Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: Snakepilot on August 20, 2012, 10:14:07 AM
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I left my bike (08) at the dealer this morning to have the front tire pressure sensor battery replaced. The service writer called back and said that the battery could not be replaced by itself, that the entire sensor had to be replaced and that there were 3 different parts and that they would have to break the tire down and get the sensor to see which one they needed. After that they could order the proper part. I think he is being straight with me, because he agrees with me that this is a bunch of bull****. I checked the service manual (thanks to this site for posting the pdf so I could check) The manual escentially agrees with the dealer (page 10-15).
I have been reading that the battery IS replaceable on this sensor. So, my question is which is correct. The service writer told me that even if we could find the battery number, he, as a dealer could not install it for me. I actually don't think this young man is trying to jerk me around. I just hope that the tech reps at Kawasaki are telling him to do a quick but more expensive fix.
Thoughts? :P
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The sensors are not designed to have the batteries replaced. That's not to say that the sensors can't be opened up to replace the batteries, they can be. No dealer is going to do it that way though. They'll want to replace the entire sensor, the way Kawi designed it.
As for there being three different parts? I'm pretty sure that the last part number has superceded the others. No one seems to know what the differences are between the three though.
If your bike is still under warranty, this will be covered by Kawi.
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thanks, Conrad. I'll replace the sensor and keep from spending $3 for every $1 I save.
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Have the dealer save the bag the sensor comes in. It has a serial number on it. You can't just replace the sensor, you need to register the new sensor with the bike's ECU using the serial number on the bag.
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That same number needed to code the bike is also printed on the outside of the sensor itself so one does not need the bag it came in (gee, that sounds bad) er, I mean the original bag that contained the sensor. The number is also on the circuit board inside the sensor so that even if an old, dirty sensor is used, the cover can be taken off and the good parts looked at (hmmm, sounded bad again) I mean you can read the other number from underneath the cover.
Brian
Have the dealer save the bag the sensor comes in. It has a serial number on it. You can't just replace the sensor, you need to register the new sensor with the bike's ECU using the serial number on the bag.
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Thanks for the clarification...I was half right :)
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That same number needed to code the bike is also printed on the outside of the sensor itself so one does not need the bag it came in (gee, that sounds bad) er, I mean the original bag that contained the sensor. The number is also on the circuit board inside the sensor so that even if an old, dirty sensor is used, the cover can be taken off and the good parts looked at (hmmm, sounded bad again) I mean you can read the other number from underneath the cover.
Brian
I think we should start a new feature on the forum titled "Monday's advice column from Brian". You're going to have a hard time topping this one, but I think you are the right person for the job.
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As do most of us here.
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Pull the darn things out.....I am! >:(
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You're
incorigable incorriggible incorigable, just irate. I love my sensors. ;D
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You're incorigable incorriggible incorigable, just irate. I love my sensors. ;D
+1
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Hopefully they can get the parts in short order.
I just got my 09 back on Saturday after a three week wait for parts....
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Are they being replaced under warranty?
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They have been in the past.
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This deals with TPMS and the warranty run around.
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=8112.msg98077#msg98077 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=8112.msg98077#msg98077)
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You're incorigable incorriggible incorigable, just irate. I love my sensors. ;D
Yeah when they work, lets see how much you like them when they dick up out of warranty. ;)
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Pull the darn things out.....I am! >:(
How do you intend to eliminate the sensors? I imagine it wouldn't be too difficult to get stems back in there, but I'm wondering if you can fool the ECU to think the sensors are fine.
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Yeah when they work, lets see how much you like them when they dick up out of warranty. ;)
What are yours doing that is bad? Perhaps I missed another post somewhere...
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Mark at Kawasaki customer "care" will handle it for you
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Wow, easy there Brian or we're going to have to start calling you Cap'n Pokey.
;D
Brian
Yeah when they work, lets see how much you like them when they dick up out of warranty. ;)
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Oh, just get him liquored up and he'll be alright.
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No but if the entire TPS signal is lost, the display simply displays '---' where the pressure should be. The easiest way I know of to do that is to cut one leg of the battery power in the seniors. That renders the sensor totally inoperative and while it will no longer report tire pressure, the system will then not show any kind of error either.
I think the entire TPS system is beneficial enough to be worth changing batteries every few years but that is just my opinion. Of course 'changing batteries' means cutting and soldering new ones in as the sensors were never meant to have replaceable batteries in the first place. It is simply too expensive to replace the whole sensor just because the battery has worn out.
Brian
How do you intend to eliminate the sensors? I imagine it wouldn't be too difficult to get stems back in there, but I'm wondering if you can fool the ECU to think the sensors are fine.
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What are yours doing that is bad? Perhaps I missed another post somewhere...
I haven't done anything that is bad, the stupid ass dealer wanted me to leave my bike there at the dealer, and there was still no guarantee that Kwak would replace them. This was while still under warranty, and now the warranty is up. This bike has been 100% flawless, just the sensors that are wearing out now. I have no issue with the "-" being on the dash, I understand there will be no red light if the ECU doesn't even see them. Yeah the sensors are nice if they work, but I have owned no bike that ever had them until now.....so I won't miss them any.
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No but if the entire TPS signal is lost, the display simply displays '---' where the pressure should be. The easiest way I know of to do that is to cut one leg of the battery power in the seniors. That renders the sensor totally inoperative and while it will no longer report tire pressure, the system will then not show any kind of error either.
I think the entire TPS system is beneficial enough to be worth changing batteries every few years but that is just my opinion. Of course 'changing batteries' means cutting and soldering new ones in as the sensors were never meant to have replaceable batteries in the first place. It is simply too expensive to replace the whole sensor just because the battery has worn out.
Brian
Brian.....if I were to buy the 90 degree stems form Murph, can I take out the sensors and just use these instead? Do these just go through the rim and then seal from the top and a nut tightens from the bottom?
Or I am thinking of going with these instead, pretty sure these will be a direct replacement? http://kurveygirl.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=144 (http://kurveygirl.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=144)
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:o I bought the land shark(silverish 08 c14) from the second owner in pristine condition with 5700 miles in november, 2011. After recovering from malaria the guy gave me( flu) while coughing, I go out to play with my new toy, and theres this warning" tps battery low" stupidly blinking on the display like i missed it the first 3000 times it's blinked at me already.
So I quickly waist the continental tires that r on it by shreading in the hill's, so I can fix the sensors( no warrenty) and mount my new Q-2 dunlop's.
The dealer says no warranty, and there 200 buck each, and both r bad now. I dismount ties( bike looks like a ship in drydock), take sensors apart, pry the spot welds off the batteries, go to batteries plus, buy 2 standard watch/camera batt's. and the guy there solder's them in place for me. Had to do this twice because u need good battery placement to re assemble it.
So b4 i go , I use meter to check batt. voltage, and they lost 50% of there charge from the solder heat. The guy didnt even charge me 4 second batt's. These in place, I install, mount tires, and "BAM", working tps sensors for like 10 bucks( 4.75 per batt, no labor charge-awesome)
They last 30 days and fail. ****. I cal;l dealer( good times kawasaki in sacramento). She say's( I think Laura) "I will call kawi and see if they will good faith warranty the tps's. since so many have failed so quickly and repeatedly". I think ya, right. Wonderwoman calls me a few days later, kawi will change um for "free", including r&r, mount/balance,etc. Can u say wow?
I drop the bike, they call me later, and BAM, working tps sensors this time for free. Shocker, yes?
A true story.
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I don't know- I do not have those 90 degree adapters?
The as far as just the valve stem (stock or otherwise) the only thing the sensor really does is provide a spacer to load the spring. You <may> be able to just crank the stem farther enough in to compensate for it but I don't think so. You could also find a piece of tubing (metal or plastic) of around the right ID (not critical) and cut a piece to act as the sensor. That is probably the easiest thing to do- just use a sleeve of something to space the spring out- take the stem to Home- Lowes and walk through the plumbing aisle until you find something that fits.
As to the other stem adapters, again I just don't know if they will fit the wheel or not.
Best of luck with it.
Brian
Brian.....if I were to buy the 90 degree stems form Murph, can I take out the sensors and just use these instead? Do these just go through the rim and then seal from the top and a nut tightens from the bottom?
Or I am thinking of going with these instead, pretty sure these will be a direct replacement? http://kurveygirl.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=144 (http://kurveygirl.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=144)
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I haven't done anything that is bad, the stupid ass dealer wanted me to leave my bike there at the dealer, and there was still no guarantee that Kwak would replace them. This was while still under warranty, and now the warranty is up. This bike has been 100% flawless, just the sensors that are wearing out now. I have no issue with the "-" being on the dash, I understand there will be no red light if the ECU doesn't even see them. Yeah the sensors are nice if they work, but I have owned no bike that ever had them until now.....so I won't miss them any.
This sounds more like a dealer issue (been there). Even out of warranty, if the problem was reported while under warranty, Kwak will likely cover fixing it. You should call them directly (bypass the crappy dealer), and when you are ready for new tires, get a free mounting and balancing as well.
Brian.....if I were to buy the 90 degree stems form Murph, can I take out the sensors and just use these instead? Do these just go through the rim and then seal from the top and a nut tightens from the bottom?
Or I am thinking of going with these instead, pretty sure these will be a direct replacement? http://kurveygirl.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=144 (http://kurveygirl.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=144)
You can use the same valve stem you have now (or the Murphs 90 degree style). The sensors "float" over the inside portion of the valve stems, with a spring to hold them against the wheels.
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I am done playing paddy cake with the dealer, I am going to give the 90 degree stems I listed a try. 8)
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No but if the entire TPS signal is lost, the display simply displays '---' where the pressure should be. The easiest way I know of to do that is to cut one leg of the battery power in the seniors. That renders the sensor totally inoperative and while it will no longer report tire pressure, the system will then not show any kind of error either.
Brian
Brian, is this confirmed that if one leg is cut, there won't be any error messages? I'm having new tires put on and my rear sensor battery is dying so I just want the guy to snip it if this solution works. The front one is already dead, so I'm good there.
Chris
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Holy thread resurrection, Batman! ;D
Yes. Without power to the TPS, there will be no warning.
To cut a battery leg, the TPS must be taken apart though.
Brian
Brian, is this confirmed that if one leg is cut, there won't be any error messages? I'm having new tires put on and my rear sensor battery is dying so I just want the guy to snip it if this solution works. The front one is already dead, so I'm good there.
Chris
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Holy thread resurrection, Batman! ;D
I give him a gold star for great searching and thread-reduction abilities!
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8) Geez, you nearly burned my eyes out with that, Max!
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No but if the entire TPS signal is lost, the display simply displays '---' where the pressure should be. The easiest way I know of to do that is to cut one leg of the battery power in the seniors. That renders the sensor totally inoperative and while it will no longer report tire pressure, the system will then not show any kind of error either.
I think the entire TPS system is beneficial enough to be worth changing batteries every few years but that is just my opinion. Of course 'changing batteries' means cutting and soldering new ones in as the sensors were never meant to have replaceable batteries in the first place. It is simply too expensive to replace the whole sensor just because the battery has worn out.
Brian
I beg to differ. The easiest way is to just let the batteries go dead on their own. ;D
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I never bothered to solder in the replacement batteries, just put a new one in each sensor at every tire change. That way they always work, and aren't sensitive to low temps.
The sensors themselves seem to be sturdy enough. 8)
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Last thing I wanted to do is start another thread on this subject. ;)
If you want, I can start an oil or tire thread!!!! :1DeadBanana
Brian (or anyone else that can answer this) what does "taking it apart" involve?
Chris
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Last thing I wanted to do is start another thread on this subject. ;)
If you want, I can start an oil or tire thread!!!! :1DeadBanana
Brian (or anyone else that can answer this) what does "taking it apart" involve?
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=16850.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=16850.0) Tires or sensors?
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Thanks Maxtog, that answers my question.
Chris
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Holy thread resurrection, Batman! ;D
Yes. Without power to the TPS, there will be no warning.
To cut a battery leg, the TPS must be taken apart though.
Brian
Off topic. Brian How are you? Have you done any sea to sea runs lately?
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On the topic of TPS battery replacement: It seems like the replacement batteries I put in in 2013 are holding up better than the originals. Looks like I will get through two winters without any warnings and I have been riding in plenty of low 40 f temps this winter. Iirc, the oems started acting up early the 2nd winter (08/09) at anything below 55. Maybe better batteries or maybe just fresher.
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Excellent, how are you doing Ralph?
Nope, last time was a west / east try that had me stopping by to visit the cardiac unit of a hospital in PA. I was w/in 150 miles of Rye, NY WHEN SUDDENLY, things were not going well to say the least. I guess I did a CC100 w/ stress test and an overnight in a really slick electric bed but there is no slot for that in the IBA. :-) Betcha' I am the only guy in the US who ever ran the treadmill wearing heated motorcycle boots....
Brian
Off topic. Brian How are you? Have you done any sea to sea runs lately?
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Well at least you were able to hot foot it out of there..
The past few years I have been busy with work and most of my rides have been to Texas or Ohio. One year I was off for family health issues but now all is well. Some how retirement is a busier time than I ever imagined. I put a picture of what I am toying with under the clutch post.
Oh and by the way my TPS that was replaced in 2009 is still working just great even in Colorado! I do have my fingers crossed though.