Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > 999 / 749 > 749 Electrical Woes

[stuart hill]

We'll it would seem that washing a ducati is not something that should be done if you want your alarm and headlights to actually do what they are supposed to do - WORK!

My 749 bip is going back to Ducati Manchester as soon as they open tomorrow. I washed my bike the other night, but it back in the garage to hear the alarm going off. When I investigated I found the headlight on! despite the ignition etc all off. I manged to get round it by just setting the alarm to immobilise but when I checked it again in the morning I found the headlights not functioning at all. I think something must have shorted out. I've checked all the fuses so it can't be that.

This just seems like another saga where I'm not going to have my bike when the sun is most definately shining! Fit for purpose?? I'm seriously considering selling the thing now before it's out of warranty.


The alarm has played up in the past after I've washed my bike, but then seems to sort itself.

Has anyone else has any issue with the electrics on a 479. I thought this kind of thing was well in Ducati's past!!!?

Stu.

[JPM]

Get it outside in the sun to dry out, get all the bodywork off, remove all connectors and spray some WD to clean the contacts etc, will the bike start?

[andyb]

I take it when you say wash, you were doing it with buckets of soapy water and hose pipe etc? If so, what on earth are you doing?

The bike is so easy to work on you can have the fairings and nose off in a jiffy, and clean them with baby wipes, or at worst wd 40 and a rag. Use the wd 40 to clean all else, by spraying it onto a rag and wiping clean.

[stuart hill]

I've been out on it all weekend, and it runs fine. I have sprayed wd40 in all the likely areas. I really believe it's something to do with where the alarm has been wired into the loom and moisture is getting in somewhere.

Yeah, washing with soapy water etc.

Whilst it's still under warranty i'm loather to go tinkering too much - besides why should I have to? This bike is just over a year old. Shoddy is the word that springs to mind. The price of exclusivity? Who knows? I expect better - is that wrong?
As you might have guessed i'm on a real downer about it. I have had the bike in for new coils before and all i got from ducati manc was the accusation of not cleaning it properly/enough, despite this they replaced the coils under warranty.
I'm just dreading the level of customer service i'm likely to recieve this time round.

Cheers for the advice guys.

[Shazaam!]

I advise against using WD-40 in electrical connectors because it contains oil. The reason for using electrical contact cleaners is to remove grease and oil.

http://ducatisportingclub.com/xmb/vi...9287#pid177430

[JPM]

Originally posted by stuart hill
I've been out on it all weekend, and it runs fine. I have sprayed wd40 in all the likely areas. I really believe it's something to do with where the alarm has been wired into the loom and moisture is getting in somewhere.

Yeah, washing with soapy water etc.

Whilst it's still under warranty i'm loather to go tinkering too much - besides why should I have to? This bike is just over a year old. Shoddy is the word that springs to mind. The price of exclusivity? Who knows? I expect better - is that wrong?
As you might have guessed i'm on a real downer about it. I have had the bike in for new coils before and all i got from ducati manc was the accusation of not cleaning it properly/enough, despite this they replaced the coils under warranty.
I'm just dreading the level of customer service i'm likely to recieve this time round.

Cheers for the advice guys.

So.... take it to another dealer Walk with your feet!!

There are plenty of people on here who live locally to a Ducati Dealer (me included) and take their pride and joy either to a specialist/independent or to another dealer.

[bolds]

Sounds like the alarm is at fault-which isnt a Ducati part is it?

[KeefyB]

Originally posted by andyb
I take it when you say wash, you were doing it with buckets of soapy water and hose pipe etc? If so, what on earth are you doing?

The bike is so easy to work on you can have the fairings and nose off in a jiffy, and clean them with baby wipes, or at worst wd 40 and a rag. Use the wd 40 to clean all else, by spraying it onto a rag and wiping clean.

Baby wipes???!!!!You cannot be serious!!

[Real McCoy]

Hes not, he uses the karcher to clean his arse

[Gizmo]

Originally posted by Real McCoy
Hes not, he uses the karcher to clean his arse

i've never seen the bidet attachment for a karcher, hopefully it doesn't have rotating brushes