2004 GS warning light

[dabber]

Just purchased an '04 GS from an individual and did not get manual. After adjusting valves and installing throttlemeister, started the bike to check for leaks around the valve covers and a red warning light was on -- just under the brake light. Can't imagine that a valve adjustment would cause the light to come on. I did work the throttle a bit while adjusting the throttlemeister -- could it be a confused motronic? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[PacWestGS]

Not quite following your post, what red light and what brake light warning light?

There are (three) four red warning lights the display panel 'OIL' the 'BAT' and the 'ABS' lights (two - one on top of the other on older pre '02 and and one if I remember on '03 and higher that says "ABS Brake Failure" (some slight variations there of).

The ABS lights flash until movement is detected and the computer starts. Also if by chance you held the ABS cancel switch while turning on the bike the ABS lights will continue to flash until the next time you turn on and off the key.

Did you disconnect the battery during any of your maintenance? You may have upset the ABS controller and it will either self correct, or you will need that reset by the dealer.

But nothing you stated would cause a 'RED' warning light to come on that I am aware of...

Need more info and location of this light in question, can you attach a picture?


Doc

[dabber]

Thanks for the response, Doc.
The red light in question is the one underneath the brake light. It has a red triangle with a "!" inside the triangle. The brake light flashes until start-off and seems to be working fine -- I mentioned it only as a reference point on the instrument panel. The red warning light stays on and no other lights are on. I didn't disconnect the battery. I also own a '98 GS but it doesn't have this particular light. Since I don't have a manual yet, I was hoping someone could tell me what keys this light to come on.

[PacWestGS]

Well I'm stumped on that one but souunds as though there is some type of ABS fault detected. Hopefully someone here has an '04 can chime in. Mine is an '02 and has no such light on the intsrument panel.

When I get home I'll look at my service manual if you haven't already found an answer, but I'm away right now.

Good luck, and welcome to the Club :wave


Doc

[PHMarvin]

Hi, Dabber,
If I understand you correctly, what you refer to as the "brake light" flashes until start-off. If this is the case, this is the ABS light and it is telling you the ABS is working as designed. If the red light with the triangle is still lighted AFTER APPLYING BOTH FRONT AND REAR BRAKES, it probably means there is a burned-out light bulb (brake light or tail light). It may(?) mean there is another problem with the brake system (not ABS), but if it were me, I would check the light bulbs. Good Luck!

[PETDOC]

FYI-I had a similar problem and looked at brake/tail light without seeing any problems in function. Light stayed on so I removed & inspected the 1157 bulb and again saw no problems. About 2 weeks later one of the filaments in the 1157 bulb blew. My guess is computer sensed increased resistance before filament failed. So you may want to replace bulb even if it seems to be working ok.

[dabber]

Thanks, I'll check the light tomorrow.

[PUDGYPAINTGUY]

FYI-I had a similar problem and looked at brake/tail light without seeing any problems in function. Light stayed on so I removed & inspected the 1157 bulb and again saw no problems. About 2 weeks later one of the filaments in the 1157 bulb blew. My guess is computer sensed increased resistance before filament failed. So you may want to replace bulb even if it seems to be working ok.


Ditto this, I had a filiament break and short against the other filiament last year. The back light was on and so I could not understand why it was on and then when I checked both the tail light and brake light fuctions it was evident that there was only one light now. A quick change of the bulb at the autopart store made the warning light go out just fine.

[Hotspice]

FYI-I had a similar problem and looked at brake/tail light without seeing any problems in function. Light stayed on so I removed & inspected the 1157 bulb and again saw no problems. About 2 weeks later one of the filaments in the 1157 bulb blew. My guess is computer sensed increased resistance before filament failed. So you may want to replace bulb even if it seems to be working ok.

Make that three for a faulty brake/tail bulb. I had a similar problem after doing some work back there and once I replaced it I was fine.

[dixieoutlaw]

Dang Dabber. Losing a half day's ride in Guatemala over an electrical fire is one thing, but to lose 2 days over a possible tail light failure! Sounds like either the socialist or the lawyers have gotten to BMW if they are flashing dire warning lights for such benign items. Guess I'm glad mine is a naught-naught and not so encumbered with all the modern technology. Guess it will get to where we have to call BMW grand wizards and ask " Mother, may I?" before we can fire the ole stead up.
See you in Burkesville.
Gary

[PacWestGS]

Spend the money and buy a "BRAKE" LED light and never worry about a $1.25 headache again. Plus you'll be safer on the road.

Doc

[dabber]

Thanks Guys,
It was the bulb! Bye the bye, a visual check of the tail light and brake light were both good. When I pulled the bulb, there was a burned filament -- replaced the bulb and whoopie the master caution light is out. Never leave home without it, an 1157 that is.