[RUNE~GEARHEAD]

"***This will be a bit long winded. Trying my best not to make this confusing.


As of 3Jan23 the ECM (AKA) ECU (AKA) PGM FI UNIT for the Rune is
backordered and expected in stock 10-24 Oct for the A or 49 States/Canada one,
and is listed as unavailable for the AC or California one.

Used units (ECM/ECU/PGM FI UNIT) with matched or paired keys to that unit maybe the future for Rune owners if
this part is no longer available to be purchased from Honda or an individual with one on the shelf willing to part with it,
if and when theirs fails. Failure of this part has happened far too many times. Hopefully Honda will understand that and
keep having them made and stock them again. I ain't counting on that.

A downside to purchasing a used setup is that the keys have already been cut to the Rune it was removed from.
One option is to also purchase the ignition switch, fuel cap, and seat lock to get the complete matched set or all the
parts keyed to the used key(s). Or re-key the locks on the Rune that needs the used ECM/ECU/PGM FI UNIT if possible or have separate/additional key(s).

Being I'm lazy and cheap I would go with option B and do a chip swap.
The key itself is a mechanical device that is used to operate the mechanisms be it the ignition switch,
fuel cap lock, or seat lock.
When the ECM/ECU/PGM FI UNIT is paired to or match to a key, it is the chip in the key head that it is really matched/paired to.
So, one can simply swap the chip.

A new ECM/ECU/PGM FI UNIT requires two new keys to pair with. If one has the old keys and is replacing the ECM/ECU/PGM FI UNIT because it failed. The old keys can be used with very little work, saving the need to cut the new keys.
Just swap out the old chip in the old key(s) head with the chip(s) from the new keys.
You end up having the original keys with the stamped in key code on them, and no need for a locksmith to cut keys.

If you need to swap the ECM/ECU/PGM FI UNIT because you lost ALL the keys and are using a used setup because a new one can't be had. Purchase new keys based on key code if you have it, or get it from fuel tank cap,
---have locksmith open fuel cap, and have locksmith cut new keys to code. The new keys will work to turn on the ignition, open fuel cap, and open seat lock.
All is left is to remove chip(s)from new keys and swap in the ones
from the keys that came with the used ECM/ECU/PGM FI UNIT and are already paired to it.


Here is how easy it is to remove and replace the chip in the Rune's key head.

Picture one: How a new key comes: key and both covers. You can see where the chip is sealed into the key.

Picture two: Shows the chip partial exposed. I removed the potting/sealing material with my fingernail and a wood toothpick.

Picture three: Shows the cavity where the chip came from and the chip next to the key head. Both have been cleaned.
Finger and or fingernail is all that is required to clean chip.

Picture four: Shows the chip reinstalled in cavity, note cavity has fingers or guides to local chip in the correct position.
There is also a space or gap to use a dental pick to very easily remove the chip without damage.

Picture five: Shows the chip secured/sealed/waterproofed back in its place. I use black RTV/Silicone. Other than my
fingernail, the items in picture is all that is needed and it's very easy to do, takes more time to gather items
than to remove/swap chips. When done install covers for the oem/finished look.
Used keys will also require the removal of the cover(s) to expose the chip cavity.


RIDE SAFE and RIDE OFTEN "

 

[RaRune]

Great Research... Excellent write-up... Thanks...,

 

[Mitchell]

"***This will be a bit long winded. Trying my best not to make this confusing.


As of 3Jan23 the ECM (AKA) ECU (AKA) PGM FI UNIT for the Rune is
backordered and expected in stock 10-24 Oct for the A or 49 States/Canada one,
and is listed as unavailable for the AC or California one.

Used units (ECM/ECU/PGM FI UNIT) with matched or paired keys to that unit maybe the future for Rune owners if
this part is no longer available to be purchased from Honda or an individual with one on the shelf willing to part with it,
if and when theirs fails. Failure of this part has happened far too many times. Hopefully Honda will understand that and
keep having them made and stock them again. I ain't counting on that.

A downside to purchasing a used setup is that the keys have already been cut to the Rune it was removed from.
One option is to also purchase the ignition switch, fuel cap, and seat lock to get the complete matched set or all the
parts keyed to the used key(s). Or re-key the locks on the Rune that needs the used ECM/ECU/PGM FI UNIT if possible or have separate/additional key(s).

Being I'm lazy and cheap I would go with option B and do a chip swap.
The key itself is a mechanical device that is used to operate the mechanisms be it the ignition switch,
fuel cap lock, or seat lock.
When the ECM/ECU/PGM FI UNIT is paired to or match to a key, it is the chip in the key head that it is really matched/paired to.
So, one can simply swap the chip.

A new ECM/ECU/PGM FI UNIT requires two new keys to pair with. If one has the old keys and is replacing the ECM/ECU/PGM FI UNIT because it failed. The old keys can be used with very little work, saving the need to cut the new keys.
Just swap out the old chip in the old key(s) head with the chip(s) from the new keys.
You end up having the original keys with the stamped in key code on them, and no need for a locksmith to cut keys.

If you need to swap the ECM/ECU/PGM FI UNIT because you lost ALL the keys and are using a used setup because a new one can't be had. Purchase new keys based on key code if you have it, or get it from fuel tank cap,
---have locksmith open fuel cap, and have locksmith cut new keys to code. The new keys will work to turn on the ignition, open fuel cap, and open seat lock.
All is left is to remove chip(s)from new keys and swap in the ones
from the keys that came with the used ECM/ECU/PGM FI UNIT and are already paired to it.


Here is how easy it is to remove and replace the chip in the Rune's key head.

Picture one: How a new key comes: key and both covers. You can see where the chip is sealed into the key.

Picture two: Shows the chip partial exposed. I removed the potting/sealing material with my fingernail and a wood toothpick.

Picture three: Shows the cavity where the chip came from and the chip next to the key head. Both have been cleaned.
Finger and or fingernail is all that is required to clean chip.

Picture four: Shows the chip reinstalled in cavity, note cavity has fingers or guides to local chip in the correct position.
There is also a space or gap to use a dental pick to very easily remove the chip without damage.

Picture five: Shows the chip secured/sealed/waterproofed back in its place. I use black RTV/Silicone. Other than my
fingernail, the items in picture is all that is needed and it's very easy to do, takes more time to gather items
than to remove/swap chips. When done install covers for the oem/finished look.
Used keys will also require the removal of the cover(s) to expose the chip cavity.


RIDE SAFE and RIDE OFTEN "


View attachment 21738

View attachment 21739

View attachment 21740

View attachment 21741

View attachment 21742

"***This will be a bit long winded. Trying my best not to make this confusing.


As of 3Jan23 the ECM (AKA) ECU (AKA) PGM FI UNIT for the Rune is
backordered and expected in stock 10-24 Oct for the A or 49 States/Canada one,
and is listed as unavailable for the AC or California one.

Used units (ECM/ECU/PGM FI UNIT) with matched or paired keys to that unit maybe the future for Rune owners if
this part is no longer available to be purchased from Honda or an individual with one on the shelf willing to part with it,
if and when theirs fails. Failure of this part has happened far too many times. Hopefully Honda will understand that and
keep having them made and stock them again. I ain't counting on that.

A downside to purchasing a used setup is that the keys have already been cut to the Rune it was removed from.
One option is to also purchase the ignition switch, fuel cap, and seat lock to get the complete matched set or all the
parts keyed to the used key(s). Or re-key the locks on the Rune that needs the used ECM/ECU/PGM FI UNIT if possible or have separate/additional key(s).

Being I'm lazy and cheap I would go with option B and do a chip swap.
The key itself is a mechanical device that is used to operate the mechanisms be it the ignition switch,
fuel cap lock, or seat lock.
When the ECM/ECU/PGM FI UNIT is paired to or match to a key, it is the chip in the key head that it is really matched/paired to.
So, one can simply swap the chip.

A new ECM/ECU/PGM FI UNIT requires two new keys to pair with. If one has the old keys and is replacing the ECM/ECU/PGM FI UNIT because it failed. The old keys can be used with very little work, saving the need to cut the new keys.
Just swap out the old chip in the old key(s) head with the chip(s) from the new keys.
You end up having the original keys with the stamped in key code on them, and no need for a locksmith to cut keys.

If you need to swap the ECM/ECU/PGM FI UNIT because you lost ALL the keys and are using a used setup because a new one can't be had. Purchase new keys based on key code if you have it, or get it from fuel tank cap,
---have locksmith open fuel cap, and have locksmith cut new keys to code. The new keys will work to turn on the ignition, open fuel cap, and open seat lock.
All is left is to remove chip(s)from new keys and swap in the ones
from the keys that came with the used ECM/ECU/PGM FI UNIT and are already paired to it.


Here is how easy it is to remove and replace the chip in the Rune's key head.

Picture one: How a new key comes: key and both covers. You can see where the chip is sealed into the key.

Picture two: Shows the chip partial exposed. I removed the potting/sealing material with my fingernail and a wood toothpick.

Picture three: Shows the cavity where the chip came from and the chip next to the key head. Both have been cleaned.
Finger and or fingernail is all that is required to clean chip.

Picture four: Shows the chip reinstalled in cavity, note cavity has fingers or guides to local chip in the correct position.
There is also a space or gap to use a dental pick to very easily remove the chip without damage.

Picture five: Shows the chip secured/sealed/waterproofed back in its place. I use black RTV/Silicone. Other than my
fingernail, the items in picture is all that is needed and it's very easy to do, takes more time to gather items
than to remove/swap chips. When done install covers for the oem/finished look.
Used keys will also require the removal of the cover(s) to expose the chip cavity.


RIDE SAFE and RIDE OFTEN "


View attachment 21738

View attachment 21739

View attachment 21740

View attachment 21741

View attachment 21742

How many miles on the Rune before you had this Issue?

"***This will be a bit long winded. Trying my best not to make this confusing.


As of 3Jan23 the ECM (AKA) ECU (AKA) PGM FI UNIT for the Rune is
backordered and expected in stock 10-24 Oct for the A or 49 States/Canada one,
and is listed as unavailable for the AC or California one.

Used units (ECM/ECU/PGM FI UNIT) with matched or paired keys to that unit maybe the future for Rune owners if
this part is no longer available to be purchased from Honda or an individual with one on the shelf willing to part with it,
if and when theirs fails. Failure of this part has happened far too many times. Hopefully Honda will understand that and
keep having them made and stock them again. I ain't counting on that.

A downside to purchasing a used setup is that the keys have already been cut to the Rune it was removed from.
One option is to also purchase the ignition switch, fuel cap, and seat lock to get the complete matched set or all the
parts keyed to the used key(s). Or re-key the locks on the Rune that needs the used ECM/ECU/PGM FI UNIT if possible or have separate/additional key(s).

Being I'm lazy and cheap I would go with option B and do a chip swap.
The key itself is a mechanical device that is used to operate the mechanisms be it the ignition switch,
fuel cap lock, or seat lock.
When the ECM/ECU/PGM FI UNIT is paired to or match to a key, it is the chip in the key head that it is really matched/paired to.
So, one can simply swap the chip.

A new ECM/ECU/PGM FI UNIT requires two new keys to pair with. If one has the old keys and is replacing the ECM/ECU/PGM FI UNIT because it failed. The old keys can be used with very little work, saving the need to cut the new keys.
Just swap out the old chip in the old key(s) head with the chip(s) from the new keys.
You end up having the original keys with the stamped in key code on them, and no need for a locksmith to cut keys.

If you need to swap the ECM/ECU/PGM FI UNIT because you lost ALL the keys and are using a used setup because a new one can't be had. Purchase new keys based on key code if you have it, or get it from fuel tank cap,
---have locksmith open fuel cap, and have locksmith cut new keys to code. The new keys will work to turn on the ignition, open fuel cap, and open seat lock.
All is left is to remove chip(s)from new keys and swap in the ones
from the keys that came with the used ECM/ECU/PGM FI UNIT and are already paired to it.


Here is how easy it is to remove and replace the chip in the Rune's key head.

Picture one: How a new key comes: key and both covers. You can see where the chip is sealed into the key.

Picture two: Shows the chip partial exposed. I removed the potting/sealing material with my fingernail and a wood toothpick.

Picture three: Shows the cavity where the chip came from and the chip next to the key head. Both have been cleaned.
Finger and or fingernail is all that is required to clean chip.

Picture four: Shows the chip reinstalled in cavity, note cavity has fingers or guides to local chip in the correct position.
There is also a space or gap to use a dental pick to very easily remove the chip without damage.

Picture five: Shows the chip secured/sealed/waterproofed back in its place. I use black RTV/Silicone. Other than my
fingernail, the items in picture is all that is needed and it's very easy to do, takes more time to gather items
than to remove/swap chips. When done install covers for the oem/finished look.
Used keys will also require the removal of the cover(s) to expose the chip cavity.


RIDE SAFE and RIDE OFTEN "


View attachment 21738

View attachment 21739

View attachment 21740

View attachment 21741

View attachment 21742

How many miles on the Rune before you had This Issue

 

[Mitchell]

Thanks for the detail. Its all in the detail.

BTW,
How many miles on the Rune before you had this issue?

 

[AlanSmith7]

Amazing research thread I could ever read. So much in detail information. I also had some issues regarding my rune, I hope this article helped me to solve the issues I have. Chip swap option is great, and now I also wanted to do this experiment.

 

[RUNE~GEARHEAD]

Well, It does not matter how much it has mistakes but one thing I really wanted to appreciate about this bike is its design. The Rune is the most important aspect of the bike. But after hearing that parts price list, and knowing my track record on dropping and crashing bikes. I don't think I could ever buy one, I'd never be able to enjoy riding it.

Amazing research thread I could ever read. So much in detail information. I also had some issues regarding my rune, I hope this article helped me to solve the issues I have. Chip swap option is great, and now I also wanted to do this experiment.

"?"

 

[AlanSmith7]

"?"

Already solved thanks for asking

 

[RUNE~GEARHEAD]

Already solved thanks for asking

"Isn't it awesome that imaginary Runes are so easy to fix..."

 

[AlanSmith7]

"Isn't it awesome that imaginary Runes are so easy to fix..."

It is

 

[RUNE~GEARHEAD]

How many miles on the Rune before you had this issue?

"My bad for the slow reply.

Didn't/don't have any issue, was doing a Rune parts inventory of my stockpile and was curious as to just
what type of chip was used in the Rune's key head. While at it I decided to figure out some work arounds or short cuts
to possible problems one might have with the Rune and the solution(s) for them. I figured out the above one,
along with an easy way to do an ignition switch replacement without following the S/M.
S/M uses far more steps than is required, plus my way eliminates the need for the special tool the S/M calls for.
I also have a very, very easy way to work around a bad receiver unit.
Both the ignition switch and unit receiver are parts that are no longer available, along with at this time
the California ECM is unavailable, and the 49 state/Canada is unavailable until November.
I figure it won't be long before some individuals that ride/use their Rune will be forced to park them.
They will be unusable because of lack of parts and or lack of knowledge on how to fix or work around problem(s).
And a dealership won't be of any help when that time comes.

Rune owners that plan on keeping their Rune for the long haul and riding them may want to plan ahead and purchase
items that are required for normal servicing of the Rune that have no substitute from another bike or source.
As more and more parts are added to the list of unavailable,
both owners that service their Rune themselves or those that have a dealer do it may end up with a Rune that is unusable because of lack of those part(s).

My last order (Mid-January 2023) of Rune parts had one item move from available to unavailable after I purchased the last of them for my stockpile."

 

[Artmonkey]

My rune, once I get the new PGM FI, is my daily driver. Aside from tires, that are becoming harder to find, what parts should one stockpile? Hoses and rubber stuffs. brakepads?

 

[RUNE~GEARHEAD]

My rune, once I get the new PGM FI, is my daily driver. Aside from tires, that are becoming harder to find, what parts should one stockpile? Hoses and rubber stuffs. brakepads?

"It depends on the individual.

If someone will only use oem parts, the parts becoming more and more unavailable
will be more of a concern for them.

Here's a couple of items to think about...

I just got a new oem air filter today. It has the same manufacture date that ever one I've
seen or hear of has... 2003.
20 years down the road and the same date.
Wonder how many Honda ordered when they placed that order.
If someone will ONLY use an oem air filter that maybe an item one would shelf a spare or two.
If they become unavailable after the stockpile is used up and one has a dealership do their service
work, will the dealership have a way around not being able to get one.

The Rune has unique reservoirs, while the diaphragm will outlast most that have a Rune, it's
very easy to tear one when installing it back into the reservoir because of the sharp reservoir edges.
A spare on the shelf just in case may also be a good idea.

In the end, each individual has to figure out what they are comfortable with..."