08 600 RMK reverse issues

[jdtech65]

I have a 2008 600 CFI RMK with some reverse issues. If I ride it in the Midwest the reverse works flawlessly. However when I take it to the mountains the reverse hardly works at all. I was having the same problems last year and set the TPS with my FLuke meter over the summer hoping that would improve it but it was no change.

If I hit the reverse button it shuts the engine down and it refires, however it is still running forwards instead of backwards. Any ideas on what to look at next?

 

[sled_guy]

Does the '08 have the 2 different reverse modes like the older sleds do? One for low and one for high altitude?

This is from the '05 RMK manual:
"Altitude Setting
At higher altitudes (above 6000 feet), the engine will require a different
ignition setting to improve the success of the reverse system. To set
for a higher altitude, start the engine and hold the button down until the
light on the instrument panel flashes rapidly, then release the button.
To set the reverse for lower elevations, continue holding the button
down until the reverse indicator light blinks slowly. Once set, it’s
stored in memory until changed"

sled_guy

 

[ElectroTech]

Bingo^^^^

 

[BCDan]

The ECU in the CFI sleds is supposed to automatically adjust the reverse for elevation.

 

[deepdiver]

Thats totally correct...Carbed motors can toggle the altitude setting by holding the reverse button 5-6 sec. Reverse idiot lgt will flash rapidly..thats the high. >5sec hold button again and you are back to lower elevation(slow flash)

CFI..is done thru the ECU. This would not be the only ECU failure. You can have a faulty ECU that works for some things and yet not for others. Check the voltage regulator at the sdame time.

 

[jdtech65]

I did try holding the reverse button in to see if the light would blink faster since the sled I had before this was an 05 rmk and I get no change. The only other thing I was thinking of was possibly the throttle safety switch. And if that wasn't it I was leaning towards an ECU. I would think the regulator should be fine as I haven't noticed any other problems similar to the 800s problems with the regulator but if I take it to the dealer i'll have them check that too.

 

[jcrjet]

11.19
Battery and Electrical Systems
11
NOTE: If the engine stops running or is shut off
while in reverse. The engine will start in forward
gear.
FORWARD OPERATION
1. If unit was operated in reverse, ensure that the path ahead
is clear, and push an hold the reverse button for 1 second
and then release the button. The engine will now
automatically change direction form reverse to forward
and the reverse light on the instrument panel will stop
flashing.
NOTE: When servicing clutches, ensure that the
vehicle is in forward gear. If not damage to the
driven clutch may occur when removing the belt.
Altitude Setting
If your engine is carbureted, you can adjust the elevation setting
of the Polaris electric reverse control (PERC). If your engine is
a Cleanfire system, this is automatically done through the
engine controller unit (ECU), and you do not need to do any
setting.
At higher elevations over 6000 ft (1829m), the engine requires
a different ignition RPM setting to improve the operation of the
reverse system.
To set the altitude settings:
1. With the engine running, push and hold the reverse button
for 5 - 6 seconds and then release the button.
2. The reverse light will flash rapidly on the instrument panel.
3. You have now set the PERC system to the higher elevation
setting.
4. To go back to the low elevation setting repeat step 1. The
reverse light will flash slowly indicating that the system is
now in the lower elevation setting.
NOTE: The elevation setting will be set in the
memory (engine running or not) until it is changed.
Important Notes
• Max RPM for shifting into reverse = 4000 RPM
• Max RPM for operating in reverse = 6000 RPM
• Engine must first reach 900 RPM at start up before the
reverse system can be used. The system works between
900 and 4000 RPM.
• If the button is pushed above 4000 RPM the system is
bypassed and nothing will happen.
• Flashing light on the instrument panel indicates that the
system is in reverse. On carbureted units a slow flash
indicates that the system is set for low elevation, and a
fast flash indicates the system is set up for high
elevation. Push and hold the reverse button for longer
than 5 seconds to toggle back and forth from high and
low elevation settings. On Cleanfire units this is
automatically done through the engine controller unit
(ECU).
• Elevation above 6000 ft (1829m) requires a different
timing curve to eliminate a “kick-back” effect.
• If engine is shut off or dies in forward or reverse gear,
the engine when started will automatically be in
forward gear.
• When servicing clutches, ensure that the vehicle is in
the forward gear.
I don't know if this will help any, but here it is right from the service manual.

 

[ElectroTech]

Ha, typical was on my iPhone and didnt read it all, TPS adjustment a little richer at idle should fix you up, lots of 900s were that way.

 

[jdtech65]

Ha, typical was on my iPhone and didnt read it all, TPS adjustment a little richer at idle should fix you up, lots of 900s were that way.

I set the TPS this summer for the baseline setting at .70 and the idle adjustment setting at .95 If I adjust the idle setting to make it a little more richer which way would I need to change it - higher or lower? Also how far do you think I should go? Spec is .01 volt plus or minus.

 

[jdtech65]

Well I talked with the service manager of the dealership today again and he was waiting to hear back from some people higher up yet. The good news is I still have warranty for this season yet so if it is the ECU it will only cost $50 instead of 350 in parts. If they don't get it fixed I might just have to trade for an 800 Dragon.