ABS Fault

[DollyRocket]

I have just changed the pads on my 1150GS, I bleed the fluid from the calipers as I pushed the pistons back so that it wouldnt upset the abs pump. Rode the bike around and was OK, no observed problems.

Washed it and stuck it on a battery charger over the weekend and ran it today and have got the dreaded ABS flashing light. When I start the bike only the ABS light flashes until I ride off then they both go out. 10-15 seconds later they flash alternately. If I stop the bike, restart it happens again - Occasionally they flash alternately as soon as the engine starts but normally they only flash when the bike is ridden.

Brake light is OK on both foot pedal and lever and battery volts are high (will check completely in a mo) Is there any other diagnosis I could do to determine the fault or is it solely a trip to the dealer to plug in to a code reader?

Mike

 

[DrFarkoff]

Which model 1150GS, Year

ABS From alternate Flashing lights I'd think ABS II

But the problem is like a servo one where you have a low fluid warning

BAck to you for more info?

 

[DollyRocket]

Hi, thanks for the response.

It is 2003 1150GS (53plate) with servo assist brakes. I have just whipped the cap off the barmounted reservoir and it is just above the top of the sight glass - I was topping it up as I was bleeding the brakes so not to get air in.

Someone mentioned on a similar forum about there being a bleed screw on the top of the ABS pump?

Mike

 

[Packer]

Hi, thanks for the response.

It is 2003 1150GS (53plate) with servo assist brakes. I have just whipped the cap off the barmounted reservoir and it is just above the top of the sight glass - I was topping it up as I was bleeding the brakes so not to get air in.

Someone mentioned on a similar forum about there being a bleed screw on the top of the ABS pump?

Mike

The handlebar reservoir is for the feed to the servo.

You need to remove the seat and tank. The servo unit has two large plastic caps on the top of it the front one is for the front brakes. When you bled off fluid (I assume at the calipers) you lowered the level in the servo but this doesn't affect the handlebar level at all.

Be sure to use the correct grade fluid as per the owners handbook or search the site. I can't remember which grade and dont have my book to hand.

 

[DrFarkoff]

DO NOT Open any bleed screws

Like He Says top up fluid thru the two large plastic allen key things with pipes leading off them! Top off brake fluid to the level marks or it will leak out over wherever the vent pipe exits

Use DOT4 or DOT5.1 <- Read as DOT Five point One NOT DOT5.

DOT5 is silicone based and will wreck the seals in your system also will allow moisture to gather at the lowest point i.e. the calliper Where also tends to be the point of greatest heat

METHOD IS HERE

 

[Steptoe]

I, I bleed the fluid from the calipers as I pushed the pistons back so that it wouldnt upset the abs pump.

Just what you shouldn't have done. The fluid to the calipers doesn't come from the master cylinders on the handlebars, or the rear brake fluid reservoir.

The calipers have their own fluid in the servo unit. Sounds like the light could be the low fluid level in the servo warning light.

 

[DollyRocket]

Just what you shouldn't have done. The fluid to the calipers doesn't come from the master cylinders on the handlebars, or the rear brake fluid reservoir.

It would appear that a 'small amount of knowledge' does more harm than good! The Haynes manual didn't recommend bleeding off fluid but I was sure from past experience that ABS systems do not like having fluid moving in the wrong direction!

Thanks for the advice, I will see if I get time to whip the tank off tomorrow evening and have a go at topping up the servo reservoirs.

Mike

 

[DollyRocket]

Sorted - Thanks for the info - You were spot on!

 

[Packer]

Sorted - Thanks for the info - You were spot on!

This site is bloody magic, if you happen to be a rocket scientist with a technical problem someone on this site will have the answer or know where to find it.

Glad it worked