Help me understand diagnostics pls

[Gene Weygandt]

I think I understand this much: vehicles can be "plugged into" a computer and the computer will offer fault codes indicating what's wrong or out of spec. I'm 3rd owner of an '06 FJR ( love it!) and the PO said he did the maintenance himself. No idea what he might have done. I want to get it to a certified, trusted Yamaha dealership before riding season and be sure the machine is "right." I am NO kind of wrench. I max out at oil and filter. Will the computer be able to tell the techs what service has been performed and when? What's out of spec? Or will I simply need to rely on the judgement of the tech and service manager? Or a combo platter of computers and experience? TIA!

 

[RossKean]

Will the computer be able to tell the techs what service has been performed and when?

No.

What's out of spec?

Only if there is an active error code which you can easily read yourself.
Read the following from our dear departed Ionbeam.
https://www.fjrforum.com/threads/diagnostic-codes.9612/

Or will I simply need to rely on the judgement of the tech and service manager?

Pretty much this, unless you know someone local who can have a look, get some history and make recommendations.

It isn't that complicated and the Gen II FJR brain is NOT very sophisticated anyway. If you have questions on problems or wondering if a particular service is reasonable or required, just ask here. Go by the recommended service intervals in the owner's manual for the most part, but I don't know anyone who replaced brake/clutch hydraulic hoses or coolant hoses at specific intervals as suggested by Yamaha.

 

[Gene Weygandt]

Thanx! that's kinda what I'd thought, but the confirmation is appreciated as well as a clearer understanding of the diagnostics. Much appreciated. See you down the road!

 

[RossKean]

If you get a quote on a long list of services recommended by a tech, run it by us on the forum if you have questions about any of it. A lot of general simple maintenance goes a very long way to preventing anything serious. About the only thing out of the ordinary you might encounter on the '06 is electrical grounding issues. Keep up with clean/lube brake levers, shifter and rear brake pedal, change clutch/brake hydraulic fluid at least every two years, engine oil and final drive fluid as needed, valve checks when required (along with coolant and spark plugs), check/clean/replace air filter, check wheel bearings for "notchiness" etc. It really isn't that hard. If it hasn't been done, you might want to check/clean/lube the bearings in the relay arm - not a simple procedure but there is some guidance on the forum.

Look at Mark's website for maintenance procedures for a lot of the stuff in the owner's manual.
https://www.fjr-tips.org/maint/maint.html

 

[Gene Weygandt]

Thanx, again!! Without any real understanding of either, I'd always imagined it as being waaaaaaay more complex than my airhead BM's.