check engine light after washing bike

[jefftarlton]

The last two times I've washed my '01 RS the check engine light has come on 2-3 miles down the road. Last time it went off after 3 heat cycles. I haven't done 3 heat after today's washing.
Anybody else ever had this problem? What connection do I need to smear dielectric grease on?

[steventhechef]

Jeef, I think it says in the manual to cover the switching gear with plastic to avoid water getting in to the electrical bits.

Adding water releases the gremlins you know. Ugly, nasty gremlins

[SpiderTex]

Jeff,

sounds like some water is getting into some electrical stuff...

Do a test, wash only the rear (seat), go for a spin, if it happens again, check wiring/components under seat... Then wash nose... to check relays...

Can be very difficult to find though.

success

[DaveM]

Hey spidertex,
where have you been hiding my friend?

Good to see you back.

Personally my bike wouldn't know what a hose looks like.

I don't see the need why not use a bucket of water and a shammy and leave the electric bits dry.

DaveM

[MVP44]

Others have it - sounds like you are getting water into the nether regions. Make sure you are only using your hose on the low shower setting - no need for pressure just trickle. Most likely this will take away the light problem with the next washing. Don't let these guys scare you - washing is a good thing for us clean freaks ----- and it also gives you the opportunity to put your hands all over the bike to feel and look for potential problems.

[Green01SprintST]

I suppose you guys that never use a hose to wash your bikes never ride in the rain either.

As was said before try to avoid getting a stream of water on switchgear or the ignition switch. Try to avoid getting water up under the intruments and cowling as well. Items under the seat are protected so unless you are squirting water in from the side those bits should not be an issue.

[MVP44]

Rain wet does not equal hose wet. Some bike owners used to washing their cage transfer the same methodology to their bike and just blast away. Hose can be directed at places and angles riding in the rain usually doesn't produce. Some bikes are more sensitive to this than others.

[Green01SprintST]

Originally Posted by MVP44

Some bikes are more sensitive to this than others.

And some peeps are more sensitive to a good jab!

[DaveM]

I have ridden in the rain plenty and on muddy gravel roads too.

I still don't use a hose, bucket of water and a chammy

DaveM