Yamaha fault codes are five-digit alphanumeric codes that describe a particular malfunction in the systems. You can read and identify these codes by using a generic OBD2 core scanner/reader and an adapter cable that converts Yamaha’s 3- or 4-pin diagnostic ports into a standard OBD2 port.
If you want to find out more about this procedure, as well as read the Yamaha motorcycle fault codes in one chart, this post is for you.
We at PowerSportsGuide have compiled all you need to know under one roof!
What is the Check Engine Light on a Yamaha Motorcycle?
Vehicles are typically equipped with check engine lights and street-legal Yamaha motorcycles are no exception.
The flashing check engine light on a Yamaha motorcycle can be caused by any number of things. If you are lucky, it’s just a loosened gas cup, a low-voltage battery, or a simple overheating issue. In other cases, the light comes on due to a more serious problem, which usually displays a fault code as well.
What are Fault Codes on a Yamaha Motorcycle?
Yamaha motorcycle fault codes are five-digit alphanumeric codes, each of which identifies a particular problem.
These codes are known by several different names including Yamaha DTC codes, error codes, or just simply trouble codes.
As a rule of thumb, modern Yamaha motorcycles are compatible with the OBD2 self-diagnostic system, meaning that Yamaha motorcycles use generic OBD2 codes besides vehicle-specific fault codes.
These codes are generated and stored by the ECU, the main computer on the bike. Besides the current fault codes, the memory usually stores historical fault codes as well.
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and talk about how to read these codes!
Yamaha Motorcycle Fault Code Readers
To read the fault codes on your Yamaha bike, you will need a code reader or scanner. If you want to diagnose your Yamaha bike, all you need is a regular OBD2 code reader and a Yamaha-compatible adapter. Although OEM Yamaha Diagnostic Tools (a.k.a. Yamaha fault code readers) are also available, they are more pricey and harder to locate than OBD2 tools.
OBD2 code readers have been the standard diagnostic tools for motorized vehicles in the U.S. since 1996. They come in many shapes and can be purchased at virtually any large retailer.
Regular readers are small electric devices with an LCD screen, and the latest models can be connected to your smartphone via a Bluetooth connection. Readers can read and clear codes, while scanners provide more complex diagnostics.
Are you wondering how to read the fault codes on a Yamaha bike?
Keep reading!
How do You Read the Fault Codes on a Yamaha Motorcycle?
You can read Yamaha motorcycle fault codes in five simple steps:
- Locate the Yamaha diagnostic port
- Attach the diagnostic adapter
- Connect an OBD2 code reader/scanner to the adapter
- Identify the fault code
- Check the bike’s service manual
Let’s take a closer look at each!
1. Locate the Yamaha Diagnostic Port
As a first step, you have to locate the diagnostic port on your bike.
On most Yamaha motorcycles, you can find the diagnostic port under the seat.
Here’s a good tutorial on how to locate the port:
2. Attach the Diagnostic Adapter
As the second step, connect the OBD2 reader or scanner to the diagnostic port.
Since Yamaha motorcycles typically utilize a 3- or 4-pin diagnostic port, you will need a diagnostic adapter. This simple adapter converts Yamaha diagnostic ports to a standard OBD2 port.
3. Connect the Reader to the Adapter
Once you’ve connected the adapter to the diagnostic port, you can plug a regular OBD2 reader or scanner into the adapter.
4. Identify the Fault Code
After hooking up the reader, turn the key to the ON position on your bike, which should bring the reader to life. Read and follow the instructions on the reader’s screen to extract the error codes.
Once you’ve got the code you should identify it to learn more about the nature of the error.
More advanced OBD2 scanners come with a built-in (generic OBD2 and vehicle-specific) code database, so they can analyze the code on their own.
5. Check the bike’s service manual
Once you’ve identified the code, it’s recommended that you check your bike’s service manual for further information.
If you don’t have the book on hand, your other option is to call an authorized Yamaha service shop, which can help identify and solve the problem.
How do You Clear the Codes on a Yamaha Motorcycle?
Contrary to popular belief, you can’t clear fault codes on these bikes through the dashboard or by detaching the battery. Instead, fault codes on Yamaha motorcycles can only be cleared with an OBD2 reader or scanner tool.
Before you clear the code, make sure that you’ve fixed the problem behind the code. Fault codes are there for a reason, deleting them without inspecting and fixing the malfunction is definitely not recommended.
Fault codes sometimes get stuck into the memory and when that happens they can only be cleared by a dealer.
If you can’t clear the code on your bike, it’s a sign that you should visit an authorized Yamaha dealership.
Yamaha Motorcycle Onboard Diagnostic Codes
Yamaha fault codes are often confused with diagnostic codes, but they are two completely different things.
As the name suggests, Yamaha’s self-diagnostic function and codes help ensure that the bike is operating properly. Yamaha diagnostic codes are simple numbers that can be displayed on the dashboard without any special devices.
How do you get the code displayed?
You can enter the diagnostic modes on a Yamaha bike by pressing a button combination. This may vary by model, but on many bikes, you would press and hold down the reset and select buttons, then turn the key to the On position.
Be patient, as you need to keep the buttons depressed for 5-6 seconds before the bike goes into diagnostic mode.
Once the mode is active you can see a “DI” symbol on the dashboard and then you can browse the menu by pressing the Select button.
If this diagnostic feature detects a malfunction it illuminates the “check engine” light and stores a fault code in the memory of the ECU.
Yamaha Motorcycle Diagnostic Code List
The diagnostic codes are clearly stated in each bike’s owner’s manual, but for your convenience, we’ve listed them in this post.
These codes were extracted from the manual of a Yamaha MT-07, but they may cover many modern 4-stroke Yamaha motorcycles.
Consequently, note that these charts as for informational purposes only. For exact diagnostic codes and their remedy, please consult your bike’s owner’s manual!
Yamaha Self-Diagnostic Function Table
| Fault code No. | Item |
| 12 | Crankshaft position sensor: no normal signals are received from the crankshaft position sensor |
| 13 | Intake air pressure sensor: open or short circuit detected. |
| 14 | Intake air pressure sensor: hose system malfunction (clogged or detached hose). |
| 15 | Throttle position sensor: open or short circuit detected. |
| 19 | Sidestand switch: a break or disconnection of the black/red lead of the ECU is detected. |
| 21 | Coolant temperature sensor: open or short circuit detected. |
| 22 | Intake air temperature: open or short circuit detected. |
| 24 | O2 sensor: no normal signals are received from the O2 sensor |
| 30 | Latch-up detected |
| 33 | Cylinder- #1 ignition coil: open or short circuit detected in the primary lead of the cylinder-#1 ignition coil. |
| 34 | Cylinder- #2 ignition coil: open or short circuit detected in the primary lead of the cylinder-#2 ignition coil. |
| 37 | Component other than ISC (idle speed control) unit is defective (ISC operating sound is heard). Defective ISC (idle speed control) unit (ISC operating sound is not heard). |
| 39 | Injector: open or short circuit detected. |
| 41 | Lean angle sensor: open or short circuit detected. |
| 42 | Rear wheel sensor: no normal signals are received from the rear wheel sensor. Gear position switch: open or short circuit is detected. Clutch switch: open or short circuit is detected. |
| 43 | Fuel system voltage: incorrect voltage supplied to the fuel injector and fuel pump. |
| 44 | EEPROM fault code number: an error is detected while reading or writing on EEPROM |
| 46 | Charging voltage is abnormal. Flat battery error code. Recharge the battery. |
| 50 | Faulty ECU memory (When this malfunction is detected in the ECU, the fault code number might not appear on the meter display). |
| 51 | Immobilizer unit: Code cannot be transmitted between the key and the immobilizer unit. |
| 52 | Immobilizer unit: Codes between the key and immobilizer unit do not match. |
| 53 | Immobilizer unit: Codes cannot be transmitted between the ECU and the immobilizer unit. |
| 54 | Immobilizer unit: Codes transmitted between the ECU and the immobilizer unit do not match. |
| 55 | Immobilizer unit: Key code registration malfunction. |
| 56 | ECU: Unidentified code is received. |
| 70 | Engine idling stop |
Disclaimer: These charts are for informational purposes only! For more information, please check the official service manuals!
Yamaha Motorcycle Fault Codes
Since Yamaha uses the OBD2 standard, their motorcycle fault codes can be read by a standard OBD2 reader.
If you can extract the fault code on your bike through the diagnostic port, you can find out more about the nature of the error.
Since vehicle-specific fault codes on Yamaha motorcycles may vary from one model to the next, listing all of them here would be nearly impossible. The best practice is to check your bike’s service manual, which should include these codes.
Your other option is to invest in an advanced OBD2 scanner, which comes with a built-in Yamaha fault code database.
Besides the vehicle-specific codes, Yamaha motorcycles use generic OBD2 fault codes as well. If you are looking for a full list of these codes you may find our OBD2 fault code chart useful.
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