CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AFTER ECU FLASH

⚠️ Important Notes:

  • READ ALL OF THIS PAGE - MORE INFO PER BRAND IS TWORDS THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE.

 

Check Engine Light: Post-flash, some bikes may display a check engine light or enter limp mode. This is normal and should resolve within approximately 50 miles of riding. If it does not turn off the check engine light after 50 miles. You may have to have a dealership or service center plug into the bikes diagnostics port and clear all the codes. We cannot predict whether or not your bike will experience a check engine light after we flash the ECU. Some bikes will and some bikes won't. 

  • EXAMPLE: You have two of the exact same bike with the exact same modifications and the exact same ECU. One bike has a code after ECU was flashed. The other bike has no codes. This is a perfect example of what can and most likely will happen in some scenarios. We have seen it happen ourselves. 


  • It should also be noted that some bikes, especially 2016 or newer. When you disconnect things like an exhaust servo motor, pair valve (AIS) sensor, charcoal canister (EVAP) sensor, O2 sensor (OXYGEN SENSOR) Can throw an engine code when the sensor is actually removed. Even if we turn off the settings in the ECU. 


If there is a code after we flash the ECU. If everything seems to be working correctly. Ride the bike. Most likely the code will go away within 20 to 50 mi. If the code has not gone away within 100 miles. Take it to a dealership or service center and have them clear the code / codes. 

  • IF THE CODE / CODES COME BACK THEN REACH OUT TO US.


Modifications Disclosure: Any undisclosed modifications will be considered stock during tuning.

 

We can not ever guarantee Pops & Bangs style tuning. This will depend allot on your Bike and Mods. We can try if it is requested.

 

FOR ALL MOTORCYCLES, ALL BRANDS, ALL YEARS. WHEN YOU REINSTALL YOUR ECU AFTER HAVING IT FLASHED. IT IS BEST PRACTICE TO DOUBLE CHECK ALL CONNECTIONS. PUT THE KILL SWITCH IN THE RUN POSITION SO THE FUEL PUMP CAN PRIME. TURN THE POWER ON FOR 30 SECONDS. THEN POWER DOWN FOR 10 SECONDS. THEN POWER UP FOR 30 SECONDS. THEN POWER DOWN FOR 10 SECONDS. THEN POWER UP FOR 30 SECONDS. THEN POWER DOWN FOR 10 SECONDS. NOW TURN THE KEY ON AND START THE BIKE. THIS WILL AVOID A LOT OF FALSE ENGINE CODES ON MOST MOTORCYCLES.

 

FURTHER NOTES PER BRAND:

 

TRIUMPH:

  • 2016 and newer Triumph models are known to throw an engine code after ECU flash. Typically these codes will go away after a few key cycles. Here's the steps you should follow. After installing your newly flashed ECU. Put the kill switch in the run position. Turn the key on. Wait 30 seconds. Turn the key off Wait 10 seconds. Turn the key on. Wait 30 seconds. Turn the key off wait 10 seconds. Turn the key on wait 30 seconds and then start the bike. Most likely this will clear any codes. If this does not clear the codes on your triumph. If everything starts up and runs correctly but you still have a check engine light. Ride the bike. If everything feels like it should. Continue to ride the bike. After about 20 to 50 mi engine codes should go away. If the engine codes don't go away after 100 miles but everything is still seems to be running perfect. Take it to a dealership or service center and have them clear the codes. If the codes come back then you should  reach out to BLR TUNING so we can give you further instructions. 

 

YAMAHA:

  • with all 2016 and newer Yamaha models. It should be expected that you're going to see a check engine light after ECU flash. It should also be noted that on all 2020 and newer Yamahas. If there is a exhaust servo motor installed from the factory. Or AIS sensor. Even if we turn these sensors off in the ECU. You cannot unplug the physical item plugged in. You have to leave it there even if it's just sitting there doing nothing. If you unplug it it will throw a check engine code and that code will not go away. The trick to getting the engine light to shut off on Yamaha models. Cycle the key on, then off, then back on, then back off. Now wait for 2 minutes. Then turn the key on and start the bike. If it still has codes. You can follow these steps. In first gear in a safe area. Ride the bike and tell you reach 25 mph. Once you reach 25 mph. Grab the clutch and shut the key off. Keep the clutch in and coast to the stop. The bike needs to stay powered down for 2 minutes. Do not turn it on early. Now repeat this cycle once more. Then repeat it once more after that. So you'll do this a total of three times. When you start the bike back up after the third time. Check engine lights should be gone. At our shop when we flash in ECU for Yamaha. If there's any check engine light. We do this process and it takes us 5 minutes to get rid of the code in most scenarios. There is nothing we can do to tell you whether or not your Yamaha is going to have an engine code. You won't know until you plug it back into the bike after we have flashed the ECU. If engine codes persist after 100 mi. Take it to a dealership or service center and ask them to clear the code / codes. If you are here local to us in Vancouver Washington. We can clear the codes on most Yamaha models.

 

HONDA:

  • With all Honda motorcycles. They seem to be pretty resilient. When we flash an ECU. We clear all codes before we ship the ECU back to you just like we would on any other motorcycle. On Honda this seems to just do the trick on its own. Only in rare occasions will you end up with a check engine light on a Honda ecu. If you do end up with a check engine light. You just have to ride the bike. As long as everything feels like it's running perfect and smooth. Ride the bike. After shutting the key on and off after riding a couple times engine codes will go away on their own. If they do not go away after 120 mi. Take it to a dealership or service center and have them clear the code / codes. If those codes come back. Feel free to reach out to BLR TUNING.

 

KAWASAKI: 

  • On all 2016 and newer Kawasaki models. While it is not common to see a engine code after ECU flash. Occasionally it can happen. We cannot tell you if your ECU is going to throw a code after it install or not. It seems to be pretty random. We don't usually run into these problems with Kawasaki though. If your Kawasaki does have a engine code after flash. Let the bike sit and idle for about 10 minutes. Shut it down. Wait for 2 minutes minimum. Then start the bike up and let it idle for about 10 minutes. Now shut it down again. Wait for 2 minutes. Power back up and start the bike and see if the engine codes went away. If they did not go away. If everything seems to be running correctly. Ride the bike. Engine codes on Kawasaki will usually go away within 50 miles. The trick for Kawasaki to get an engine code to go away that is a false code. It's kind of a tricky one. You have to ride the bike and once you get it above 25 mph you need to ride for 5 mi. Then shut it down. Wait 2 minutes. Then do it again. You have to do this three times back to back. The fourth time you go to start the bike and encodes will most likely be gone. If your engine codes are not gone by 100 miles. Take it to a dealership or service center and ask them to clear the code for you. If engine codes come back. Reach out to BLR TUNING. 

 

SUZUKI:

  • All 2016 and newer Suzuki models are capable of throwing an engine code after ECU flash. However it is not something that we typically see. Suzuki ECUs are pretty resilient to handling an ECU flashlight like it's nothing. If you're a Suzuki has a check engine light after the ECU flash. As long as everything checks out and seems to be running okay and you know that everything has been plugged in the way it's supposed to be. Cycle the key three times in a row. On off, on off, on off, wait 2 minutes. Now power up the bike and start it and see if the engine code is gone. If the engine code is not gone. As long as everything seems to be running great. Ride the bike. Any engine codes that are false should go away within 20 mi or so. If they haven't gone away within 100 miles. Take it to a dealership or service center and have them clear the codes. If engine codes come back. Reach out to BLR TUNING 

KTM:

It is common for KTM motorcycles to display a Check Engine Light (CEL), diagnostic trouble codes, or even temporarily enter limp mode after an ECU flash. This behavior is not unique to BLR TUNING and can occur regardless of who performs the ECU flash.

During the flashing process, the ECU is powered on outside of the motorcycle while various sensors, modules, and components are disconnected. When the ECU is reinstalled, it may detect these missing components during its startup and self-diagnostic procedures, causing fault codes to be stored in memory. In most cases, these are false fault codes and do not indicate an actual problem with the motorcycle.

  • To Help Prevent Unnecessary Fault Codes
  • Before installing your flashed ECU, follow these steps:


  • 1. Disconnect the motorcycle battery before installing the ECU.
  • 2. Install the flashed ECU and reconnect all factory connectors.
  • 3. Reconnect the battery.
  • 4. Turn the ignition key ON and allow the motorcycle to sit for approximately 10 seconds.
  • 5. Turn the ignition key OFF and wait 1 full minute.
  • 6. Turn the ignition key ON again and then start the motorcycle normally.

Following this procedure can help reduce the likelihood of stored fault codes, although it does not guarantee they will be avoided.

  • Check Engine Lights & Limp Mode After Flashing

Approximately 80% of KTM motorcycles will display one or more fault codes after an ECU flash. Some motorcycles will not display any codes at all, while others may illuminate the Check Engine Light immediately after installation.

In some cases, the motorcycle may enter a temporary limp mode. This is typically caused by the stored fault codes rather than an actual mechanical or electrical issue.

If your motorcycle displays a Check Engine Light or enters limp mode after the ECU flash:

Continue riding the motorcycle normally whenever it is safe to do so.

Most motorcycles will automatically clear the false codes and return to normal operation after approximately 20–50 miles of riding.

As the ECU completes its self-learning and diagnostic routines, the Check Engine Light will often turn off on its own.

  • If Codes Remain Active

If the Check Engine Light remains illuminated after approximately 100 miles of riding, we recommend visiting an authorized KTM dealership or qualified KTM service facility and requesting that the stored fault codes be cleared using KTM diagnostic equipment.

In the overwhelming majority of cases, these are simply residual codes generated during the flashing process and do not indicate a problem with the ECU flash or the motorcycle itself.

  • Important Note

A Check Engine Light appearing after an ECU flash does not automatically mean there is a fault with the tune, ECU, or motorcycle. KTM's diagnostic system is extremely sensitive to interruptions in sensor and module communication during ECU programming. Because of this, temporary fault codes following an ECU flash are considered normal and expected behavior on many KTM models.


If you have questions or concerns regarding fault codes after your BLR TUNING ECU flash, please contact us before replacing parts or scheduling repairs. We are happy to help determine whether the codes are simply part of the normal post-flash adaptation process.

 

LEGAL:

  • REMEMBER WHEN YOU ARE HANDING ANYONE YOUR ECU. WHETHER IT'S US OR A DIFFERENT COMPANY. YOU ARE ALWAYS DOING SO AT YOUR OWN RISK. AT THE END OF THE DAY IT'S AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE. ANYTHING CAN GO WRONG. ECU's CAN FAIL. THEY ARE NOT BULLETPROOF. YOU TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR ECU. WHETHER IT GETS DAMAGED, FAILS, OR THE MAILMAN LOSES IT. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR ECU AT THE END OF THE DAY. WE / BLR TUNING ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY LOST, STOLEN, OR DAMAGED ECU.

 

  • OUR CUSTOM TUNING IS MADE FOR TRACK / OFF-ROAD / CLOSED COURSE USE ONLY.
  • OUR TUNING IS FOR 91-98 OCTANE UNLESS WE SPECIFY OR YOU REQUESTED SOMETHING DIFFERENT.
  • WE ALWAYS ENCOURAGE YOU TO FOLLOW ALL TRAFFIC LAWS.
  • WE DO NOT ENCOURAGE OR ENDORSE RECKLESS DRIVING OR SPEEDING. 

 

BE RESPONSIBLE, RIDE SAFE

 

OUR POLICIES CLICK HERE

FREE LIFE TIME TUNING INFO CLICK HERE

 

YOU CAN ALWAYS EMAIL US:   BLRTUNING.TECH@gmail.com

 

WE USE WOOLICH RACING SOFTWARE AND DATA CABLES FOR ALL ECU FLASH TUNING. WE CAN REACH OUT TO THEM FOR SUPPORT IF WE NEED TO.

 

WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CANCEL YOUR ORDER AND DENY SERVICE:

  • We ONLY SHIP WITHIN THE USA
  • WE WILL NOT SHIP A ECU TO CALIFORNIA
  • WE WILL NOT SHIP OUTSIDE THE USA
  • WE WILL NOT FILL OUT CUSTOMS PAPERWORK

 

  • ALL ECU's CAN BE SHIPPED TO -

BLR TUNING
3007 NE Whitman Ave
Vancouver, WA 98662
United States