2003 Dakar Weird Electrical Gremlin

[pgrange]

Guys

Long time lurker first time poster. I have tried searching here & other forums but cannot find a solution to my problem.

2003 Dakar with 14K on the clock. When I turn on the ignition I get a "b:at" error come up on my dash. I can start the engine no problem but the speedo & rev counter does not move until I press and hold the trip reset button for a couple of seconds. Then the clocks spring into life. Other than that I have no issues with the bike and it runs good.

IMG00303-20100726-1835.jpg Engine running no clocks
IMG00304-20100726-1835.jpg Trip reset pressed Rev and idiot lights start
IMG00305-20100726-1836.jpg Resistance, Continuity & voltage readings from this terminal


It has a new battery which holds charge and reads 13.0-13.9v when tested with motor on.

Alternator tested out OK with less than 1 ohm across it phases and no earth leakage. 14-15vac across the phases(too low?)

CPU disconnected for over 12 hours but still no joy.

Took the bike to my local BMW dealer. The techie re-flashed the CPU with the latest firmware (FOC. Thank You Chandlers) but still cannot clear the error nor indeed does BMW diagnostic pick up the error. The BMW techie has never seen this kind of error before even having owned a F650GS for 5 years.

Has anyone here come across this problem before. Any ideas?

All replies appreciated.

Thanks

Peter

[ratrider]

My clocks occasionally stay dead for a few seconds then spring into life.

I guess they all do that, sir

[pgrange]

ratrider thanks for the reply but my clocks and dash stays dead until I press the trip reset button for a couple of seconds.

[driftershooter]

Has the bike been in the rain alot? Just wandering if water has gone in the electrics somewhere.

[pgrange]

Originally Posted by driftershooter

Has the bike been in the rain alot? Just wandering if water has gone in the electrics somewhere.

The bike is mainly used on weekends or when I have to go to London. I can't remember the last time it rained whilst riding.

Wondering whether to try another battery or take a closer look at the VR. Just checked the Haines book and 15vac from the alternator looks OK. Will check for any current leakage tonight.

[komatias]

it seems like a connector issue to me, apply WD-40 liberally

[pgrange]

I had a chance to check for current leakage tonight. I am getting fluctuation reading from 45-60ma far exceeding the 2ma BMW state.

Looks like I need to check every connector/wire to see if I can find the fault.

[ribblerouser]

Take a look at the thread "dashboard lights problem" posted by Ratcliffe. Sounds pretty similar to what you are experiencing. I'd suggest an earthing problem or a short somewhere. Unfortunately these things can be a bugger to find

Regards

[pgrange]

ribblerouser

Thanks for the heads up. I am going to disconnect each circuit in turn to see if I can track the culprit down. Looks like the dash will be 1st stop.

[ribblerouser]

I'd say so, let us know how you get on


Regards