98 R100RT ABS warning lites

[alremc]

I charged up the batt and brake fluids topped off, took off on a lengthy ride, the lites continue to alternately flash evenly. If I safely turn ignition off while rolling and back on and pop the clutch, the lites go out until the next start up. I stopped for chow and went for a lil run to a store and the lites were off. I started up again after the store and went for another lengthy ride and the lites were on. I have owned the bike for a few weeks now. Drivin me crazy! Any ideas?

[boatzo]

When you first turn the key on, wait till the lights flash several times before starting the engine. I found that every time I started the engine quickly, the lights would flash. I don't have the problem anymore since I wait a little bit. It gives the system a chance to self test and be ready to go.

[PRC]

When you first turn the key on, wait till the lights flash several times before starting the engine. I found that every time I started the engine quickly, the lights would flash. I don't have the problem anymore since I wait a little bit. It gives the system a chance to self test and be ready to go.

 

...or it sounds as if your battery is weak. ABS is failing to initialize due to low voltage caused by the cranking amps required to start the engine has left your battery below a sufficent level for the ABS to self test and start up. Sounds like a new battery is on the horizon...or I may have no clue what I'm talking about and everthing is ok .

 

On the off chance, look HERE for further info!

Good luck

 

[Paul Mihalka]

Weak battery or a starter motor that is defective and draws to much juice. Also, check/clean the connections at the battery.

[MattP]

I'm sure there are far more knowledgable riders that will chime in to help you here, but I had a 2000 RT with the "flashing-ABS-lights-driving-me-nuts" problem. Went through a new battery, reseting the unit-thingy...in the end, I went to the dealership and they put on a new front wheel ABS sensor for around $65 (been a few years, I don't remember exactly). Rode the bike another 20k before selling it and it never acted up again. I hope yours is an easy fix.

[John Dickens]

My bike has done this from new.

Wait a couple of seconds after switching on then start the bike.

[alremc]

I have tried the charging but no avail, next is a new batt, HATE taking off the tupperware! Thanks to all!!!

[Foxy]

Mine did the same. Got worse and worse with the alternately flashing ABS warning lights. Didn' try the turn the key on wait a few seconds then start the bike. But I did install a new Odyssey battery in place of the old gel battery. No more ABS lights flashing alternately problem.

 

Foxy

[wolcott]

I too had a '98 RT with ABS lights not initializing correctly. Had a BMW gel battery in there not even two years old which was the problem. Put in a new Odyssey PC 680 and like others, turn on the key and wait about 5 seconds, then try to start. Get an Odyssey or Panasonic AGM battery and you will have confidence to go anyplace -(of course assuming your starter, starter relay, or alternator doesn't screw up!). I see you only have 14 posts, remember you have to bleed the brakes, front and rear every year with Dot 4. If you don't, like the prior owner of my RT, you may be stuck with the cost of buying a new front master cylinder (over $200)and labor ($140) as I did not feel confident working on a BMW brake system with ABS. In retrospect, I could have done it, if I asked enough questions and read up on it. At the time though, I was feeling crappy from my cancer and said screw it.

[alremc]

I got an Odsy batt for my HD and it is a great batt, so one is in order for the BMW. Great advice on the brakes, will get to them tomorrow. Thanks again!!!

[harleyjohn45]

I got an Odsy batt for my HD and it is a great batt, so one is in order for the BMW. Great advice on the brakes, will get to them tomorrow. Thanks again!!!

 

i have a 2000 rt. it has flashing abs lights. i noticed the bike was hard starting today, so i pulled the plastic and removed a bmw battery. for all i know its original, because the bike only has 3300 miles on it now. btw the bmw battery was also dry of water. lol i just went down and ordered a battery from auto zone and i'll just bet that solves my problem. now the only thing bugging me is the having to kill the engine to put the side stand down. i will soon go get the rtp kit and solve that problem also.

[harleyjohn45]

I got an Odsy batt for my HD and it is a great batt, so one is in order for the BMW. Great advice on the brakes, will get to them tomorrow. Thanks again!!!

 

well so much for the autozone battery. it came in today and did not fit. so i'm out of luck, i tried all the other locals and no luck. i plan on putting electrolyte in my old battery for this weekend. we leave thursday for El Paseo and i've run out of time. i will be looking for an odessy battery next week.

[alremc]

Harley John, where is El Paseo? I have heard of El Paso as I am from there but El Paseo? Have a safe ride and keep the shiney side up!

[bmwmick]

I charged up the batt and brake fluids topped off, took off on a lengthy ride, the lites continue to alternately flash evenly. If I safely turn ignition off while rolling and back on and pop the clutch, the lites go out until the next start up. I stopped for chow and went for a lil run to a store and the lites were off. I started up again after the store and went for another lengthy ride and the lites were on. I have owned the bike for a few weeks now. Drivin me crazy! Any ideas?

 

Frank,

When you get the same errors with your new battery, go here and read about a Mod that will prevent that low voltage fault.

http://ibmwr.org/r-tech/oilheads/ABS-II_low_voltage_modification/index.shtml

 

Mick

[smiller]

When you get the same errors with your new battery,

[bmwmick]

When you get the same errors with your new battery,

 

Seth......behave!

 

Mick

[Gail]

This mod is the fix. I had the same reset problems on my 97 1100GS. Since doing the mod 2 years and 50,000 miles ago I NEVER had a problem with the ABS Initiating.