Question about eps

[Grimm]

I might go to the show too, either tonight or tomorrow...kind of interested in an MXZ X 1200.

 

[wazzee]

I've clocked just over 14000km on my sled. I wonder if it may have something to do with the aftermarket skis causing more workload on the EPS system. I've installed a couple of pretty aggressive skis over the seasons and lately with USI Triple Threats, when EPS isn't working, it becomes a bear to turn the skis. I made my own "power steering plates" (as USI calls them), and it makes the skis turn easier, but still engages EPS fault.

There are a couple people out in internet land who have experienced failures in their EPS system and either had to change out the steering actuator or power control unit. I even saw some failures on the Yammy Grizzly ATV forums...ironically, identical part number. But the silly thing is, you can't just buy the torque sensor. You have to buy the whole assembly, which is costly ($1450 Cdn + 13% tax). How nuts is that?

Thanks a lot Grimm, this is all very useful information , I will do the diagnostic test tomorrow to see what code the pod displays. Hope its not the EPS actuator, I understand the EPS control module is about $ 650. I really enjoy the sled ...guess i will have to bite the bullet ! Thanks again Wazzee

 

[wazzee]

Getting back to my 2012 Vector EPS issue, once I grounded the eps diagnostic connector to the control unit and i started to seen the eps indicator flashing at the exact same consistant interval, ON for 1.5 sec, OFF for 1.5 sec and so on , that just confirms that the EPS control unit is now in the diagnostic mode. Once that mode is achieved ..... you must briefly remove the connector and then ground it again. I have determined the I have 45 fault code. The service manual states that there is a problem with the EPS actuator motor. Therefore, possible dead short in the wiring to the EPS motor or a malfunction in the EPS control unit. I have conducted the tests continuity tests on the motor and it proves okay. I also checked the resistance on the torque sensor

 

[wazzee]

Getting back to my 2012 Vector EPS issue, once I grounded the eps diagnostic connector to the control unit and i started to seen the eps indicator flashing at the exact same consistent interval, ON for 1.5 sec, OFF for 1.5 sec and so on , that just confirms that the EPS control unit is now in the diagnostic mode. Once that mode is achieved ..... you must briefly remove the connector and then ground it again. I have determined the I have 45 fault code. The service manual states that there is a problem with the EPS actuator motor. Therefore, possible dead short in the wiring to the EPS motor or a malfunction in the EPS control unit. I have conducted the continuity tests on the motor and it proves okay. I also checked the resistance on the torque sensor, Yamaha says it must have between 1000-1500 ohms. Mine proves okay with 1153 ohms. Yamaha dealer out here says there are no tests for the control unit. I understand the relay contacts located inside the control unit could have welded themselves together. Wondering if anyone knows of some resistance or voltage checks that could be preformed on the EPS control unit .
I think I`m getting closer to resolving this issue, i don`t want to purchase a new control unit till I know that mine is faulty. It goes for $ 1063 CAN plus 13% tax. The un-serviceable power steering actuator prices about $ 1800.
Going out on Lake Nippissing this weekend with no EPS .
Any help would be appreciated .
Thanks Wazzee

 

[Grimm]

wazzee, what did you end up doing?

 

[Sasquatch]

My 11 couple years back had the eps light come on and no power steering. First time it was the same day my fuel relay froze and stuck. Rode from Hotel to gas station maybe 5 miles and relay stuck. Had to warm it and good to go. Then 4 hours later stop at hotel to eat and come out a hour later then eps not working. Couple hours later eps just started working again. Next morning starter does not engage, keep trying it and after a dozen or so tries it engages and starts. Then start to ride no eps, few hours later it comes back. Got back home with sled put it in garage heated and dried it out with fans. I and had no more issues with it, the rest of the winter or since. I think it was a moisture buildup issue caused by my trailer roof leaking form a weird fall of melt and freeze backing water up inside. So far so good anyway

 

[wazzee]

wazzee, what did you end up doing?

Well Grimm, I maneuvered the handle bars in a up and down motion . Now the EPS indicator goes off and on whenever the bars are slightly touched. For now ,I am going to run the sled without the Eps and replace the actuator when I replace the exhaust donuts. I think that will be the optimum time cause I understand the fuel tank needs to be removed for both these procedures. The fact that eps indicator now goes off and on when you hit the bars, I'm now thinking the torque sensor is in bad order and therefore the whole unit must be changed out . Any thoughts ?
Wazzee

 

[Grimm]

Did you run a diagnostic test to see what code is being thrown? I posted the method earlier in this thread.

Removing the gas tank is necessary, as is loosening the steering column. It's a little tight, but with the right length sockets, it's relatively easy. Be sure to align the EPS motor with the steering column properly... one notch off and the handlebars will be out of alignment. It might help to have a second hand to lift/hold the eps motor in place while you try to thread on the bolts.

 

[wazzee]

Yes , I did run the diagnostic test when i first had seen the EPS indicator " on ". It through a 45 code , which i understand refers to a faulty torque sensor and or actuator motor and or control module. Continuity on the EPS motor tests ok and the resistance on the torque sensor is within spec at 1153 ohms. there is no test for the module.
I can no longer get the pod into the diagnostic mode to confirm the 45 code, regardless if I turn on key before or after shorting the blue test wire to the module. I sank this sled in about 3 ft of water with 330 km when i first purchased it, got her all fixed up and now have about 14000 km. Wonder if there is still moisture or rust in or around the actuator. I have read some blogs about the Yamaha Grizzley which uses the same actuator. This unit had trouble with water getting in through a vent hole and the cure was to plug the vent.
Heading north to Kirkland Lake this weekend and gonna run the vector as is and its not all that tough to steer without it, although I do miss the ease of the EPS function.
I`m debating on a used or a new actuator, I totally love the sled and it is mint otherwise, although a new actuator is a ton of coin as you well know.
Any thoughts are appreciated.
Wazzee

 

[Grimm]

Yes, it was the first generation eps motors that had the vent holes. I believe they were filled in on subsequent part numbers -02 and -03.

I did go used and that motor lasted just over one season, then it failed again. It could have been caused by the aggressive skis I was using on it. I replaced it with another used unit and then traded it in. Your call on used unit or new.

 

[viperaddict]

I'm trying to trouble shoot my eps as well, but can't seem to get the diagnostic mode to work. I do exactly as the manual states but get nothing. Anyone ever experience this?

 

[Phaze]

This is a very old thread. You should start your own....