Triumph Tiger Explorer and Trophy SE Recalled for Throttle Position Sensor Error

Triumph is recalling a combined total of 2,800 units of the Tiger Explorer and Trophy SE due to a problem with the electronic control unit detecting the throttle position.

According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the ECU’s detection threshold is set too tightly and it lacked proper signal filtering, causing it to prematurely detecting a deviation in the throttle butterfly position. The ECU would then activate the ride-by-wire system’s safety shutdown, closing the throttle butterly valve and cutting the fuel and ignition.

Triumph first received warranty data and returned parts related to the issue between June and September 2013. An internal investigation concluded on Dec. 6, leading to the a modification to the ECU hardware, software and calibration. The updated ECU, introduced to the production line Dec. 16, 2013, reduces the sensitivity to deviations to the throttle butterfly position, preventing unnecessary engine shut-downs.

The recall affects 1,436 units of the 2012-2014 Tiger Explorer, 504 units of the 2013-2014 Tiger Explorer XC, and 860 units of the 2013-2014 Trophy SE. The faulty ECU can be found on units produced before VIN 637166.

Triumph dealers will install the new ECU hardware and software on affected units.

[Source: NHTSA]

By Dennis Chung