'05 R1200GS CANbus problem

[dzimbric]

I got a failed low beam warning the other day. I replaced the lamp and the still get the fault. The new lamp does not illuminate. I switched the hi and low beam bulbs and both are good.

Next I removed the tank and checked the yellow wire (lo beam for grounds, shorts and continuity back to pins 33 and 46 on the ZFE.
No problems found and also all of the inputs, hi beam etc. from the switch on the handlebars tested good.

My next step is plug my ZFE into another R1200GS and see if the problem repeats itself on the the other bike.
Of course my warranty expired 30 days ago anf the local dealer won't even go the factory and whine for me. Says it's expired and too bad.

I don't want to bring the bike in for them to troubleshoot on my dime, I have an electrical engineering background and am very familiar with solid state contrrols.

So I guess I have two options unless some one has another suggestion.
1. Buy a new ZFE for big bucks
2. Connect a new HID to the tail light and forget the ZFE, but it won't dim when I trigger the high beam.
3. Connect the low beam to the the high beam socket and run without a high beam, this would be a short term fix, not good for the long run.

Does anyopne have list of CAN bus fault codes and how to read them without a computer? :(

[SteveTech]

If you open up the ZFE and take a magnifying glass you may see a bad cold solder joint
at the output to the low beam.
If not I would install seperate relays for the low and high beams. The low being triggered from the ign switch.
You could also try a wrecker for a used ZFE.
Good Luck!!

[deilenberger]

I know this sounds absolutely idiotic - but I saw the same thing on another forum today and well - it was the problem.

After replacing the low beam bulb - have you started the bike? The bulb will not light unless the engine is running, and the bulb failure indicator will stay on until it lights.

Just a thought, and please don't take it wrong.. I'm not accusing you of overlooking this - just thought I'd mention it.

[deilenberger]

One other comment - you cannot read CANBUS stored fault codes without some sort of computer interface. The dealers use a GT1 ($15,000) - you can use a GS-911 and a garden variety laptop, or even some cell phones. If you're serious about doing your own wrenching on a modern BMW - the GS-911 is worth every penny.

[dzimbric]

I know this sounds absolutely idiotic - but I saw the same thing on another forum today and well - it was the problem.

After replacing the low beam bulb - have you started the bike? The bulb will not light unless the engine is running, and the bulb failure indicator will stay on until it lights.

Just a thought, and please don't take it wrong.. I'm not accusing you of overlooking this - just thought I'd mention it.


ahhh yep, thanks. What forum did you see this problem posted on?

[dzimbric]

If you open up the ZFE and take a magnifying glass you may see a bad cold solder joint
at the output to the low beam.
If not I would install seperate relays for the low and high beams. The low being triggered from the ign switch.
You could also try a wrecker for a used ZFE.
Good Luck!!

looks pretty well sealed, that one is scary unless I have replacement. Thanks for your input.

[deilenberger]

ahhh yep, thanks. What forum did you see this problem posted on?Ummm.... right here: http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=26767

[jnerges]

Uh, that would be me. It was true.

John


ahhh yep, thanks. What forum did you see this problem posted on?

[woodrow823]

I was concerned, as I'm leaving for a 4 day tomorrow a.m. Of course the lamp failure show up at 5:45 p.m. Dealer stayed open and got the lamp. Then it won't burn.... MOA forum to the rescue!

[dzimbric]

Did you start the bike or just turn the key to on? The motor needs to start to cycle the canbus.

[kthutchinson]

Did you start the bike or just turn the key to on? The motor needs to start to cycle the canbus.

Not the CANbus; the ZFE.