Thread: hi

Hello to all,
1st and foremost thanks to all of you that have helped me out so far with my many questions. I have a 04 RXP with 155hours on it and it has 2 codes p1517 and p0231. The code p0231 has given me some instructions to test the fuel pump and I have done the instructions and it renders the results of a bad or not working properly ECU (computer). Please advise me on here a couple of things. Where I can buy and how much a new ECU is? How do you hook the ecu up and how to remove/install a new ECU? Is there any steps I can take to test the ECU further? Please note I have already done tests according to the service manual on how to troubleshoot the fuel pump per code p0231. This problem all started happening when the code p1517 popped up and shortly after I got the code p0231 and then the check eng light and now the ski will not start. I can tell you what the problem is not. IT IS NOT the fuel pump. I tested the fuel pump and that is working just fine. So now what my test results conclude that the problem would be coming from the ECU but it look brand new and NOTE THE ECU is working properly in other functions besides where the problem lies which is communicating back and forth to the fuel pump. For example I tested for 1 ohm between pins a and d and for 1 ohm between pins 1-26 & B-29 got nothing which means the ecu is not working. I also checked the battery and the ground and positive cables where they got to in the ski and where they are grounded at all looks good so that is not the problem. So if all those things are not the problem then it leads me back to the same thing again and again the ECU and I don?t' think its bad all together. Perhaps a part of it is bad for example does anyone on here know if there is a ground inside the ecu that grounds/completes the circuit for the fuel pump? Can someone please advise me on here what to do/check next and what other tests I can do on the ECU? Are there others on here that have experienced similar problems with the ECU going bad if so what hours? What causes the ecu to go bad? Even if I get a new ECU how do I hook it up? Sorry for so many questions to you guys but you must UNDERSTAND I have been to 2 different DEALERS about this and they don't know what is the problem. They hooked up buds and tried to clear the code p1517 but they were unable to clear that code. They also did re engage the VTS trim control feature that they did fix. However when it comes to other codes or finding out what is the problem the dealer is as confused as I am because the buds does not help/tell what is going on. The only thing the dealer has to go on right now is the same thing I do the 2 codes p1517 & p0231. The next step the dealer said is testing/doing what I already did on the fuel pump, then the ecu pins, next checking all grounds, and last check the connections. I have already done all of this so I need some help here please thanks. Again sorry for such a lengthy and many ?'s email. Thanks for you help in advance.
I also might add that there is a strange noise coming from the ECU (the computer labeled A & B for the 2 wiring harnesses that connect to it) when you insert the dess key and when you remove the key. It sounds like a gargling sound or like something is moving around inside the ECU. I am sure this will mean something/indicate specifics for those of you on here that have experiences with these problems. So again I think it is the ECU especially since it is making the gargling noise when the key is removed and inserted as well.
Dave

Hi David,
P0231 Fuel pump open circuit, or shorted to ground.
Possible causes are;
Damaged pump, damaged circuit wires, damaged connector or damaged ECM output pins.
Fault detected when the engine is stopped.
Remedial testing;
Check for approximately 1 ohm between pins A and D of the fuel pump connector.
Check for damaged circuit wires.
Check for approximately 1 ohm between pins 1-26 and B-29.
Check for damaged connector, damaged ECM output pins or ECM failure.

and..

P1517 Compass circuit out of range.
Possible causes;
Damaged sensor, damaged circuit wires, damaged connector or damaged MPEM output pins.
Remedial tests;
Check compass connection.
Connect or disable compass in setting page on BUDS.


Ok, I would be looking at the MPEM, as the pump is driven from there, via control of the ECU.

The ECU normally will self diagnose itself if it is having a bad day.

Changing either the ECU or the MPEM requires connection to BUDS, which ever way you go.

The strange noise usually comes from the TOPS valve on the front left of the engine, or you may hear gurgling as the fuel is moved around.... but may not in this instance I guess.

Usually the ECU will go bad if it is connected while the battery is connected, or water gets into the fine connectors, which you already have checked. Check the 2 large connector on the MPEM are clean and dry too.

Dont disconnect anything without removing battery power, and waiting 15 seconds before removing any connector.

When last used, what was the conditions, and did you have any problems then?
What other codes did the BUDS scan pull out of active & inactive codes?

To be honest, I would start at the MPEM, as this handles all the high current control to the ski, whereas the ECU only handles the injector array.

The trouble is, you need BUDS to solve this.

Whereabouts are you in the world, as I may be able to help you on this?

PM me.

Hello there,
Thanks for answering back the ski is kept in mineral VA near lake anna usa where are you located? Well I have already done the tests and buds was run and the only 2 codes that came back where p1517 and p0231. The ski was fine beforehand the only thing strange that happened is this. Right before the ski died and would not start again while I was riding a pretty high speed the engine just cut off while I was driving it. I am perplexed here need a break I am going to look at the ski and redue my tests over again today as I might have missed something.

Ok, keep us posted, and if no solution, we can take it from there.

I was right I knew it after going back over the areas the troubleshooting book lists i.e. connector pins to ECU computer and other areas I was able to think of a new test. I ran power from the fuel pump connector and then checked the connector wiring harness pins I got NO POWER. This meant to me that one of the ECU output pins was damaged. Sure enough I was right that is the problem. I had to get a magnifier and a mirror to see the burnt plastic near the pin. I ended up scraping away the burnt plastic and fixed the problem the ski works fine. However I don't trust my half ass job of fixing it the CORRECT way is to get a new wiring harness connect (B) and re wire. Does anyone on here know where I can get one of those and how you go about sticking the wire in one of these small connector pins please advise me? Also I would still like to know what the heck caused the 1 ecu output pin to melt/go bad in the 1st place. My only guess is that whatever caused it to get hot and melt is probably the same problem/related to the code p1517. I say this because I never had this problem before and now after getting that code p1517 and it trying to find the compass all of a sudden the output pin fails I don't think that is a coincidence here. I think they are related one caused/contributed to the other. Please let me know any ideas you guys have on what caused this and how I can learn to fix this (i.e. put the wire in the output pin the way it was from the factory)?
Thanks for you help in advance
Dave