ABS error

[JonF]

I've seen loads of messages about ABS errors, most of which look like they're down to the battery. My problem seems a bit different, though. Set off from home during the week, ABS set as normal, no problem. Rode for twenty miles or so, then suddenly it started flashing the lights, alternately at about 1 second intervals. Now the ABS won't arm. Because of the sequence of events I cannot see that it is the battery (which is pretty new). Any thoughts from the collective wisdom of UKGSer? It's otherwise as normal and the brakes are working fine.

 

[beemer pimp]

Check abs sensors and connections
O yeah and what bike is ?

 

[wessie]

If the fault happened whilst riding it is most likely a sensor problem. If the bike is a 1150 or smaller cc bike then look at age related problems as well as maybe a duff sensor. Things like corroded pins in connectors and damaged wiring.

If you have access to a GS911 or other diagnostic device, you could probably pin it down to the front or rear circuits.

 

[JonF]

Check abs sensors and connections
O yeah and what bike is ?

Good point, that. It's a 2002 1150 GS Adventure. Non servo brakes

 

[beemer pimp]

There you are check sensors sometimes wire from rear sensor rubs against swing arm

 

[Pekkavee]

You can test ABS with a 12V LED light and find out which fault there is.
Instructions link

Pekka

 

[DrFarkoff]

Check the Sensor gaps Did you have the rear wheel off recently maybe to change rear tyre and forget to refit the rear wheel spacer?
If so refit it clear fault and hope that it hasn't rubbed through the sensor too much (how much is too much?? = How long is a bit of string, the end can take a bit of "scuffing" but is you can clearly see two rectangles of steel it may well be past it but the best way to make sure is to Refit the spacer and go test

Also are your sensor rings clean or rusty?

If rusty wire brush on drill and clean them well and aluminium paint stops them rusting quickly

 

[JonF]

Thanks chaps.

Well, I've had a good look at it and all seems well. Gaps look fine, rings in good nick, all connections seem OK.

I did an ABS reset and that has sent the lights back to normal, so I'll find out when I take it out tomorrow. One thing did occur to me - when it went off, it was an absolutely foul morning, pissing down, as I was going through the streets of Croydon. I was wondering whether something got in between the sensor and the ring as I was riding, and caused it to stop. Given that it's a pre servo bike I'm not overly worried, as the worst case is that I have a bike with non-ABS, normally functioning brakes.

 

[JonF]

Well, having reset the ABS, all back to normal. Started up this morning and it armed as usual, lights went out. I wonder if I'll ever find out what caused it?