Immobilizer error

[Z71]

Today, for the first time after I started the bike, idled it for a few minutes and turned off the ignition, I got the "IMMOBILIZER ERROR" warning message on the screen, with a solid red light on the dash.  It remained on until I turned the ignition back on and turned it off again.  Then the message and red light disappeared.  What is going on?  What do I need to do?  The battery is getting weak, I am about to try to recharge it because the bike sat for a few weeks.  Is this just a random error due to battery being weak?

If I need a new battery, what do you recommend?  Yuasa? 

[maxtog]

Today, for the first time after I started the bike, idled it for a few minutes and turned off the ignition, I got the "IMMOBILIZER ERROR" warning message on the screen, with a solid red light on the dash.  It remained on until I turned the ignition back on and turned it off again.  Then the message and red light disappeared.  What is going on?  What do I need to do?  The battery is getting weak, I am about to try to recharge it because the bike sat for a few weeks.  Is this just a random error due to battery being weak?

If I need a new battery, what do you recommend?  Yuasa?

http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=11574
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=3555
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=14178
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=10839

and

http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=8275.0

[VirginiaJim]

1.  What year bike?
2.  How long has the current battery been installed in the bike?
3.  How long has the battery been in the FOB?
4.  So you turned off the bike and the error just popped up?

[Z71]

2009 model, non ABS, battery is still original, getting weak.  Yes, the error just popped up after I turned the engine and ignition off.  Recycling the ignition cleared it.   I replaced the batteries in both fobs about 2 years ago.

[maxtog]

2009 model, non ABS, battery is still original, getting weak.  Yes, the error just popped up after I turned the engine and ignition off.  Recycling the ignition cleared it.   I replaced the batteries in both fobs about 2 years ago.

Fob batteries last about 2 years, sometimes longer.  Bike battery will vary- from two to over six, depending on lots of factors.

[Z71]

Which replacement battery you recommend for the bike?  I am not a big fan of Kawasaki OEM batteries. The one in my 2007 EX 500 died after one year.  The one on the C14 is on its last legs. Would Yuasa Y14 BX be the right substitute?

[maxtog]

Which replacement battery you recommend for the bike?  I am not a big fan of Kawasaki OEM batteries. The one in my 2007 EX 500 died after one year.  The one on the C14 is on its last legs. Would Yuasa Y14 BX be the right substitute?

I don't really have a recommendation, myself.  But I do tend to like Yuasa.

[MAN OF BLUES]

Yuasa suckz
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=12789.msg156993#msg156993

[Z71]

I took the battery out and recharged it.  Now the bike cranks a lot quicker.  This particular battery has had pretty low static voltage for the past two years - around 12.2 Volts.  When the engine is running, the alternator charges the battery and the voltage shown is 14.2 Volts.   The battery never failed to start the bike so I did not replace it.   Even after being recharged, the voltage dropped back to 12.2 Volts. I will see what happens next but I am getting ready to buy a new battery.   I will also replace the batteries in the fobs.

A good fully charged battery static voltage should be around 12.6 Volts. 

[maxtog]

I took the battery out and recharged it.  Now the bike cranks a lot quicker.  This particular battery has had pretty low static voltage for the past two years - around 12.2 Volts.  When the engine is running, the alternator charges the battery and the voltage shown is 14.2 Volts. 

That is the voltage of the charging system + battery, not the battery (but you probably already know that, just pointing it out so anyone else reading this will know).

The battery never failed to start to bike so I did not replace it.   Even after being recharged, the voltage dropped back to 12.2 Volts. I will see what happens next but I am getting ready to buy a new battery.

Yeah, I have had issues also with my stock battery being weak, and it is two years younger than yours.  I started using a Battery Tender Jr. on it... which I should have done in the past because that would have prevented sulfation.

I will also replace the batteries in the fobs.

It is a good idea- and is cheap and doesn't take much effort.

A good fully charged battery static voltage should be around 12.6 Volts.

Yes, when it is at rest (having not been used or charged for a while... perhaps 30 minutes min, although I think an hour rest is better).  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Lead-acid_voltage_vs_SOC.PNG