ABS Flashing lights

[Jimbly2]

Hi Trixters,

I have just bought an 02 R1100S - and the ABS lights are flashing ( left and right ). I originally posted this in the New Trixters section and Admin Gromit suggested it might be due to a low bettery - but the battery is new.

Does this warning light sequence definately suggest a voltage issue rather than a problem with the ABS itself?

Thanks
Jim

[oyster]

First, try fully charging the battery. Even new ones are not always fully charged. Then try riding the bike, the ABS /ECU will probably reset if there is no real fault. If you have no brakes as you set off, more thought may be required for this matter. The flashing lights are an indicator to a fault with the ABS; low battery power is read as a fault. This is a common problem with bikes used infrequently for short outings.

[Jimbly2]

Thanks Oyster - the brakes seem fine - I rode it about 40 miles. They do make a sort of whining noise when applied but work very well.

I read somewhere on here about killing the engine and then trying to bump start the bike in third - thus avoiding voltage drop when turning over - anyone tried this?

Thanks all,
Jim

[oyster]

It is neither easy or comfortable on the engine to bump start. It is far easier to fully charge the battery and have the confidence knowing it is so. Many have left connector tails on the battery trailing out to an accessible point on the bike in order to recharge as required. NB 40 miles is not enough to recharge the battery, the gel batteries require about 30 hours to recharge from 'discharged' - flat.

[timbox2]

Just check against this chart
iABS fault codes

These should be listed on a sticker supplied with the bike.
• Gen OFF, ABS ON = Only residual braking in both circuits.
• Gen OFF, ABS flashes at 1Hz = ABS not available. Pull-away test not completed.
• Gen OFF, ABS flashes at 4Hz = Only residual braking function available in both circuits.
• Gen ON, ABS off = rear light/brake light defective.
• Gen ON, ABS flashes at 1 Hz = At least one brake circuit without ABS.
• Gen ON, ABS flashes at 4Hz =At least one brake circuit in residual braking function mode.
• Gen AND ABS flashing alternately at 1Hz = Fluid level in Intergral ABS too low.Low-voltage

So, going on your description it could be low voltage or fluid level low

PS: The fluid level in this instance is normally the fluid in the ABS pump unit, which drops with pad wear, as opposed to the control circuit in the handlebar master cyl which shouldnt change unless you have a leak.

[tanneman]

Remember to switch the optimate off before connecting it to the battery terminals, connect and then switch it on. I'm fortunate not to have servo ABS on mine.

[Jimbly2]

Cheers guys - is the level easy to check - or is that a tank off job ( Haynes Manual is on the way!)

Jim

[Al]

Blackal has posted a link to a free pdf download on another thread in this section.

Al.

[Jimbly2]

Cheers Al! What a helpful bunch you are

[Roy]

As the engine is a git to bump start, while going down a hill in 3rd or above turn the ignition off for a few seconds (don't pull the clutch in so the engine is still being turned) then back on, this will restart the bike, and if the lights are not flashing, it is low volts.

I found this out when I tried to bumpstart mine on the slow lane of the M25 at 70MPH after shutting the engine off, only to lock the back wheel when I let the clutch out (it was in the wet). I have just fitted a new battery and it cured this problem. (and what a bu66er the battery is to change, that is a another story...........)


Roy

[Jimbly2]

Hi - ok thanks, I tried that - the lights went out for about 10 secs and I thought 'Yeaaaah!' - then they came back on again

So - does that mean it's the ABS resevoir that needs bleeding and not a voltage issue?

Thanks for all your help

Jim

[Jimbly2]

I think I may wimp out and take it to Dick Lovett to diagnose.... I don't like messing with brakes too much!

[Jimbly2]

So I took the bike to Dick Lovetts in Brizzle - Mike the service guy is very helpful - they plugged it in and cleared all the fault codes - found a wheel sensor slightly out of whack and banged it straight. Job done. They also cured an oil leak and gave me some free crush washers. Not expensive at all.

I know main dealers get a lot of stick so it's only fair to give credit where it's due. I would recommend them -

cheers
Jim