Code 12 Hell

[yamafitter]

I suspect the only lead in that cheap Chinese battery is in the lead paint they used to paint the casing.

The resident Eskimo, Odot apparently was correct, you can fix everything by changing the battery.

 

[Donal]

Second, my starter solenoid was a bit wonky, and (apparently) the draw was such that there wasn't enough juice left to get the proper signal to the ECU, so it was doing its job and not letting me start, and throwing the code 12 fault.

Not really sure about this part of the diagnosis, but I may just be missing something (not unusual). Normally if the starter solenoid is acting up it causes a reduction in starter current (hight resistance contacts) which could cause slow cranking etc but would not lead to loss of volts.

If there is excess current, you may be getting early warning signs of a failing starter motor. This would definitely cause high cranking currents and a loss of volts. (It's probably what killed that high quality Chinese battery).

Anyway you are headed in the right direction and will be among the FJR Gods soon..........................