Starting problems

[Vleis]

My 1200 GS (04 model) starts en then dies a few seconds later. I have searched previous threads and found this happened on some 650’s as well, but I am unsure if there were incidents like this for other 1200’s

If you keep the ignition switched on and try and start it – it won’t. If you switch it off and switch it on again then it will start but die after a few seconds again.... fuel pump problem?

I have disconnected the battery for 10 minutes as suggested on other threads, but this has not done the trick. I have check for loose wires as much as possible with out taking the bike apart. Everything looks fine. Bike has just had its 12000 mile service (500 miles ago)

I am late for work and I am not a happy camper at the moment – any feedback on this problem would be greatly appreciated.

Going to make a coffee in the mean time….

Cheers

 

[Pukmeister]

Sounds like a faulty fuel pump controller just like you say.

About £50 from BMW IIRC.

If your bike is an 04 it probably has the original type controller which was later modified for a better type.

My 04 is on its original controller too so I might take my own advice and fit a new one and keep the old one as an emergency spare.

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30406&highlight=1200+pump+controller

It can be bypassed to get the bike running if stuck in the sticks:

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=112743&highlight=controller+bypass

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=247500

 

[Vleis]

Fuel pump

Thanks for the feedback.

I removed that fuel pump cover earlier and there were some light corrosion (more like metal dust) on the pump it self. I have re-ceded the outside wires, but have not tried to remove the pump yet. I will do that now and see what I find on the inside.

Cheers

 

[Pukmeister]

Don't bother to remove the pump, it is fitted inside the fuel tank as part of the fuel level sender assembly, held in by the big metal lock ring on the outside of the fuel controller area under the ventilated plastic cover. You only need to undo this part if the pump is faulty or the level sender is faulty. Best to leave it alone at this point.

You need to unscrew the fuel pump controller (finned metal part) and lift it up and check for water underneath it in the pocket it sits in. If you are lucky you may be able to dry it out if wet and get the bike going. If so, be sure to reseal with silicon grease or vaseline to keep water out, and inspect the rubber gasket closely for nicks or mis-fitting.

If it is fried, you can short between two of the three incoming wires and the two lower pump connector (blue socket) wires to put power continually to the fuel pump and bypass the controller as a get you home mode, the advrider thread mentions it.

If you aren't stuck in the middle of nowhere, I wouldn't bother shorting it and just get a new component and carefully refit it to prevent repeat problems.

 

[Vleis]

thanks - i removed the controller. no water in there, a bit damp though

like you say, probably the controller. i have break down cover so maybe this is a good point to get them in

thanks for the help

 

[Vleis]

brilliant - "break down cover only if you more than 1/2 mile from home sir".... redicilous

i will have to test the workaround to make sure that is the problem. and then get a new controller if it is fried.

 

[Peter Rankin]

brilliant - "break down cover only if you more than 1/2 mile from home sir".... redicilous

i will have to test the workaround to make sure that is the problem. and then get a new controller if it is fried.

Velis

Bit of a long shot, but some of the early 04 models exhibited this problem if you tried to start the bike on the main stand with the side stand down at the same time. It was a fault with the ECU that if the back wheel started to rotate, thought that you were trying to drive the bike with the side stand down and cut the engine.

Quick cure is to keep the side stand up if this is the case or start with the bike on its side stand. Full fix is an update to the ECU.

 

[Shep]

Velis

Bit of a long shot, but some of the early 04 models exhibited this problem if you tried to start the bike on the main stand with the side stand down at the same time. It was a fault with the ECU that if the back wheel started to rotate, thought that you were trying to drive the bike with the side stand down and cut the engine.

Quick cure is to keep the side stand up if this is the case or start with the bike on its side stand. Full fix is an update to the ECU.

Seconded

Does the RID show any error messages when the engine stops

Shep

 

[Chris Terry]

brilliant - "break down cover only if you more than 1/2 mile from home sir".... redicilous .

Push the bike down the road a bit and give them another ring..

 

[nozza]

Start probs

Just gone to mine (an 05) and the same dam thing argh. Been faultless for 10 months. runs for few secs then dies then turns but wont fire at all.
Nozza

 

[nozza]

Velis

Bit of a long shot, but some of the early 04 models exhibited this problem if you tried to start the bike on the main stand with the side stand down at the same time. It was a fault with the ECU that if the back wheel started to rotate, thought that you were trying to drive the bike with the side stand down and cut the engine.

Quick cure is to keep the side stand up if this is the case or start with the bike on its side stand. Full fix is an update to the ECU.

I like a long shot, it worked for me, bike fired up first time n everytime since.
I gave it a blast on the m/way to recharge the bat n alls well. Cheers
Nozza