General Red Warning Light Came On... Now No Brakes!

[NoRRmad]

Yeah, I also read somewhere in the internet, that if the brake light fails, the rear lights do a rather clever fallback, where the single remaining bulb will "stand in" for the brake light, by dimming a bit, and brightening when the brake is applied.

[Jpainter187]

I checked the rear brake light and the bulb looks fine. I wasn't able to replace it yet since I don't have a spare on hand but will probably go get one next time I'm out. I did add some dielectric grease to the connections, even though they all looked clean and were making good contact.

I then checked the voltage with the bike off and idling and it showed 12V every time... I am going to check it again next time I take it for a ride and haven't charged it within 24 hours. But it seems like the ABS work fine and the "!" light stays off when I ride it after a fresh charge...

[sweatmark]

voltage with the bike off and idling and it showed 12V every time

Shouldn't that measured voltage with bike running be a bit higher?

iABS is sensitive to voltage, meaning that both starting voltage and alternator output can trigger fault... or at least that's my best guess. Since the iABS unit has separate power connections through ignition switch (battery voltage at system start) and directly to alternator/diode board output (running voltage), I'm guessing that insufficient power could fault the iABS controller.

[Jpainter187]

Well, now that I'm plugging the bike into the charger every night I am hoping that will have solved the iABS issue. Although, I don't understand why only the front brake servo was failing off and on, but I never had any problems with the rear brakes.

I am still a little confused about the "!" light. When I start the bike it is off, but after about 60 seconds of idling (or less) it comes on and stays on the rest of my ride. I am still going to try replacing the tail/brake light once I get my hands on a new bulb.

[iowabeakster]

sweatmark says..

Shouldn't that measured voltage with bike running be a bit higher?

I was thinking the same thing.

[Jpainter187]

Maybe... But it showed exactly 12V both off and idling. I don't know what to say about that one.

[Jpainter187]

Can someone tell me wher I can buy an original BMW battery for this bike? I left for work at 1:15 today (about 96 degrees out) and stopped to grab lunch first... Well, when I started the bike back up to leave Taco Hell no more front ABS!

Does it make sense that only the front brake servo would be failing and not the rear?

[Jpainter187]

Well, having been riding the Rockster to and from work everyday all week I've had no problems with the brakes and the "!" light hasn't been on for awhile now. I haven't done anything different accept keep it plugged into the battery tender jr. I hope I never have to bring this thread back from the grave!

Although, once I get the money I would like to take the bike to get its 30,000 mile service. If no major labor is required does anyone know how much this will cost? Shreveport BMW is the nearest dealer to me (a 2 hour ride). I guess it could be worse...