Front ABS Sensor Replacement Issue

[Bandare]

I have a 2002 R1150 GSA.

I could do with some help if anyone has a good understanding of Front ABS Sensors. A while ago, I had my ABS light and general warning light (below the ABS light) flash intermittently. I took it to the shop that used to service my bike. They put the bike through their diagnostic tool, and it said the front ABS sensor had gone.

I bought a new ABS sensor (from BMW) and have fitted this new one, and then checked the gap to make sure it's between the tolerances 0.45 - 0.65. With the right shims it's currently at 0.55. When I start the bike then take it for a short ride, the lights are still flashing intermittently, as they were before. When I click the ABS button on the right handlebar control the flashing lights change to a continuous general warning (lower light) turned on.

I'm wondering if there is anything else I need to do once I've fitted a new ABS sensor to reset everything or something I am missing.

Any thoughts to help?

 

[Ian J Hartley]

Is your bike a twin spark with iABS brakes (Servo).

September 2002 was the change over from single to twin spark and Servo brakes on both Standard and Adventure bikes.
So it would help to know.

 

[Bandare]

Is your bike a twin spark with iABS brakes (Servo).

September 2002 was the change over from single to twin spark and Servo brakes on both Standard and Adventure bikes.
So it would help to know.

Hi Ian, mine is the single spark, pre Sept.

 

[Ian J Hartley]

Have a read of this with reference to ABS2 which is what you have fitted. It might be all you have to do is follow the
Abs reset procedure.

https://largiader.com/abs/absfault.html

 

[Bandare]

Have a read of this with reference to ABS2 which is what you have fitted. It might be all you have to do is follow the
Abs reset procedure.

https://largiader.com/abs/absfault.html

Thank you Ian. I'll give that a try first thing in the morning and see if that sorts it out!

 

[Bandare]

Sadly, no luck. After that process, the two lights still flash intermittently. The only things I need to check now are that the battery is fully charged and if I was given the right ABS sensor for the single spark!

 

[Bandare]

Hi, the reason I thought I needed a new front ABS sensor was the result of connecting connected a GS911 diagnostic tool to my bike.

I have tried the above resetting of the ABS after fitting the new ABS sensor but I get the same flashing on the warning panel.

Does anyone near to Tunbridge Wells, Kent or Matlock, Derbyshire have a GS911 that I could plug in and see what error comes up?

 

[theoneandonly]

is leatherhead near ?

 

[Bandare]

is leatherhead near ?

Thank you for the offer. It's a little far but I could possibly drop in on the way back from Derbyshire one day if that was possible?

 

[theoneandonly]

well we would need to be fairly firm on a date or time ( 1100 to 1700 m-f ) s/s by arrangement.

 

[Bandare]

I'm still at a loss.

Iv'e been able to reset the ABS with a GS 911 equivalent setup (thanks to @theoneandonly, the lights are still flashing intermittently.

:: I have checked the gap numerous times to make sure it's within the tolerance of 0.018" - 0.022"
:; Have spun the wheel while the feeler gauge at 0.020" is in the gap between the sensor and the wheel to check the wheel isn't bowed.
:: Added another battery alongside the current one just to make sure the battery is at full capacity before running the ABS 2 reset procedure.
:: I've put my multimeter into pin 2 of the diagnostics and can confirm I get 3 pulses which, confirms the error is Front ABS sensor.
:: I have tested the wire from the ABS sensor with the multimeter and reads the correct ohm.
:: checked the part number 35 52 2 331 289 to make sure I have the corrct part for the bike.

Does anyone have any other thoughts on what the issue could be?

 

[Bandare]

I meant to say, "I've been able to reset the ABS with a GS 911 equivalent setup (thanks to @theoneandonly, BUT the lights are still flashing intermittently straight after the reset and turning the ignition back on.

 

[theoneandonly]

FIRE !

or take the lamps out .
then when you've had a rest from this , put them back in and start again .

 

[Two wheels good]

I meant to say, "I've been able to reset the ABS with a GS 911 equivalent setup (thanks to @theoneandonly, BUT the lights are still flashing intermittently straight after the reset and turning the ignition back on.

In that case the reset hasn't been successful. Both ABS lights flashing simultaneously indicates the reset was successful.
In my experience it's not often a reset succeeds on the first attempt. My method is to earth the diag. plug pin.

Edit: Are you including the marker pulse(s) in the count. The first long pulse isn't part of the error signal. AFAIK. May someone would confirm.

 

[Bandare]

In that case the reset hasn't been successful. Both ABS lights flashing simultaneously indicates the reset was successful.
In my experience it's not often a reset succeeds on the first attempt. My method is to earth the diag. plug pin.

Edit: Are you including the marker pulse(s) in the count. The first long pulse isn't part of the error signal. AFAIK. May someone would confirm.

I've tried resetting it with a wire on pin 2 and connected to the battery negative probably 30+ times with different intervals holding the ABS button from 10 seconds, 60 and 90 seconds. At the end of that when released both lights are solid, which is (from what I've been told) what should happen. As I said, after I turn off the ignition and wait 10 seconds, then turn the ignition back on again, the lights just flash intermittently again straight away. The same happened when using the GS-911 equivalent too.

The pulses are 3 short ones together which, is giving the same reading as the software device saying its the front ABS sensor too.

 

[Two wheels good]

Okay, so the reset does succeed. It's not a situation I've come across. I've only seen - or read - the error return after the bike is started and ridden.
To answer your earlier question: when I had to replace my rear ABS sensor there was nothing else to do besides fit the sensor and reset the error.

I suppose it's not unknown for a new part to faulty but the exact symptoms..?
I've read one knowledgeable member here describe using a second bike as a test bed to provide a reliable ABS sensor. Leave the sensor fitted on the second bike and connect it to your wiring harness and see how your ABS system responds. And vice-versa may be useful too.

On another thread I see you discuss the relay in the ABS controller. I had to replace mine a few years back. And I suspect the frequent Error 6 that has appeared recently is related to it.
Caution: the relay is permanently live. I was told they are no longer available new.

 

[Bandare]

Okay, so the reset does succeed. It's not a situation I've come across. I've only seen - or read - the error return after the bike is started and ridden.
To answer your earlier question: when I had to replace my rear ABS sensor there was nothing else to do besides fit the sensor and reset the error.

I suppose it's not unknown for a new part to faulty but the exact symptoms..?
I've read one knowledgeable member here describe using a second bike as a test bed to provide a reliable ABS sensor. Leave the sensor fitted on the second bike and connect it to your wiring harness and see how your ABS system responds. And vice-versa may be useful too.

On another thread I see you discuss the relay in the ABS controller. I had to replace mine a few years back. And I suspect the frequent Error 6 that has appeared recently is related to it.
Caution: the relay is permanently live. I was told they are no longer available new.

I don't think the new ABS sensor is faulty because I get a positive reading from the cable when reading the multimeter set to ohms. What is error 6?