BMW 1150GSA 2003 Electric problems

[Rugzo]

Hi,

So my 1150GSA is starting to get worse and worse....

A couple off months ago my right indicator went from, worked every now to stopped working completely. Then, a week ago my rear bulb blew and only my brake light worked. So replaced the bulb and though it was fine, up until now all of a sudden every now and then my right indicator starts working again. Very weird... but an other problem added.

My rear light just blew again but my stopping light still works, but when I use my front brake (handbrake) it goes on but doesn't turn off. Then sometimes it does, then when I use my rear brake (foot) it doesn't go on... But every now and then it does work. Sometimes, it goes off sometimes it doesn't... very random. I can't really seem to find a pattern.

Is this something to do with my onboard computer?? Does it need some sort of reset? If so, how do I do this? Disconnect the battery?

Left indicator works perfectly fine and so does all the other functions on my right hand side handles.

help!

 

[Captain Black]

Someone will offer better advice soon.

But to be going on with is your loom still wearing the ridiculous amount of zip ties near the head stock.

I'm sure its best to release the loom from the zip ties so that older used bikes don't start to chafe the loom on the headstock, thus cause wiring issues.

 

[Captain Black]

Rugzo, your gonna have to move your ass quicker than this !!

Go check and report back!

 

[davegs]

Just flog it quick!!.

 

[Rugzo]

Haha!
Okay okay I will check tomorrow ... im not sure, my bike is sort of in a superb condition so not sure if it's wear/too tight zip ties. Will have a quick look tomorrow.

I did have my chip replaced because of an installation of a Remus exhaust ... by one of John's chips but I has been in there for almost 6 months ... might that be it??

I also already sprayed a lot of contact spray (if that even helps) in there but didnt really help.

Let me make a video tomorrow!

 

[Ian J Hartley]

Your motronic ( the metal box that holds John's chip) has got absolutely nothing to do with your indicators and lights. The motronic controls your engine.

I suspect your problem is down to a wiring fault somewhere. Could be corrosion causing a poor contact.

The fact you are having problems with the indicators and the rear lights would make me look at the wiring loom and connectors that go to that part of the bike. Checking for broken insulation and corrosion. Sometimes just removing the connector and refitting it can clear enough corrosion to get it working again.

Ian

Edit
Does your bike have the ABS servo braking system installed or is it non ABS. Because on the servo brake system. The servo module operates the brake light and monitors the tail light

 

[Colt]

are they not just two separate faults and you are thinking they are related

The indicator microswitch could account for the intermittent indicator fault.
have a search on microswitch that may help.

 

[Rugzo]

Your motronic ( the metal box that holds John's chip) has got absolutely nothing to do with your indicators and lights. The motronic controls your engine.

I suspect your problem is down to a wiring fault somewhere. Could be corrosion causing a poor contact.

The fact you are having problems with the indicators and the rear lights would make me look at the wiring loom and connectors that go to that part of the bike. Checking for broken insulation and corrosion. Sometimes just removing the connector and refitting it can clear enough corrosion to get it working again.

Ian

Edit
Does your bike have the ABS servo braking system installed or is it non ABS. Because on the servo brake system. The servo module operates the brake light and monitors the tail light

Thanks Ian,

No ABS.

 

[Fanum]

I'm with Blacky on this....chances are your top end loom has been so constricted by the overtight OEM cable ties that the 'point of wiggle' (that's a technical term, honest!) where all those bundled wires get stressed on every turn of the bars has finally caused odd and intermittent faults.

Snip the ties and sit and 'squidge' (another tech term) the loom bundle with ignition on to see if you get any odd happenings....that loom is (I think) a separate sub-loom to the main one and can be replaced, though Steptoe will probably be along soon to tell me I'm making it up as I go along yet again

 

[Packer]

If a brake light sometimes comes on and sometimes doesn't go off I'd start by looking at the switches, especially on a bike 12 years old. Easy to disconnec the wires and test for continuity with a meter.

If you switch on the hazard lamps do all the indicators flash correctly? If so that suggests an indicator switch issue. The handlebar assemblies can be stripped and the individual micro switches replaced. Do a search, there are threads identifying the correct replacement switches from (I think) Farnell.

The tail light connects to the main loom under the rear plastic moulding below the luggage rack and the connectors are vulnerable to road dirt and corrosion.

 

[Rugzo]

Sorry took a while but finally got to get a chance to have a look today

Front brake.
I think the actual lever was just so dirty and dried up, the screw (plastic one) was complete dirty so it just kept stuck. Completely cleaned and put some grease in there, working fine.

Rear brake:
The actual connection was dirty, used some connection cleaner and worked!

Right indicator:
Took out the actual round switch, got rid of the mini tiewrap which I think helped. Cleaned it but ... still not perfect. Works now but just ordered a new switch on Jamessherlock so will give it a go in a couple days. Hope i wont make it worse..

Thanks for the tips!

 

[Karlread]

Look on the plus side, at least you don't need a new wiring loom.

 

[Rugzo]

Look on the plus side, at least you don't need a new wiring loom.

Luckily not!!! Still a bit sceptical about my solding skills but will give it a go.

 

[King Rat]

Luckily not!!! Still a bit sceptical about my solding skills but will give it a go.

Piece of solder the length of the bare wire to be tinned.
Wrap it in silver foil.
Heat with a lighter.
Voila, nice neat solder tinned end!


Best not to do it close to the tank or other vulnerable bits........alternatively, extension cable and small soldering iron.

 

[Rugzo]

Well, all over now anyway ....

What happened? Was distracted by a bloody billboard on Euston Rd, didnt see the car was stationary in front of me... booommmm, flew a couple meters and landed on my back. Ouchie nothing too bad

Guess I'll better start listening to my girlfriend and start looking into buying a car ... orrrrrrrr start saving for that new 2014 GSA ....

 

[Kenny Rodkiss]

Fkkkinñ ouch.,....
You sure your OK?.

 

[Rugzo]

Fkkkinñ ouch.,....
You sure your OK?.

Well, I can't tell you how unbelievable luckily I was. There was no traffic behind me.. and I did manage to brake a little also I am never driving anything else then a GSA with these massive cylinders, they basically took the entire hit and protected my leg. I have a little bruise on my hip but other than that I am fine. Not sure how but I am ...

 

[Ash]

Well, all over now anyway ....

What happened? Was distracted by a bloody billboard on Euston Rd, didnt see the car was stationary in front of me... booommmm, flew a couple meters and landed on my back. Ouchie nothing too bad

Guess I'll better start listening to my girlfriend and start looking into buying a car ... orrrrrrrr start saving for that new 2014 GSA ....

Feck me !!!
You must of hit at a fair wack ..
Lucky to still be here Methinks...

Glad your OK ish

 

[beemer pimp]

Shit that some smack ! Bars and head , you are lucky , other wise your leg be kapput .

 

[Karlread]

You could probably source the bits and repair it or keep the salvage, flog it on here and let someone else bring it back to life. The main thing is, is that you are OK. I wouldn't have fancied your chances of keeping your leg other than with a boxer engine.