Antenna or keys?

[ITSec]

I'm trying to figure out whether the security antenna or the keys on my (now well-used) Norge are giving me grief.

On a slowly increasing frequency, when I turn the key to ON I do not get the needle sweep and light show, but instead get a prompt to enter the security code. Turn the switch back to OFF once, twice or thrice, and eventually the proper needle sweep and light show allows the bike to start normally.

Since this is an inconsistent behavior, it's a bit difficult to trace, but it seems to me that either the antenna is getting weak and not sending or receiving the security signal properly, or else the keys (RFID or whatever) are getting weak or inconsistent in their response.

Any thoughts?

[Kiwi Dave]

I reckon it's neither.  If the antenna or key was bad, it would be asking for your user code.

I'm guessing your dashboard might be about to play up.  I'd check the large connector to it for corrosion.

[Huzo]

I'm trying to figure out whether the security antenna or the keys on my (now well-used) Norge are giving me grief.

On a slowly increasing frequency, when I turn the key to ON I do not get the needle sweep and light show, but instead get a prompt to enter the security code. Turn the switch back to OFF once, twice or thrice, and eventually the proper needle sweep and light show allows the bike to start normally.

Since this is an inconsistent behavior, it's a bit difficult to trace, but it seems to me that either the antenna is getting weak and not sending or receiving the security signal properly, or else the keys (RFID or whatever) are getting weak or inconsistent in their response.

Any thoughts?

Is that what the flashing light is on the panel that never stops ?

[yogidozer]

gotta love these modern motorcycles

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izQB2-Kmiic&feature=related

[Zoom Zoom]

If it were the key, using your spare should prove that out pretty quick. Otherwise, I would also suggest checking for corrosion as Dave suggested.

On another note, have you checked the battery? Maybe it is getting weak, I don't know. Just a thought.

John Henry

[yogidozer]

Have you checked the particle accelerator?

[RinkRat II]

  Awfer criissakes mon, it't the fookin crystals. More dilithium dammit!!

[ITSec]

Is that what the flashing light is on the panel that never stops ?

No, the flashing light is an LED that can be turned off in settings...

[kirb]

Asking for the code suggests a failure to see the key via RFID. Try the other key. That should help narrow the problem

[ITSec]

I have tried both keys - since it happens inconsistently, it's rather hard to say for sure, but it appears to be happening with them both with about the same frequency.

However, over the years I have used both keys off and on, and both are from 2008 - so both RFID chips have been interrogated about the same number of times, and both are some 8 years old.

Thus my confusion...

As for cleaning the connection, anyone who has pulled the ECU knows that this is an undertaking worthy of using as a punishment for defiant Roman demi-gods 

[Huzo]

No, the flashing light is an LED that can be turned off in settings...

Wow that's great news I T !  I'll try to understand if you could take the time to give me a little navigation lesson through the menu, it would be very much appreciated thank you. Huzo.

[pete roper]

My guess is antenna. I've never experienced a key chip issue but antenna issues are rare but happen.

When you say it asks for the 'Security Code' do you mean your user code? If so its most likely the antenna.

Pete

[Darren Williams]

My 2008 1200 Sport did that a few time when I was having dash problem, It was the second dash to go IIRC. I would turn off and back on and it would usually cycle up properly.  After that dash replacement I don't believe it never happened again.  So could have been the connection, but I suspect otherwise.

This is just one example and I have heard of antenna issues before, although not that common.  I would check and clean the antenna connections first, if it was me.  Be glad it isn't like a BMW where you don't have a user code option to over ride it!

Good luck.

[ITSec]

So, the question is - where is the antenna connection and antenna? And do I have to wrestle that @#$%^ connector off the ECU to deal with this?

[MAC]

I had an antenna issue last season.I ordered a new antenna before I really checked things out.It turn out to be a loose plug for the antenna.Just pull the tank and follow the wire from the ignition switch to the left side of the steering neck.The plug is stuffed in there.

[ITSec]

I had an antenna issue last season.I ordered a new antenna before I really checked things out.It turn out to be a loose plug for the antenna.Just pull the tank and follow the wire from the ignition switch to the left side of the steering neck.The plug is stuffed in there.

Thanks - I'm pulling the tank to add some auxiliary lights and clean up the wiring for the cruise, so it's a good time to get this handled.

[pete roper]

Yup, antenna sits around the ignition switch. Hopefully it'll just be a loose connection as getting it off the switch is a bit of a pig.

Look at where the cable goes into the plastic switch surround. If they are going to go tits it's usually a stress fracture at that point.

Pete

[kirb]

Just make sure that you don't have a strong radio signal around when you are attempting to troubleshoot this problem.

Sitting at a gas pump with RFID chip readers makes Ducati wireless keys sometimes not work, for example.
A strong WIFI in your garage could do the same thing, maybe.

[Chuck in Indiana]

You can't imagine how much I'd like to have an immobilizer on all my bikes..   

[twhitaker]

You can't imagine how much I'd like to have an immobilizer on all my bikes..   

I thought the immobilizer was stenciled onto the sides of the gas tank. 

[Chuck in Indiana]

I thought the immobilizer was stenciled onto the sides of the gas tank. 

True, true. Who's going to steal one? You can't trade Guzzi parts for crack..

[Guzzistajohn]

A buddy of mine was returning from Sturgis on his SP with a harley dude. They got a room for the night, harley dude puts all the fancy locks on the bike and they go to sleep. Get up in the AM the hawg is gone and the SP was untouched with the key still in it. Guzzi anti theft technology works!

[twowings]

LOL! Hurray for European engineering!!

Had a friend with a Rambler wagon so battered and rusty he couldn't sell it to anyone so he left it running keys in it in town with a full tank of gas and a new 8-track tape deck installed and it sat there for nearly 10 hours before some kind soul reached in the window and turned it off out of concern...the town cops made him come and get it! 

[Huzo]

True, true. Who's going to steal one? You can't trade Guzzi parts for crack..

Ouch!!!!

[Arizona Wayne]

A buddy of mine was returning from Sturgis on his SP with a harley dude. They got a room for the night, harley dude puts all the fancy locks on the bike and they go to sleep. Get up in the AM the hawg is gone and the SP was untouched with the key still in it. Guzzi anti theft technology works!

Years ago a SP owner parked his bike on the hill @ Laguna Seca with the key in it.  I was tempted to take his key out to teach him a lesson.