Honda VFR800 owner's manual: If Your Engine Overheats

Published by Honda · pages 208–223 of 269 · Original PDF

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If Your Engine Overheats

Normally, the coolant temperature on your temperature meter will rise and then level off. Hot weather may cause the temperature to rise higher than normal. So will temporary stress such as climbing a hill. If you’re stuck in stop-and-go traffic, the temperature may climb some, but the radiator fan is designed to prevent overheating. Be aware of these variations as you monitor the meter.

If the coolant temperature display begins to flash, a red bar appears on the display and the high coolant temperature indicator goes on for no apparent reason, pull safely to the side of the road. If possible, park in a shady area.

NOTICE Continuing to ride with an overheated engine can cause serious engine damage.

• A steaming engine indicates a coolant leak. Shut the engine off and wait until the steaming stops. Look for a leak, but don’t touch the engine or radiator system. Let everything cool off first.

• If there’s no obvious problem, leave the engine on so the fan and coolant circulating system can continue working. Monitor the temperature meter. The temperature may drop to the normal range after a brief stop with no load on the engine.

(cont’d)

Taking Care of the Unexpected 199

If Your Engine Overheats

• Check the radiator fan. If the fan is not working, turn the engine off. Open the fuse box (page 202 ) and check the radiator fan fuse. If the fuse is blown, replace it with the proper (same rating) spare fuse. Start the engine. If the high coolant temperature indicator goes on, the coolant temperature display begins to flash, and a red bar appears and stays on the display, turn the engine off. If the radiator fan is working, visually check the coolant level in the reserve tank, located behind the left lower fairing (page 115 ). It isn’t necessary to touch the radiator system.

• If the reserve tank is low or empty, don’t ride without adding coolant (page 115 ). After adding coolant, turn the engine on and check the temperature meter.

If the temperature doesn’t drop, do not ride. The engine needs repair. Transport your motorcycle to a Honda dealer (page 179 ). If the temperature drops to normal, check the coolant level. If it has gone down, add more coolant.

If you are able to resume riding, continue to monitor the meter frequently.

If there’s a mild leak, you can ride for awhile, carefully watching the meter. Be prepared to stop and add more coolant or water. If the leak is bad, transport your motorcycle to a Honda dealer (page 179 ).

200 Taking Care of the Unexpected

If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Lights

If you check your engine oil level regularly, you should never see the low oil pressure indicator while riding. Normally, it will only light momentarily when you turn the ignition switch ON. Occasionally, it may flicker at or near idling speed.

Low oil pressure may be caused by an oil leak, a low oil level, or some problem in the engine’s lubrication system.

If the indicator comes on while you’re riding, don’t ignore it. Pull safely to the side of the road. If possible, pull the clutch lever in and coast to a stop. Stop the engine as soon as it’s safe to do so.

NOTICE Continuing to ride with low oil pressure can cause serious engine damage.

• Check for an oil leak. • Then check the oil level. If necessary, add the recommended oil (page 105) to the upper level mark. If you must leave your motorcycle to get oil, secure it as much as possible. • After adding oil, start the engine, and check that the low oil pressure indicator goes off. Check for a possible leak.

If the indicator goes off and there is no leak — resume riding. If there is a leak — do not ride the motorcycle until the leak is repaired by a Honda dealer.

Taking Care of the Unexpected 201

If a Fuse Blows

All of the electrical circuits on your motorcycle have fuses to protect them from damage caused by excess current flow (short circuit or overload).

If something electrical on your motorcycle stops working, the first thing you should check for is a blown fuse. Determine from the chart on the circuit fuse box cover which fuse or fuses control that component. Check those fuses first, but check all the fuses before looking elsewhere for another possible cause of the problem. Replace any blown fuses and check component operation.

• Main fuse A (and spare) are located on the starter motor magnetic switch (3) under the seat. • Main fuse B is located under the seat.

• (INTERCEPTOR) The circuit fuse box (including spare fuse) is located under the right inner panel. (INTERCEPTOR ABS) The circuit fuse boxes (including spare fuses) are located under the left and right inner panels.

Recommended Fuses

202 Taking Care of the Unexpected

If a Fuse Blows

  1. To prevent an accidental short circuit, turn the ignition switch OFF before checking or replacing the fuses.
  2. Remove the seat (page 90).

UNDER SEAT

(1) main fuse A (2) wire connector (3) starter magnetic switch (5) spare main fuse A (6) main fuse B (7) main fuse B cover

Main Fuse Access:

  1. To access the main fuse A (1), disconnect the wire connector (2) of the starter magnetic switch (3).
  2. Pull main fuse A out. If it is blown (4), install spare main fuse A (5).

MAIN FUSE A, B

(4) blown fuse

(cont'd)

Taking Care of the Unexpected 203

Figure from the manual

Figure from the manual

If a Fuse Blows

  1. Reconnect the wire connector.
  2. To access main fuse B ( 6 ), open the main fuse B cover ( 7 ).
  3. Pull main fuse B out. If it is blown, install a new main fuse B.
  4. Close the main fuse B cover.
  5. Install the seat.

Circuit Fuse Access: 10. Remove the inner panel (page 96 ). 11. Open the fuse box cover ( 8 ).

RIGHT FRONT

Figure from the manual

(8) cover (9) spare fuses

204 Taking Care of the Unexpected

If a Fuse Blows

LEFT FRONT (INTERCEPTOR ABS only)

Figure from the manual

(8) cover (9) spare fuses

  1. To check or replace a circuit fuse, pull the old fuse out of its retaining clips. Look for a burned wire inside the fuse. If the fuse is blown (10), replace it with a spare fuse ( 9 ) of the same rating.

If you do not have a replacement fuse with the proper rating for the circuit, install one with a lower rating.

NOTICE Replacing a fuse with one that has a higher rating greatly increases the chance of damage to the electrical system.

CIRCUIT FUSE

Figure from the manual

(10) blown fuse

  1. Close the fuse box cover.
  2. Install the inner panel.

Taking Care of the Unexpected 205

If a Fuse Blows

If you do not have a spare fuse and you cannot ride the motorcycle without fixing the problem, take a fuse of the same rating or a lower rating from one of the other circuits that you can do without temporarily.

If you replace a blown fuse with a spare fuse that has a lower rating, replace the fuse with the correct rating as soon as you can. Also remember to replace any spare fuses that were installed.

If the replacement fuse of the same rating burns out in a short time, there is probably a serious electrical problem on your motorcycle. Leave the blown fuse in that circuit and have your motorcycle checked by your Honda dealer.

206 Taking Care of the Unexpected

If You Crash

Personal safety is your first priority after any accident. If you or anyone else has been injured, take time to assess the severity of the injuries and whether it is safe to continue riding. Call for emergency assistance if needed. Also follow applicable laws and regulations if another person or vehicle is involved in the accident.

If you decide you are capable of riding safely, carefully inspect your motorcycle for damage and determine if it is safe to ride. Check the tightness of critical nuts and bolts securing such parts as the handlebar, control levers, brakes, and wheels.

If there is minor damage, or you are unsure about possible damage, ride slowly and cautiously. Sometimes, crash damage is hidden or not immediately apparent, so you should have your motorcycle thoroughly checked at a qualified service facility as soon as possible. Also, be sure to have your Honda dealer check the frame and suspension after any serious crash.

If your motorcycle cannot be ridden, see Transporting Your Motorcycle, page 179.

Taking Care of the Unexpected 207

If You Lose Your Key

Be sure to record your key number in the Quick Reference section at the rear of the manual. You’ll need this number to have a duplicate key made.

A lost key won’t be a problem if you take preventative action. Store one duplicate key in a safe place at home and carry a second duplicate in your wallet.

If you lose your key and aren’t carrying a duplicate, either get your spare or have one made. If you don’t know your key number, call the dealer you purchased your Honda from. They may have it listed in their records. If they don’t, transport your motorcycle to them or the nearest Honda dealer. The dealer will probably have to remove the ignition switch assembly to find the key number so they can make a key for you.

208 Taking Care of the Unexpected

If Your Battery Is Low (or Dead)

Jump starting is not recommended, especially if you use an automobile battery. The greater amperage of an automobile battery when the car engine is running can damage your motorcycle’s electrical system.

Bump starting is also not recommended.

If you can’t charge the battery or it appears unable to hold a charge, contact your Honda dealer.

Taking Care of the Unexpected 209

210 Taking Care of the Unexpected

Technical Information

This section contains dimensions, capacities, and other technical data, plus information on government requirements and how to break-in your motorcycle.

  • Vehicle Identification ........ 212
  • Specifications ........ 215
  • Break-in Guidelines ........ 222
  • Emission Control Systems ........ 223
  • Catalytic Converter ........ 229
  • Oxygenated Fuels ........ 230

Technical Information 211

Vehicle Identification

Serial Numbers

The VIN and engine serial numbers are required when you register your motorcycle. They may also be required when ordering replacement parts. You may record these numbers in the Quick Reference section at the rear of this manual.

The VIN (vehicle identification number) is stamped on the right side of the steering head and also appears on the Safety Certification Label attached to the left side of the frame.

LEFT SIDE

(1) VIN

212 Technical Information

Figure from the manual

Vehicle Identification

RIGHT SIDE

(2)

(2) VIN

The engine number ( 3 ) is stamped on the top of the crankcase.

LEFT SIDE

(3)

(3) engine number

Figure from the manual

Technical Information 213

Vehicle Identification

Color Label & Code

The color label is attached to the frame under the seat. Remove the seat (page 90 ) to check the label.

The color code is helpful when ordering replacement parts. You may record the color and code in the Quick Reference section at the rear of this manual.

UNDER SEAT

Figure from the manual

(1) color label

214 Technical Information

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