neutral indicator blank

[Rob L]

My neutral indicator is blank on the dash readout, both the light and the gear indicator. The bike will only start with the clutch lever pulled in. I did a search and it seems that this has happened to other people. I tried to remove and and reinstall the plug at the back of the tranny, but this did not help. Do I need to replace the potentiometer? The part is $127, but I assume that it is under warranty?? any other suggestions?

[Ken H.]

A bad potentiometer would indeed be the most like suspect. But yes, on a '06 it should indeed be under warranty.

[Geoffster]

After 30k+ miles, my '05 RT suddenly began reporting the wrong gear 1, N, and 2 (3, 4, 5, 6 were okay). The dealer realigned the potentiometer, reset the computer, and life returned to normal. And it was only 0.2 hours of shop time!

[Rob L]

thanks, guys....now to try to get to the dealer...........

[Rob L]

Got to "my" dealer yesterday. 150 miles each way in the rain and 50°. They re-whatever-they-do to the computer and all is well again. Warrantied I figured what the heck, they deserve my business, so I bought a new pair of boots and a T shirt They even discounted the boots! Good guys If you get around the Grand Rapids area, check them out

[John Bentall]

My neutral indicator (2005 RT) is also playing up & the bike has a non-BMW extended warranty.

I deduce from previous replies that there is a both a transmission switch and a potentiometer. The dealer has said that the potentiometer is non-adjustable. Which of these two fail more often and will the dealer be able to tell from the diagnostic readout which has failed?

 

Many thanks,

 

John

[Ken H.]

He is correct, it is not adjustable. ISFA which fails most, it’s probably a toss up. Which has failed is determined by the symptom. Flaky neutral light = failed neutral light switch, flaky gear indicator = failed potentiometer. Some people take an approach of replacing them both while your there.

[GordonB]

When my nuetral light went dark it turned out to be a loose/dirty connector going to the potentiometer, give it a good cleaning, should help.

[John Bentall]

Ken, when the bike is in first, the indicator is blank; when the neutral light is on it might be in second gear.

[Geoffster]

OMG. This happened a second time to my bike two weeks ago!

 

Try this: ensure that the bike is in neutral, then unplug the sensor. Turn the bike on with the sensor unplugged, then turn the bike off. Reconnect the sensor, start the bike, and put it in first. Mine recalibrated itself when I did this.