Venture Flash codes not in any manuals

T

tripplec

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I have a few PDF manual and there is no reference chart as to what the Smart carb codes are when they flash. Other than the startup 3 flash test mode. A lot of good the manuals are when the diagnostics cannot be interpreted. Yamaha dealer won't reveal this secret even now on an 18 year old sled.

:o|
 
What are you getting for flashes? The only one I know is the overheat one, long flash and three quick.
 
helps if you have the correct manual for that sled as the fault codes are clearly listed. if the 97 venture 600 twin is what your referring to. i had no problem finding them.
 
I bought it used and did not get the owners manual. The downloaded manual doesn't indicate any and says to contact the dealer who in turn wants it to be brought to them. My mechanic working on it doesn't have the information but the diagnostics is flashing only at idle but goes off running faster. Carbs have be checked and thoroughly cleaned and a top end rebuild was done 2 months ago. But the heat exchange was taken out on the first drive by a torn out stud. All of them are removed now. He's driven it without any issues but doesn't know why its complaining about something at idle only.
 
I got it back now. Flashing lights are 3 flashing (fast) same as initial sequence I'd say. If you rev if and move a bit it goes off and doesn't come back flashing unless idling again for a very short period (30 sec or so but I have to look at it again). I am going to take it for a ride soon and see how it drives.
 
Oh never mind now. I didn't get 15km and it appears the new head gasket blew. Coolant gushing out the cylinder exhaust. Bugger, down again after and short run. Previous one was only a few km, this was the longest run!! This year on it. Full tank of gas and going knowhere.
 
Flashing three times is overheating. If I had to guess you need to bleed your cooling system since you replaced a heat exchanger.
 
The flash rate was the same as the diagnostic flash rate. No longer but the same. Looking at it the rad cap on the hose is likely the highest point so that air should have all come out in the block and head that was in there. I cannot confirm anything now that its bit the dust. Yamaha should have put a dedicated overheat light on this not resorting to confusing flash codes that one would never know what they meant driving down the trails.
 
There is a bleed screw in the rear of the sled, between the left and right running board heat exchangers.
 
Ok machine is repaired a 3rd time. I hope this is a charm. One of the two cylinder drain plugs came out. He doen't know how but new ones are in with mild locktite. Dried for a day and tested for two days without overheating. Temperature were verified with an IR digital gauge. The diagnostic light still flashes 3 times, same rate as the startup sequence. Which I presume are short flashes.

Do knowone have a list of ALL the flash codes this can generate. Its not overheating so it is something else.
 
My guess would be a temp sensor circuit out of range (open/short). Have a look at the connector as I seem to remember reading the wires breaking at it.

Why don't you become a VIP member and you'll have access the information you're looking for?
 
Most systems with self diagnostics use a normally closed thermal switch so that upon start up, the CDI looks for continuity to ground (in range) indicating that the circuit is in tact. I don't know about your application. One way to find out would be to check continuity of the switch cold, then boil it.

Good luck.
 
The venture temp sensor changes resistance during operation which the "computer" or CDI, reads. This ties into the smart carb system is my understanding.

I had trouble with my wiring at the temp sensor, the leads were broken and the diagnostic light would flash 3 times.
 
Ok I'll check the wiring there. odd thing is whether stone cold or having run it does this. Also to add to the situation, the flashing code STOPS when the RPM is 2800 or higher. We're not even moving at that engine speed.
 
that machine typically didnt have problems with the temp sensor wiring, but dont rule it out. however, a solenoid failure code is is very similar to the temp code.

the temp code and startup flash will be around .5 second intervals. a solenoid flash is at .75 sec intervals. unfortunately there is no distinguishing between the right or left solenoid as the cdi just detects a solenoid issue. if in fact this is the code its tossing, its telling you theres an open circuit or short circuit with or to the solenoids.

back 20 years ago when that system was thought of as the latest and greatest, solenoid failure was a rarity. given the time and age, who knows what you have. what i do on the not so smart system is confirm that all the connections are clean. not knowing exactly where your at, i have seen some amazing corrosion on units east of the rockies. we dont see that crap on the left side of the mountains.

i would suggest confirming the code and yes, its hard to distinguish between the two. if your dead set on the sending unit for the temp gauge is proper, look to the wiring at the solenoids. before buying any parts, clean the tabs on the connectors and give her a run. from there, look at the connections for the cdi as well as a clean flywheel. you really should get the proper manual for your sled, your gonna need it. there are a multitude of diagnostic test to perform with an electrical tester for that system. cheapest place is right here on this site as snomofo mentioned.
 
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There were a pair of plugs supposedly for a triple carb install plugged together. I remember them not being connected before. Once disconnected the additional flashing stop and normal. However, I am not getting power out of one cylinder. Good compression and changed the plug twice. The spark is very hot so that not the issue. It seems its not getting enough gas. I am wondering if the other smart carb plugs are messed up now after reassembly.
My PDF manual is not showing them. I have another one on my older computer and will see if it sheds light on it. Otherwise something is off with the carb on the left side. There were both cleaned with the rebuild.
 
I have sorted out the problem. Based on info and connection image in a supplementary PDF I had for 1998 which showed the smart carb dual harness to solenoid connect. Some plugs were not correctly connected and clearly generated the error as well as performance issues. Which disappeared one resolved.. There are 4 harness to solenoid connections and is not quite rocket science. I am shocked the mechanic couldn't figure it out in the days he had the machine.
 
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