R1100RT Stops in rain!

[34]

My 1996 R1100Rt has a problem where it suddenly stops running when driving at highway speeds in heavy rain. It just suddenly dies. 30 to 45 minutes later it will start and run just fine. It seems like something gets wet enough to cause the problem and then after being stopped for a time the engine heat dries out the problem area and away we go. Ideas would be appreciated. Thanks!

[jdiaz]

Bad ignition switch. A buddy in Orlando had the same problem with his RT.

[ThePhantom]

Hello Jim,
I had the same problem coming back from the National. It ended up being the Hall (sp) sensor. When the sensor would get wet the bike stopped. I could crank it but it wouldn't start. After a while it would start but the next rain and the same thing happened. Hope that helps.

[34]

Thanks to the Diaper Dude and the Phantom for their input. Phantom - did they replace the Hall thing or just fix it is some way?? Thanks again.

[bmwterrien]

Jim-

I had a similar problem with my Roadster, except (wet) didn't trigger the failure. It didn't care--- wet or dry, it would die.

Replaced the Hall sensor and that cured the problem.

From what I know, it cannot be bench tested.

Good luck!

Steve

[ThePhantom]

Hello, They replaced the sensor to the tune of $225 for the part. My mechanic says there isn't a tool or instrument to test it and it won't show up an error code when they do the computer check.

[jdiaz]

The Hall sensor is a failure I've also heard of before, although my memory says its mostly centered around excessive heat issues, not rain.

I guess it would be easy to remove the front plastic engine cover, fire the bike up, and spray the region around the lower pulley with a squirt bottle to see if moisture affects the operation of the bike. Just a mist....don't fire a garden hose at the thing. :)

Let us know what happens....this is great stuff for the electronic knowledge base.

[cyclesteve]

I have heard of sidestand sensors as also being a cause.

[jgr451]

Duh.....what's a Hall sensor?

[jdiaz]

Originally posted by jgr451
Duh.....what's a Hall sensor?
Basically the device that tells the FI computer to where the crankshaft has rotated, so it knows when to squirt fuel.

Jon

[jgr451]

:newtoy Thanks!!A new bit of information is a gift.!!

[oldcarkook]

Thanks from here too. :clap
Knowledge is power, and power in the rain is always helpful.

[Jody746]

Originally posted by Jim Slater
My 1996 R1100Rt has a problem where it suddenly stops running when driving at highway speeds in heavy rain. It just suddenly dies. 30 to 45 minutes later it will start and run just fine. It seems like something gets wet enough to cause the problem and then after being stopped for a time the engine heat dries out the problem area and away we go. Ideas would be appreciated. Thanks! My 96 did the same thing right after the rain. The bike has 97000 miles on it and never gave me a problem. Now, this hall sensor is expensive, but the hall gate which is the small pully lookin thing with a cut-out place is the hall gate. Its about 10.00. It turned out to be that hall gate. Replace that hall gate before you spend alot of money on a sensor. Really don't know what the rain had to do with it but there was a small scrape on the inside section of it..