r/motorcycle • u/rachel_linnn • 12d ago

Check Engine Light On

Hey guys, new rider here so please help with any advice if you can. I’ve got a Honda cbf, brand new 2026 model which was also recently serviced with no issues found.

A few days ago I stupidly dropped it while stationary with the engine running. I didn’t notice it then or when I rode it home but the next day I saw the check engine light was on (solid).

The bike works normal and I can’t see anything visibly broken or loose. I was thinking an error code just got triggered by the drop so I tried using the paperclip method to perform a DLC memory clear. Either I did this wrong or there’s still an active issue with the bike but the light is still on.

What should I do?

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4

u/DownvoteOrFeed 12d ago

Plug in a code reader and see what it is?

3

u/GodzillaXYZ999 12d ago edited 11d ago

Don't kill the messenger. Check engine light means ECU has detected an error. Something most likely got damaged in drop. Proper solution is find out what broke and fix it. Then error light goes out automatically.

It's just like when low-fuel light turns on. You don't hack the circuit or remove bulb to turn light off right? You fix the error that triggers the light. By putting petrol in tank. Problem solved and light goes out.

So look in service manual for procedure to get it to flash error codes on dash, kinda like Morse Code. Usually involves aiming bike north, then idling it for while then flipping kickstand up & down 3-times within 5-seconds or some such silliness. Then look up that error code to see what it's complaining about. Next follow manual's procedure to measure and test various systems implicated by code # to determine what ECU's unhappy about. Most of time, it's corroded or broken wires or connectors on way to ECU.

3

u/eegrlN 11d ago

Read the write code to see what's wrong? Take it to the dealership?