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04-05-2010, 1:12 PM DanTheCXMan Joined on 06-28-2009 Windsor, Nova Scotia Posts 145 Turbo "Red Bars" Warning lights Okay, there is probably an earlier post or article on this topic, but a quick scan down the list didn't turn anything up, so here goes... Being as how Nova Scotia is getting record-breaking temperatures, I decided to get my 82 CX500 Turbo out of the basement. First I had to install my new Pingel fuel valve and adaptor, which took about five tries (there is a process to get the Teflon tape just right to have the valve end up with the right orientation--outlets aft). Got that done. Put the planks leading up to the back door, and started pushing like hell. Got the bike outside in the backyard, went over the basics, filled it with fuel, tightened the plugs (had them out for the owner's manual-recommended pouring of a tablespoon of oil into the cylinders for winter storage), and started cranking. Crank crank crank crank crank...seemed like forever. No dice. Hooked up the battery to a 2 amp charger, and continued cranking. I was guessing it would take awhile to get the fuel fully into the system, but just as I was getting discouraged, the motor started to "catch" a bit. Briefly ran, died. Restarted, ran, lots of oily smoke (which I would expect), then it died again. Started to crank some more, but noticed the RED BARS on the ends of the boost indicator were flashing, along with the "TURBO" word. YIKES! Isn't this the equivalent of the blue screen of death on a computer? What do I need to do? The manual says "reduce speed and drive slowly to you Honda dealer for inspection and repair." Somehow, I don't think that is a viable option these days. What can I do? Dan Possibly Member #34 1982 CX500 Turbo 1983 GL650 Silver Wing (acquired 2 Feb 2010) 2000 SK50 DIO (sale pending)    Report

04-05-2010, 1:26 PM Timothy_D Joined on 04-22-2006 Santa Rosa, CA Posts 1,580 Re: Turbo "Red Bars" Warning lights If you have a manual, take off your seat and the tail fairing to expose the ECU, and try to fire the bike to trip an error code.  DO NOT TURN OFF THE IGNITION SWITCH UNTIL AFTER YOU HAVE EXAMINED THE RED LIGHTS! Make a note of which ECU lights are on and in what sequence they are blinking, and compare them to your manual, bring your results back to us. CX500 Turbo, GL650I, Two CX650E's, and one Crown Jewel of the CX line- CX650T. Why do I own five CX/GL bikes? Ask an alcoholic why he drinks. Donating Member. Sold: 1981 CX500D, 2- 1982 CX500T's, 1983 CX650C.    Report

04-05-2010, 4:38 PM George in Indiana Joined on 03-03-2006 Posts 953 Re: Turbo "Red Bars" Warning lights The bike should start instantly with FI.  Are you sure you're getting gas through the new fuel valve?  Since it tried to start I'm assuming the fuel pump is running?  Try flipping the red kill switch on/off a few times, they get very flaky. Red bars and flashing turbo indicate an overboost condition.  Since the bike really isn't even started it was probably a fluke in the ecu from all the cranking and possibly having the charger hooked up.  If it doesn't go away when turning the ignition off/on it may be a bad sensor that monitors boost pressure. Also NEVER crank the bike over while hooked up to a charger. CX500 TURBO CX650 TURBO '04 GSX1300R Hayabusa    Report

04-05-2010, 4:43 PM CXTURBOBOOST Joined on 05-02-2007 Lincoln, NE Posts 436 Re: Turbo "Red Bars" Warning lights I found on a 650T that all bars flashing with red on the end equalled a bad ECU? Follow the flow chart in the service manual. PK    Report

04-05-2010, 5:07 PM DanTheCXMan Joined on 06-28-2009 Windsor, Nova Scotia Posts 145 Re: Turbo "Red Bars" Warning lights Okay, Guys, GET THIS! I came in and wrote my post. Went back out to the bike (remember, the last time I was there, it wouldn't even start anymore). After a few cranks, the bike fired right up and ran fine. NO RED BARS, ... at first, though they did eventually show up again a little later. Anyway, with the now-available motor assist, I got the bike to the front of the house (bit of a slope getting there) and left her running in the driveway. Took a short ride here in town, and the bike seemed to start running okay, though at first the "boost bars" were "stuck" with most bars showing. Eventually, it seemed to just FIX ITSELF. After supper, I decided to take another short ride, but out a country road where I could put her through her paces. HOLY COW! I almost missed the fact that I had already pegged the speedo in 4th before shifting to 5th. THE BIKE RUNS PERFECTLY NOW. I gotta say, these are MIRACLE MACHINES designed and built by the GODS! Timothy, I might at some point take off the seat and have a peak at any error codes that might be flashing...but the pressure is off now. George, I think most of the problem was that it took awhile for fuel to get through the whole system, as I had completely drained the tank and some of the supply hoses. Didn't know I shouldn't crank while hooked to a charger--it was just on 2 amps, but I won't do that again if you're saying it's a no-no. PK, I'll consult the service manual if the lights come on again. As of now, it runs like a dream! And the boost indicator is working just fine now. GROOVY! Dan Possibly Member #34 1982 CX500 Turbo 1983 GL650 Silver Wing (acquired 2 Feb 2010) 2000 SK50 DIO (sale pending)    Report

04-05-2010, 6:51 PM CXTURBOBOOST Joined on 05-02-2007 Lincoln, NE Posts 436 Re: Turbo "Red Bars" Warning lights Don't want to burst any bubbles, but the CXT doesn't fix itself... Be aware that the problem may re-appear. Although it can self diagnose, it doesn't fix itself....... Once the light comes back on, check the computer LED's for diagnostic procedures.. PK    Report

04-05-2010, 6:52 PM Doward Joined on 05-11-2008 Alachua, FL Posts 814 Re: Turbo "Red Bars" Warning lights I'm jealous. Just sayin'  ;) On the fuel injected Turbo bikes, when you place the key in run, doesn't the fuel pump prime for a moment? I've found that on FI vehicles that have been completely drained, I turn the key on 2 seconds, off 2 seconds, on 2 seconds, etc 4-5 times to totally prime the system. Then they'll usually catch and fire 3-4 rotations in. 1978 CX500 motor + 1980 CX500C frame    Report

04-07-2010, 4:58 AM Don in Oz Joined on 03-10-2006 Melbourne, Australia Posts 546 Re: Turbo "Red Bars" Warning lights Doward, That's exactly the right way to treat a completely drained CX500TC also. Don. GL500I, CX500TC (2), CX500EC (2), 1982 CX500C. GL1000, 1976 CB550F, CT110 (2), XL125S (2), 1973 CB175K6. Kwaka Z250C1 (2). Suzuki GS450SX, DR250SJ, GS125ESD.    Report

04-07-2010, 8:02 PM DanTheCXMan Joined on 06-28-2009 Windsor, Nova Scotia Posts 145 Re: Turbo "Red Bars" Warning lights Hey PK, No worries, man, you're not bursting any bubbles. I know this is all mechanical, electrical, and electronic stuff, and something DEFINITELY went wrong. But maybe, just maybe, the error won't come up again. I'm highly suspicious of the oil getting burned out of the cylinder, plus there was definitely something funky about the fuel getting "reprimed", if that's a correct way to put it. Something may still be amiss, and I guess the next few rides will tell. BUT, I DID have one incredibly glorious ride--scary fast...forgot how when the tach hits 5K and you keep the throttle wide open, you INSTANTLY see 7, then 8 thou...holy sh*t, what happened?! Makes me smile! I do love these bikes! Doward & Don in OZ, I believe you are absolutely right about the priming process--I inadvertently ended up doing it that way, albeit sloppily so--I just kept trying to start the damn thing! Wish I had skipped all the cranking and just done the 2 secs on and off routine. At least I know for next time. Thanks guys. Let's hope I haven't messed anything up with the ECU with my charging and cranking goof. Dan Possibly Member #34 1982 CX500 Turbo 1983 GL650 Silver Wing (acquired 2 Feb 2010) 2000 SK50 DIO (sale pending)    Report

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