side of the vehicle,
under the oil sump

Engine temperature sensor
Function
tells the engine temperature to the control unit so
as to optimise its operation.
Operation / Operating principle
NTC type sensor (resistance sensor, inversely
variable with temperature).
Level in electrical circuit diagram:Temperature
sensors
Location:
• Sensor: within the engine "V"
• Connector: on the sensor

[Ncdan]

Thanks to all for the research and assistance you have given me with this situation however this is the only conclusion I can logically come to.
Last night I turned the rubber boot back and forth a few times. The wire felt very secure and the rubber boot was in place and held secure with a zip tie. It was very clean, no mud, debris etc. I started it several times before retiring with no red triangle. All day I started it in the same position, probably 10 times, no red triangle. Before retiring tonight I started it once more for good measure. I’ll be d@€£ if the red triangle come on blinking with a vengeance!!! I turned the switch off, waited a couple seconds and restarted. No blinking red light.
This is no lose connection, period.
I’m giving up on this possessed bastard and ride it until the motor locks up then donate it to the community college mechanic school and let them perform autopsies on it.
I’m glad I have the 83 CB1000c Honda because I don’t trust this Motorcycle as far as I can throw it.
Sorry for the rant:(

[lucian]

OK Dan,  I found the description of the oil sensor location in the service station manual is incorrect, As bulldog suggested, the sensor on the front of the sump, is indeed a thermal switch . The oil pressure sensor is in between the vee and you'll need to lift the tank to check that connection. A blinking red triangle while running is related to the oil pressure sensor.  Hard to believe the shop manual would describe the sensor location as "right side of vehicle below sump". Maybe they meant below tank?  I had to read removal of engine section to discover the location where they show disconnecting it. Anyway maybe worth replacing the sensor  next time you lift the tank.

[Bulldog9]

NCDAN still hasn't confirmed he is also getting the oil can warning. The MGX had this, and shares the right Gauge pack with the other 1400's.  If he doesn't have the oil can he will be wasting his time and continue chasing his tail. Still worth the 10 minutes to pull the tank and check the oil pressure sensor, or keep dinking around.

[lucian]

I'm pretty sure he doesn't have the oil can icon. And there seems no rhyme or reason for the occasional warning. Makes me think a  slightly loose connection or doggy sensor. Hope He gets to the bottom of it before he donates it to science. 

[Ncdan]

NCDAN still hasn't confirmed he is also getting the oil can warning. The MGX had this, and shares the right Gauge pack with the other 1400's.  If he doesn't have the oil can he will be wasting his time and continue chasing his tail. Still worth the 10 minutes to pull the tank and check the oil pressure sensor, or keep dinking around.

Hey Bulldog, thanks for the response. No I’ve never had the oil can or the urgent service code. I was talking to Lucian earlier and was telling him I’m convinced that there is no electric issues involving a lose wire. The past two day I started the bike probably a dozen times to see if the warning triangle would come on. Every time I did I would not touch the bike, just turn the switch as to not move anything which may trigger a response from movement. The triangle never activated, then last night before I went upstairs I figured I’d start it once more. Guess what, yep you got it, nasty little bastard blinking it’s little red heart out😡. Turned the switch off and immediately restarted, low and behold, no red triangle. 5 more starts, no red triangle. I’m done being concerned with it. I’ve bigger fish to fry worrying about when am I going to be able to meet my Pals for breakfast or lunch and ride, WOOHOO😂😂

[Ncdan]

Final post on the red triangle issue:
Fact- the issue is so sporadic and inconsistent that is obvious not an issue which is detrimental for the bike.
Fact- I can remove the blinking triangle by simple turning off the ignition and back on, once or twice for the remainder of the riding day.
Fact- it’s an easy fix if it is the oil pressure sensor under the tank.
Fact- life is to short for one to let a motorcycle, of any brand, to make us crazy.

I want to thank everyone who responded  to this post to help me with the issue. Some of you guys went out of your way to research and help me find a solution. 👍

[TN Mark]

Final post on the red triangle issue:
Fact- the issue is so sporadic and inconsistent that is obvious not an issue which is detrimental for the bike.
Fact- I can remove the blinking triangle by simple turning off the ignition and back on, once or twice for the remainder of the riding day.
Fact- it’s an easy fix if it is the oil pressure sensor under the tank.
Fact- life is to short for one to let a motorcycle, of any brand, to make us crazy.

I want to thank everyone who responded  to this post to help me with the issue. Some of you guys went out of your way to research and help me find a solution. 👍

So, has your red triangle issue been ‘fixed’ with a small piece of black electrical tape, by correcting/replacing a part of by ignoring the red triangle altogether?

[drbone641]

Just for grins, have you switched from daytime to full night lights to see if there's a difference?

[Ncdan]

Just for grins, have you switched from daytime to full night lights to see if there's a difference?

No, is there a connection with the warning triangle and the lights?

[Ncdan]

I had a little scare today. I was riding and made a sharp right turn at a yield intersection. The triangle came on flashing and the bike briefly went into limp mode. At the next stoplight I turned the ignition off and immediately back on, light off and bike ran fine the rest of the way home. Like I’ve said a couple times, this is no loose wire issue, what is causing this I don’t know as of yet but if I keep riding the hell...O out of it something will give sooner or later, one way or another.

[stephenm]

On my 2013 Touring, I started getting seemingly random red triangles, sometimes weeks or months apart. I replaced the clutch microswitch and resolved the problem. This was a few years ago now.

Stephen

[Ncdan]

Ok it happened. I couldn’t sleep so I went to the basement to tinker with the problem child. I checked the oil and it was maybe 1/2 pint low. I added a little bringing the lever to about mid range to full, this is the level at oil changes when the correct amount is added.
Started it up and immediately went from blinking red triangle to full blown red and limp mode!! There were no other warning icons, like URGENT SERVICE or Oil CANS or robots yelling “DANGER WILL ROBINSON” , a little humor to keep from crying🥵
This is not where I start bad mouthing Moto guzzi, it’s just a machine but it can’t be ridden at distance with any confidence in the bike. I’m having flashbacks from the TPS issue at 2700 miles and I’m just now at 7K!
I’m starting to feel a little frustration at this point🥵

[Xlratr]

I was riding and made a sharp right turn at a yield intersection. The triangle came on flashing and the bike briefly went into limp mode.

Did you turn the handlebars to full lock when you made that sharp turn? If so, is it possible that there is not enough play in the wire harness? Is something stretched on full lock?

Like I’ve said a couple times, this is no loose wire issue

Hhmmm. Not so sure.

I'm not an electrics guy by any means but my hunch would be that it's battery or battery connection related. I remember reading about a guy whose mgx went to limp mode and it turned out to be a poor / loose battery earth.

The first Stelvio I had would frequently show the service icon at the first start of the day. After the second start all was good. This was a new original battery. After a couple of years, I replaced the battery with a gel type because of rumours of leaky Yuasa batteries. The service icon never showed up again.

What you are experiencing would drive me crazy too. If it was me I'd invest in a new battery (and makes sure the connections are good).

[Kiwi_Roy]

I looked through Carl's wiring diagrams, the only two things I could see are Oil pressure (39) and Engine Temperature (40)
http://www.thisoldtractor.com/guzzi007/schematics/2014_California_Legend.gif (plus about 5 other drawings)
Someone must have a description of what puts the bike into limp mode, perhaps try sending a PM to Pete Roper or Beetle

While I was posting Xlratr posted. What he said about the battery could make sense, perhaps when you go to start it's a bit low sometimes, for subsequent starts the battery is charged up and the oil warm.
Check the ground for sure, take it right off and file the point where it makes contact to the chassis.
Remove both battery leads and scrape the battery post to show bright lead then apply some Vaseline to prevent lead oxide forming, slap some on the ground point as well.
Five years old is not bad for a battery depending on how its used, if you have a meter put it on the battery while it's cranking, especially the first start of the day.

red warning triangle has been coming up in the first start of the day, on my 2015 1400 Tourer. I can turn if off and back on a couple times and it’s been going away for the rest of the days riding. I was talking with one of the knowledgeable guys here and possibly may be a low voltage issue like maybe the battery getting weak as it’s 5 years old but still starts with vigor. So a few days ago I put the trickle charger on it and for the next couple days the triangle did not appear. However as of yesterday it’s coming on even when hooked up to the charger. 

[Ncdan]

Did you turn the handlebars to full lock when you made that sharp turn? If so, is it possible that there is not enough play in the wire harness? Is something stretched on full lock?

Hhmmm. Not so sure.

I'm not an electrics guy by any means but my hunch would be that it's battery or battery connection related. I remember reading about a guy whose mgx went to limp mode and it turned out to be a poor / loose battery earth.

The first Stelvio I had would frequently show the service icon at the first start of the day. After the second start all was good. This was a new original battery. After a couple of years, I replaced the battery with a gel type because of rumours of leaky Yuasa batteries. The service icon never showed up again.

What you are experiencing would drive me crazy too. If it was me I'd invest in a new battery (and makes sure the connections are good).

Thanks for the response but it is not battery related, unless demonic possession is involved. I took the battery out, had it checked and all there is well. I can start the bike 10 times in a row with no issues and the 11th time it occurs, battery related?

[Ncdan]

Did you turn the handlebars to full lock when you made that sharp turn? If so, is it possible that there is not enough play in the wire harness? Is something stretched on full lock?

Hhmmm. Not so sure.

I'm not an electrics guy by any means but my hunch would be that it's battery or battery connection related. I remember reading about a guy whose mgx went to limp mode and it turned out to be a poor / loose battery earth.

The first Stelvio I had would frequently show the service icon at the first start of the day. After the second start all was good. This was a new original battery. After a couple of years, I replaced the battery with a gel type because of rumours of leaky Yuasa batteries. The service icon never showed up again.

What you are experiencing would drive me crazy too. If it was me I'd invest in a new battery (and makes sure the connections are good).

No, it was a leaning maneuver where turning the handle bars was not an issue.

[Xlratr]

My battery on the Stelvio was about 2 years old and I guess if I'd had it tested it would have shown ok. Yours is 5 years old so it'll be due soon anyway. What does a new battery cost? I'd throw one in and if it still does it at least you can rule it out. Just my opinion.

[Moparnut72]

Yeah, what he said. Batteries are cheap and you really can't expect a battery to last more than 5 years. The batteries in my truck are now 7 years old and going strong but I won't trust them for next winter unless the summer heat gets one of them first.
kk

[Ncdan]

Yep, it’s official, it’s possessed!!!
This morning at 0130 full blown red triangle and limp mode. Got out of charge and just now started it and guess what, started up and no triangle and runs perfectly. This ain’t no short and I don’t think is a bad sensor, it does not follow any known reasonable pattern. I give up!

[Xlratr]

So after a charge it started ok?
Maybe it's the battery ;-)

[Ncdan]

So after a charge it started ok?
Maybe it's the battery ;-)

No X, the battery has never ran down, period as I have monitored it throughout this entire event. Remember I have said I can start it 10 times in a row and it starts and runs fine, then immediately after the 11th attempt, still starting great, the warning comes on blinking. Now when it comes on it’s a solid red triangle and at times goes to limp mode. However thanks for your input and don’t stop helping me think this think out👍

[Ncdan]

I give up, the demon in this motorcycle wins. The plan is to ride the bitch until something fails to the point of an obvious failure, then address the failure. This type of failure in all vehicles due to computer control of the vehicles systems is the price we pay for so called “progress”
I’m thankful I at least have an old bike that is not plagued with this BS.
Does anyone have a bigger boat and a need for an anchor, I have one that would work fine as right now it’s good for nothing else😡😡😡

[Ncdan]

I realize this is boring unless you are a 1400 owner so I’ll wind this subject down. A Guzzidiag scan tonight revealed a PO155 fault code, yep the dreaded TPS. A reset may have fixed the problem since the URGENT SERVICE icon never came up, maybe only one aspect of the four codes in the sensor was out of sync so maybe the reset will fix the issue. If not, can anyone advise the best place to get the sensor from with the best price.
This will be the third replacement of this sensor. As the old saying goes, three strikes and it’s out!

[Huzo]

I realize this is boring unless you are a 1400 owner so I’ll wind this subject down. A Guzzidiag scan tonight revealed a PO155 fault code, yep the dreaded TPS. A reset may have fixed the problem since the URGENT SERVICE icon never came up, maybe only one aspect of the four codes in the sensor was out of sync so maybe the reset will fix the issue. If not, can anyone advise the best place to get the sensor from with the best price.
This will be the third replacement of this sensor. As the old saying goes, three strikes and it’s out!

No no no....NC.
It’s not boring just because “we don’t own one..”
I was a Union delegate for many years and I always fostered an environment where if one person is in trouble...?
Everyone is in trouble.
It’s a commentary on the solidarity of the membership that those (temporarily) in the clear, get in behind one who is not as if they were themselves...
I don’t know much about your malady, but I’m intereste from the perimeter..

[Moparnut72]

As one of the limited number of 1400 owners here I for one would be interested in keeping up with any issues regarding these bikes. I really like mine and can't envision ever giving it up due to lack of knowledge to cure any problems. My local dealer is probably not a way to resolve any issues so the more I can store in my pea brain the better off I will be. I as maybe others would be appreciative of any insight you can give us as to what you find to cure the problem you are experiencing. Good luck and don't give up, these are great bikes.
kk

[lucian]

https://www.af1racing.com/store/Scripts/prodView.asp?idProduct=13455&sku=B044414&description=OEM+Aprilia+Demand+Sensor+-+B044414+%28ex+872664%29&action=View

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Aprilia-Moto-Guzzi-Piaggio-Throttle-Acceleration-Position-Sensor-B044414/353030381555?epid=18010415974&hash=item5232401ff3:g:cL0AAOSw5nxeg6XR

[drbone641]

No, is there a connection with the warning triangle and the lights?

On my Eldo, I was starting up and running fine, until I went past dusk. The battery was charged up and checked good. I switched from daytime to nighttime lights and began getting the triangle etc. Went through everything, charged the battery again etc. Still the Triangle. Put a new battery in, had Dealer reset the triangle and no more issues. The charging system, will show 14.2 volts when I am running and in daytime mode, it drops to 14.1 when I turn the night lights on. .1 volts have caused issues in other applications and I'm just saying there may be an issue, even thought 'the battery tests fine'. Just thinking out loud