Used 2003 Honda VTX 1800S motorcycle for sale in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio with 14,462 Miles. This pre-owned Honda VTX1800S offers Corbin seat, saddlebags, quick release windshield, custom grips, custom. Here are the facts about plugs and the VTX 1800 The shallow plugs on the VTX (front right and back left) tend to look nicer than their counterparts, the deep plugs (front left and back right). This is typically a side-effect of the break-in on the motor and tends to “work it’s way out” after the first 6,000-8,000 miles.
This is a list of the FI light error codes that the stock ECU will flash. The FI light is sometimes referred to as the MIL light which is short for “malfunction indicator lamp”. The MIL is the red light labeled “FI” on the dash panel, it lights up momentarily after you turn the key on before you start the bike. Remember when counting these flashes that there are long (1.3 second) flashes as well as short (.5 second) flashes. The long flash represents 10 flashes while the short flash represents 1, this means that one long flash followed by 3 short flashes equal error code 13.
Self-diagnostic procedure
With the kickstand down start the engine. At this point if there is a problem the MIL should start flashing a code. The MIL will only flash a code with the kickstand down AND the engine idling at less than 5000 RPM’s.
If this procedure fails to generate a code you can search the ECU’s memory for the last code it flashed. Turn the key off and remove the seat. Under the seat locate the ECU service check connector, if you have a pre-04 VTX then you are looking for a 3 pin black plug with 2 wires (green and brown) entering the back (see pic). If it is an 04 or newer VTX then you are looking for a 4 pin red plug with 4 wires (green, brown, green/orange and black/white) and a red snap-on cover.
Neither plug should be plugged into anything.
Honda Vtx 1800 Parts
You can also find additional information and pics about this process on my forums at this link. The information found there is especially important to read if you have the 04+ VTX with the newer red plug.
Using a small piece of wire short out the 2 wires in the connector (use the wire to connect the 2 terminals in the plug). Turn the key on and flip the kill switch (big red button in right switch housing) to the on position. If there is an error code in the ECU’s memory the MIL will start to flash the code as soon as you turn the key on. If there is NOT an error code in the ECU’s memory then the MIL will just light up and stay on.
2003 Honda Vtx 1800 Service Manual Pdf
Once you have an error code you can reference the table below to find out where your problem is.
At this time I have refrained from listing the exact procedure for troubleshooting every single cause because there are about 40 pages of detailed instructions in the manual outlining the procedures – many requiring special tools.
| VTX 1800 ECU Error Codes | ||
| # flashes | Symptoms | Causes |
|---|---|---|
| 0 (no flash) | Engine doesn’t start |
|
| Engine operates normally |
| |
| 0 (stays lit) | Engine operates normally |
|
| 1 | Engine operates normally |
|
| 2 | Engine operates normally |
|
| 7 | Hard start at low temps |
|
| 8 | Poor engine response when operating the throttle quickly |
|
| 9 | Engine operates normally |
|
| 10 | Engine operates normally |
|
| 11 | Engine operates normally |
|
| 12 | Engine doesn’t start |
|
| 13 | Engine doesn’t start |
|
| 18 | Engine doesn’t start |
|
| 19 | Engine doesn’t start |
|
| 21 | Engine operates normally |
|
| 23 | Engine operates normally |
|
| 33 | Engine operates normally but does not store self-diagnosis data |
|
Sensor locations
While this isn’t the best picture in the world it should give you a decent idea of where to find things: