Stop and go traffic, ABS light comes on

[Wesseld]

I have kind of a weird problem with the ABS light on my 2010 FJR. As far as I can tell, the ABS works fine (tested in parking garage), but when I am in stop and go traffic maneuvering with rear brake and clutch lever, the ABS light will come on and stay on until I restart the bike. I've tried searching the forum, but I haven't yet found anyone with the same issue. Does anyone have any ideas?

Thanks,

Don

 

[stealth1]

Not a clue really.

Only back brake giving an issue would make me check rear sensor and ring for possible debris or damage.

Have you replaced rear tire recently?

Someone smarter than me will come along soon and tell you exactly what's wrong.

 

[Harald]

A very common problem is that the rear brake pedal sticks and then the ABS will fault because it sees continuous rear brake application (even though you are not pushing the pedal). I suppose you could also cause this by resting your boot on the pedal.

To check for sticky pedal, turn the key on while the bike is on the centerstand and then use your hand to very carefully push down on the pedal while watching for brake lights. The goal is to make the pedal stick so that the light stays on because then you'll have duplicated the problem.

The cure is to completely remove the pedal and clean everything and then grease it before reassembly. Yes, you can squirt WD40 around the shaft and maybe get short term relief but the only proper way to fix it is to pull the pedal for proper cleaning and greasing. You could also do like I did and install a grease zerk that allows easy application of grease on a periodic basis - search the forum for details if you want to go this route.

 

[mcatrophy]

Harald is almost certainly correct. I had a similar episode on my '06, which had extra symptoms because it's a YCC-S model. Posted here, ignore my SH__47 error code, yours won't get that bit.

 

[odot]

And make sure you use amsoil racing grease.

 

[wheatonFJR]

And make sure you use amsoil racing grease.

Correction...Nunavut seal grease.

 

[Blind Squirrel]

The ABS light indicates ABS failure. It gets reset every time you turn the bike off. Go to a quiet, straight back road, get up to about 35 MPH and then stomp on the back brake. Don't be surprised if the back wheel locks up on you.

 

[mcatrophy]

The ABS light indicates ABS failure. It gets reset every time you turn the bike off. Go to a quiet, straight back road, get up to about 35 MPH and then stomp on the back brake. Don't be surprised if the back wheel locks up on you.

Read the original post again, he says "As far as I can tell, the ABS works fine (tested in parking garage)".

Until he says his rear brake is definitely not binding, and his light still comes on, I'll keep betting on the sticking brake lever.

 

[Blind Squirrel]

The ABS light indicates ABS failure. It gets reset every time you turn the bike off. Go to a quiet, straight back road, get up to about 35 MPH and then stomp on the back brake. Don't be surprised if the back wheel locks up on you.

Read the original post again, he says "As far as I can tell, the ABS works fine (tested in parking garage)".

Until he says his rear brake is definitely not binding, and his light still comes on, I'll keep betting on the sticking brake lever.

I read that too. That is why I suggest he gets the bike up to 35MPH to test the ABS.

 

[odot]

....and if you put amsoil grease on your rear brake pad you will never have any abs problems.

 

[Harald]

Did you figure out your problem, Wesseld? Curious minds want to know!

 

[Wesseld]

Harald,

Funny you ask that today. I just did the brake pedal maintenance yesterday afternoon! It was actually very easy. I noticed some areas of the pivot that were showing wear, and others that had grungy stuff on them. Cleaned everything up with solvent and steel wool, greased, and put back in. I considered adding a grease zerk, but seeing how easy this procedure was, I think I can just add it to my yearly maintenance schedule.

I rode to work today, and the ABS light did not come on, but then again, traffic was also kind of light since I went in late and left work early. Tomorrow should be the test.

Thanks to everyone that posted, I do appreciate it!

Don

 

[Harald]

Glad to hear that it's working so far. I fairly certain you fixed the problem.

 

[Wesseld]

Final update: I've been riding in stop and go traffic for a few weeks now, and have not seen any more of the ABS warning light. Looks like cleaning and lubing the brake pivot fixed the problem!

 

[Bounce]

Ta da! Once again the wisdom of the forum comes to the rescue!