Help I think my 1200ST thinks I am a thief !

[stagrider]

Hi,

 

I just tried connecting my tomtom to the auxiliary power socket on my 2005 1200ST using the same cable which works fine on my old 1994 R1100RS. The tomtom detected no power when connected to the R1200ST with the ignition off so I thought lets see whether it gets any power with the ignition on. So I turn on the ignition and still no power to the TomTom. So I am already thinking here's yet another practical thing I don't like about the 1200ST compared to the old 1100RS (power socket that doessn't power anything at standstill , not much use for inflating the air bed etc...) . So I think ok lets start it up and see if this power socket will at least power something while I am on the move. So I click the starter button and she starts up like normal - however still no power to the tomtom. I wiggle the plug I have inserted inito the aux socket a bit to see if I have a loose connections and then hey presto the bike cuts out. Hmmm.... that's odd I've never known it to cut out ever. Try to restart it. It fires a couple of times but won't start. It also cuts the starter motor after a few seconds of trying to start. I have turned off the ignition and turned it back on and its still the same. So basically this bike doesn't go anymore just because I tried to connect something to it that works fine on my old R1100RS. Anyone know what's happened and how I get the 1200ST going again ? It does seem that its behaving as if an immobiliser program is activated. Anyone know how to de-activate it without spending money at a BMW dealer ? If I call the AA will they have a means of resetting it ?

 

Any advise appreciated.

 

Regards

Mike

[stagrider]

Further update. The bike has a Datatool System 3 alarm/immobiliser fitted. If I now put that system into Service Mode it is giving 6 beeps which the manual says the reason is "Tamper Circuit. Protective trigger switch has been initiated". So I am trying to find out how to reset that but if anyone else already knows then please let me know (I really hate all these new fangled electronic gadgets on modern vehicles, I really do ......)

 

Mikep

[Ken H.]

The (aftermarket) alarm monitors the acc’y socket for an indication of key on. Either the bike’s ZFE module saw a fault and shut the acc’y socket down (which the alarm saw) or some similar spike anomaly at the socket was interpreted by the alarm as a tamper attempt.

 

I think I’d do two things. First, find out how to reset the alarm. (Mfg. web site?) Then I’d move the key on trigger for the alarm off the acc’y socket connection to something like the parking light connection which isn’t subject to the idiosyncrasies of the acc’y socket.

 

[stagrider]

Ken, thanks for the reply.

I just wished I'd never bothered trying to connect anything as I'd heard of two other people who got stranded by trying to use the Aux socket on modern BMWs. Damn ....

 

I have looked at the Datatool web site (its a System 3) and everything seems to mention and "In-Line Fuse" which may need replacing (the book says "always carry a spare inline fuse"). But having taken off seat and some side panels and looking around I really can't see this in-line fuse. Guess I will just have to ring them and the local BMW dealer tomorrow (its a bank holiday here in the uk).

 

This is just so frustrating, supposed to be having a relaxing break from work, grrrr ...... Anyone want to buy an R1200ST ? I have one for sale !

 

 

Mikep

 

 

[John Bentall]

I do not know why you are blaming BMW for the vagaries of a Datatool alarm.

I have been reading RiDE magazine for 6 years and the first thing they do on all their project bikes is to rip out what is usually a badly installed alarm system.

I am not suggesting you do this, but take it to an approved Datatool installer or WHY and get it wired up correctly. Knowing Ken, he is probably on the right track.

Good luck with the ST!

 

As the Vehicle Crime Squad officer told me at last year's National Bikesafe event, "Sir will not have any trouble with that machine being stolen".

[Username]

I'd remove all traces of the stupid immobiliser. I agree with you that silly electronic devices such as this are more trouble than they are ever worth. Hope you get this fixed without it costing a fortune.

[stagrider]

I do not know why you are blaming BMW for the vagaries of a Datatool alarm.

I have been reading RiDE magazine for 6 years and the first thing they do on all their project bikes is to rip out what is usually a badly installed alarm system.

 

Hi John, yes I know its not really the bike's fault ! I must learn to be more rational when under stress ! If I had the technical know-how I would be out in the shed now de-installing this alarm - but I think I know when I am out of my depth. I am sure I will get it sorted tomorrow once I get a chance to talk to South London Motorcycles who would have fitted the alarm and Datatoool who manufactured it. Between them I am sure someone can explain where the fuse is (or perhaps its not there on Canbus bikes) and how to reset the thing.

 

Mike

 

[Firefight911]

There is no fuse, it's a CANBUs protocol system that is monitored via the ZFE module.

 

The accessory socket is not the cause of your issue. As indicated above, most likely, your issue is due to something completely NOT BMW related but aftermarket part related.

 

BMW motorcycles have their own internal passive alarm system by way of a chipped key. Get rid of the aftermarket "crap" and go about your riding pleasures.

 

Your TomTom is doubtfully causing your accessory socket to shut down.

 

You seem to be quick to throw out the baby with the bath water here by commenting to get rid of your R1200ST. Are you going to get rid of your car and other modes of transport as well? They've most likely been running CANBus protocol for years longer than your ST. Just sayin'!

[stagrider]

I seem to have fixed it ! Still couldn't find the in-line fuse as depicted in the Datatool manual but I did find a plugged connector zip tied inside the left-hand side rear subframe tube. I pulled of this connectors cover (has a 7 689 405 number on it) and the cover has some kind of transistor (or capacitor) in it. Don't know what this part is but having replaced it I tried starting the bike again and low and behold it is now working. Really not sure if pulling this plug cured it or some other function of the Datatool timed itself out. Will try and get an explanation of dealer/Datatool tommorow. Frustrating that I will probably never dare use that accessory plug again but pleased that I have a bike that works again !

 

Mike

[stagrider]

There is no fuse, it's a CANBUs protocol system that is monitored via the ZFE module.

 

The accessory socket is not the cause of your issue. As indicated above, most likely, your issue is due to something completely NOT BMW related but aftermarket part related.

 

BMW motorcycles have their own internal passive alarm system by way of a chipped key. Get rid of the aftermarket "crap" and go about your riding pleasures.

 

Your TomTom is doubtfully causing your accessory socket to shut down.

 

You seem to be quick to throw out the baby with the bath water here by commenting to get rid of your R1200ST. Are you going to get rid of your car and other modes of transport as well? They've most likely been running CANBus protocol for years longer than your ST. Just sayin'!

Hi Phil, I agree with everything you say. I was a bit stressed ! I bought the bike 2nd user so it already had the Datatool System 3 fitted - certainly the original BMW system with the key would have been sufficient for me. As for my other vehicles - well my personal car is from 1975 so definitely no Canbus there ! But we did recently exchange our old 1996 Renault estate car for a 2003 Volkswagen Passatt and guess what that has loads of electronic gizmos that drive me nuts as well (like some crazy clutch position sensor that's goes faulty and then revs the engine when you change gear !).

 

So sorry for the rant about modern BMWs. The 1200st is much quicker and smoother than my old 1100RS and I do love it really !

Mike

[tallman]

Glad you're mobile again.

I always suggest using an aftermarket fuse block for adding anything to the mocern BMW.

Wire and fuse that directly to the battery.

I've never seen nor heard of this resulting in a problem with a beemer.

On the other hand, I've seen/heard of countless issues from wiring into the BMW harness.

And, to be fair, I've seen/heard of plenty who have done that with out problems.

For my time and money, easier to add the fuse block and then wire anything directly to that.

Best wishes.

[DoctorC]

First thing I did when I purchased my ST was to replace the standard power outlet with a Powerlet run directly off the battery. Never had a problem. No Canbus involved.