Innovate Wideband Defect Warning
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I'm Huge In Japan
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,314
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From: the 615
Innovate Wideband Defect Warning
First of all, I'd like to note that this is an incredible product and it has my highest recommendation for tuning. The daisy chaining and datalogging software is second to none and it's compatible with virtually all tuning platforms. I also find it generally more reliable than any other wideband, of which I've used ALL of them hundreds of times.
With that being said, be careful in how you install and operate these - this goes or the LC-1, LM-1 and MTX wideband controllers, but most commonly in the LC-1.
I've dissembled and tested the circuit to verify the origin of the problem, as well as simulated the condition which produces the same damage.
If you're tapping into the existing O2 signal wire, YOU MUST FULLY DISCONNECT THE ORIGINAL O2 SENSOR and make sure the simulated NB and linaer WB wires (usually brown and yellow) are never touching. There is an unprotected component in the circuit (D4) that will overload with current and burn out quickly, destroying the controller.
This seems like an obvious thing since mixing signals will give totally false readings, but this CAN also happen if the output sees 5v for too long (i.e. leaving the unit powered on in free air for over 15 minutes). The component may just be underrated.
Typical signs of this defect are voltage readings that switch from rich to lean randomly, or only one steady mid voltage. You must first try to recalibrate and/or replace the sensor as this can also just be a sign of a sensor failure.
A more direct sign will be a virtual shut-down of the controller, where the indicator light will not turn on and you may not see voltage from the output even if you can still connect to LogWorks. You probably will not experience a trouble code.
Since we're here, I'd like to call for Innovate to either upgrade the component or add a protective load switch to the circuit to reduce failure rate.
Happy tuning Honda friends.
With that being said, be careful in how you install and operate these - this goes or the LC-1, LM-1 and MTX wideband controllers, but most commonly in the LC-1.
I've dissembled and tested the circuit to verify the origin of the problem, as well as simulated the condition which produces the same damage.
If you're tapping into the existing O2 signal wire, YOU MUST FULLY DISCONNECT THE ORIGINAL O2 SENSOR and make sure the simulated NB and linaer WB wires (usually brown and yellow) are never touching. There is an unprotected component in the circuit (D4) that will overload with current and burn out quickly, destroying the controller.
This seems like an obvious thing since mixing signals will give totally false readings, but this CAN also happen if the output sees 5v for too long (i.e. leaving the unit powered on in free air for over 15 minutes). The component may just be underrated.
Typical signs of this defect are voltage readings that switch from rich to lean randomly, or only one steady mid voltage. You must first try to recalibrate and/or replace the sensor as this can also just be a sign of a sensor failure.
A more direct sign will be a virtual shut-down of the controller, where the indicator light will not turn on and you may not see voltage from the output even if you can still connect to LogWorks. You probably will not experience a trouble code.
Since we're here, I'd like to call for Innovate to either upgrade the component or add a protective load switch to the circuit to reduce failure rate.
Happy tuning Honda friends.
DO IT ON ALL FOURS
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,632
Likes: 15
From: IN Your Mind
Re: Innovate Wideband Defect Warning
Thanks for sharing. Now I know why mine failed so quickly due to the free air one. Either way, I will stick with other options that don't have such basic issues.
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