ABS Problems!

[tcfjr]

So, I'm getting ready to ride up to WFO from So. California, and need

new tires and the 8,000 mile service. The service department at the

small local dealer recently turned over when the dealership was sold,

and my visit with the new staff didn't didn't inspire confidence.

I called around, and found a very large dealer about 50 miles away

that could save me about 30% over all the local dealers - they had the

Pilot Roads I wanted on sale, and their price for the 8000 mile

service was a lot less. Per their recommendation, I rode out there

last Saturday morning. I'm not leaving for WFO until Wednesday

morning, so I knew I had plenty of time.

Mid-morning on Saturday, I get a call. They had done all the service,

and everything looked good - with one exception. Part of the service

included flushing the brake system, but when they put everything back

together, the ABS light stayed lit. They said they would work on it

the rest of the day. Late Saturday, the service manager calls and

says they'd like me to leave it until Monday, so one of their 'A'

mechanics can look at it. With no other good alternative, I agreed.

Monday, the 'A' mechanic does his thing, including flushing the brake

lines again, going through the service manual procedures again - but

still no-go: the ABS light stays lit. They ask me to leave it until

today, when the shop foreman and the original mechanic will be back at

work. I ask if they've called Yamaha for advice, and they say yes.

Again, with no good alternatives, I agree to leave it, telling them

that I absolutely, positively needed to have the bike by the end of

business today (Tuesday).

I've been on the phone with them all morning, and into the afternoon.

They didn't actually call Yamaha until today; they performed the steps

that Yamaha advised, with no luck. The final step in the process is

to replace the computer that manages the ABS system, but they don't

have that part in stock and cannot get it until Wednesday at the

latest. They say the bike is safe to ride in all respects, but the

ABS system is not active.

So, my question is: do I ride the bike to WFO and back - 3500 miles

over eleven days - as is, or do I leave it for them one more day (with

all the disruptions that causes to the trip up to Washington), on the

chance that they'll be able to fix it?

 

[twowheelnut]

Ugh. Doood, that sucks. Sorry.

I dunno, something about brakes having issues doesn't make me all warm and fuzzy inside. Park it. Take the cage or rent a ride. Why take the chance of something else going wrong even if the system will function in non-ABS mode?

I'd really rather not read about you doing an endo off a cliff, K?

-Overly cautious in SoCal

 

[gasman]

Well if it's just a matter of the ABS not working but the brakes still perform OK, I'd say screw it and go. That's just me tho. Insert disclaimer here--------. JB :wacko:

 

[HIGHLANDER]

When you posted this problem up last week , did you read my reply? Did it help?

Have you taken the bike out for a ride yet?

https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php?showtopic=1329

 

[radman]

The brakes will work perfectly fine with the light on-just no abs. I find it hard to think, however, of a scenario during a flush and service that could render the ABS hors de combat . This isn't a flashing while in gear on the centerstand situation, is it? Also, check sensor placement, out of position will kick it on every time. Look at what was done, and follow the trail, I know it is gonna prove to be something simple.

 

[tcfjr]

The shop says they went through the entire shop manual process for debugging the problem, with no luck. After consulting with Yamaha, they now believe that the computer that controls ABS operation was fried by their tech. Yamaha has authorized a replacement under warranty.

I decided to pick up the bike for the ride to WFO. Thanks for your help!

 

[EastTNFJR]

I hate hearing about that! This seems to be a recurrent theme with Yamaha ABS systems. My '93 FJ1200ABS had the pump go out at the 12000 mile service due to some DA service technician. I took it to this one dealer in Memphis that did Yamaha and BMW (lots of ABS business you would think) and they screwed up my ABS system. Told me that it just went out and I would have to buy a new ABS pump. Told them Hell no and we went round and round for about a week. Turns out Yamaha replaced it for free cuz they had never heard of one of their pumps going out and wanted to check it out themselves. Didn't cost me anything other than a total lack of faith in my local dealer's service capabilities. I hope the local guys here are more up to speed on the ABS system. Oh well, I guess I'll find out soon. I really don't know about riding it tell tyhem to give you a loaner...LOL! on that one. It should be OK other than not having the ABS , oh well you will have decided by the time I have written this most likely anyway. Good luck on getting it fixed!

John