Michael,
First....Thank you for this info Ha! I was up until midnight last night refusing to be defeated by something that seamed so simple! After even more research, coincidentally I found a very grainy and blurry video (old) by Steve Saunders showing the "replacement" of the ECM! In the video he shows the cruise control unit in the bracket and the ECM below it. Next he showed how you just "simply" slide each unit right out of the holder, yeah right!. This was GOLDEN! BUT alas, it was not working out as no matter how hard I tried, the cruise control module could be wiggled but it would not come out, something was holding it but I couldn't figure it out UNTIL finally I took a flashlight and shined it through the back and I noticed what appeared to be a small lips on each side of the top band. Got it! BUT it wasn't done with me yet, I still had to get the ECM out! After about 15 more minutes, I finally noticed a long ridge on the bottom edge and was able to pry it away from the front edge of the ECM... Presto! Installed the new ECM and I was so excited that I put everything back on the bike except the instrument cluster and the seat! I pity the next guy who attempts this without help like the article you sent me the link to. I've printed, PDF'd and put it in my binder for future inquiries others may have. Many thanks for responding to a desperate DYI'r I love this forum! From day 1 when I got my Trike from my dad, everyone has been invaluable. It doesn't take a village, it takes a forum!
Take care my friend!
Chuck aka TrikeBiker54

 

Hey Chuck, would you mind passing along that info? It'd sure be nice to be able to get a look at it...I'm about to change out the ECM on my 2003 and need all the help I can get...it'd be greatly appreciated!

 

Great job and your stick-to-it-attitude mirrors the attitude of most DIYers. I'm happy I was able to add to your level of success. Keep it up.

 

After replacing the ECM and before replacing the Goldwing plastics, you will need to initialize the ECM. This is crucial to setting up the unit properly from the very start. To initialize the ECM, start the engine and allow it to warm up to its normal operating temperature and stay running for at least 90 seconds after. If you are not sure what the normal operating temperature is, just wait until the fans come on and wait the 90 seconds after that before switching off the engine.

I've sent you a message with a link to a great write up for an Replacing the ECM on a GL1800.

 

 

Michael. I also have a brand new ECM for my 2005 just in case. It would be helpful if you posted the Link for replacing the ECM here for any of us that may need it in the future.

I know how to get the ECM out and replaced but not how to set it up.

 

It’s easy. Just start it cold, let it idle without touching the throttle until it cycles the fans on and then off. Once they turn off, turn off the key, wait a minute, then turn it back on and start it. Watch it, make sure it idles at 700+/-50 rpm’s and you’re good to go. No need to do anything else. This can be done before reinstalling the shelter. This is basically letting the new ECM learn how to control your engines idle through the warmup process. It will store the data and be good to go. This only needs to be done if the ECM is replaced or any work is done that would change the airflow/mixture of the engine at idle.

 

Mr. 2000
If I'm reading this correctly, This procedure will not do anything to the ECM if I have NOT changed anything, that would change the airflow correct??
What would happen if I did it, (as you posted) would this help the ECU in any way???
Thank you , for everything,

Ronnie
7/24/23

 

Mr. 2000
If I'm reading this correctly, This procedure will not do anything to the ECM if I have NOT changed anything, that would change the airflow correct??
What would happen if I did it, (as you posted) would this help the ECU in any way???
Thank you , for everything,

Ronnie
7/24/23

Not really.

 

 

I have a 2004 Goldwing I installed a NEW ECM and now I lost my radio my trip my speedometer what went wrong

 

Sir, you probably need to start a new thread. https://www.gl1800riders.com/forums/gl1800-tech-board.5/

 

Hey guys, sorry for the delayed reply, I’ve been buried with other stuff and haven’t looked at the forum for a while. I would be happy to send you what notes I made but I’ve got to get to church so when I get back, I’ll find my notes and get them on their way.
Take care and be in contact soon!
Trikebiker54 aka Chuck

 

When I replaced the air filter on my 2001 in the spring of 2024 I removed the ECU to do the "Zombie Hack" mod and had no issue or trouble removing it or the CC module. It was easier for me to install the extra ground wire with the ECU removed. No special maneuvers or technique that I recall doing\using. The various wiring harness connector removals getting to the ECU and air filter are the most difficult and time consuming part of the process.

 

I started a conversation with you and sent you the info you asked about.

Hey Chuck, would you mind passing along that info? It'd sure be nice to be able to get a look at it...I'm about to change out the ECM on my 2003 and need all the help I can get...it'd be greatly appreciated!

 

Hey Jehosaphet,
I've attached a couple of documents....one I created and the other is about the Zombie fix for the ECM problem.
Enjoy!
Trikebiker54 aka Chuck