Gear indicator problem

[Toddy]

Chaps, any ideas on this?
Have just parted with my beloved R1200GS 2004 to a nice chap in Northumbarland and before he rode it away I gave some of the bits a good spray with WD40 to give it a wee shine and make the gearchange that wee bit slicker. He phoned later in the day to report that the gear indicator on the dash was showing 1st, 2nd, 5th and 6th but not the ones between.
Could this be my liberal WD40?
Will it sort itself or should I suggest some de-greaser.
Any help appreciated.
Thanks,
Toddy

 

[Pukmeister]

I doubt it, probably just a sticking gear position feedback potentiometer which may free itself with a little use.

 

[RickG]

I doubt it, probably just a sticking gear position feedback potentiometer which may free itself with a little use.

It can't stick can it? Isn't it directly driven off the end of the gear selector shaft?

A blast of WD40 is normally prescribed for fixing the fault this guy is describing, not causing it, so unless you've displaced water into the pot' as a result of squirting it, it sounds like an unfortunate concidence. Mine stopped working after an overenthusiastic jet-washing but slowly recovered over a month or two. Maybe this guy has done the same?

 

[WindyChuffer]

What was he expecting? A warranty repair?

 

[scotty42]

Gear Ind

When mine went, if I didn't get a green nuetral light before I shut the ignition off, I couldn't restart the bike.

Only after disconnecting the battery and playing with the gear lever did it come back, and as I was touring at the time it was very inconveniant.

 

[RickG]

When mine went, if I didn't get a green nuetral light before I shut the ignition off, I couldn't restart the bike.

QUOTE]

Did you try pulling the clutch in? That ought to allow the engine to start as otherwise it thinks it's still in gear

 

[ts2]

When mine went, if I didn't get a green nuetral light before I shut the ignition off, I couldn't restart the bike.

QUOTE]

Did you try pulling the clutch in? That ought to allow the engine to start as otherwise it thinks it's still in gear

Yup Clutch in works for me, but I'd add that you need the side stand up, else it'll cut the engine if it thinks you're in a gear.

TS

 

[ChasMill]

Mine developed this fault (demonic possession?) on Saturday morning on my way to the Channel Tunnel. Neutral showing on the dash but still in gear. On start up, the indicator showing second when in neutral. Bit of a pain but it cleared itself eventually. I will probably drop the bike in when I am back from holiday if it is still happening.

 

[KevG]

Just had mine done under warranty. Was told by the dealer that its causedd by riding in the rain!
Which is exactly what I'd been doing the week before it happened.
Kev

 

[Pukmeister]

That damned rain is a nuisance, especially if it is the wrong sort, like the rail networks use.

Has anybody got the BMW part number for sunshine, maybe we ought to order a box??