Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: c14rider on November 27, 2012, 07:51:22 AM

Title: TPMS warranty replacement or denial survey
Post by: c14rider on November 27, 2012, 07:51:22 AM
I have my '08 going in for the brake recall this week and have also asked them to replace the TPMS on both wheels due to low battery display in cooler weather.  The dealer has indicated that below 50 degrees it may take up to 5 minutes for them to get up to temp and in northern, colder climes it may take as long as 30.  A low battery display in those time frames is not indicative of a problem.  He says Kaw will charge back the parts to them if they receive them and they do not test bad within their parameters.  Obviously, the bike did not have any low battery condition under any temperatures for the first two years.  I've been holding off on replacement as long as I can so that I would have the newest TPMS going forward after the warranty expires.

In what I've read over the years, I don't remember many, maybe ANY, that were ever denied under warranty.  Please chime in here and let's see what the statistics are so that I'll have some data to present to the dealer if it becomes an issue.

Thanks!
Title: Re: TPMS warranty replacement or denial survey
Post by: c14rider on November 27, 2012, 07:52:42 AM
Oh, and why am I suddenly a Newbie?  I've been posting here for 5 years, albeit not much lately.  I must have missed something!
Title: Re: TPMS warranty replacement or denial survey
Post by: thundermax on November 27, 2012, 08:10:02 AM
Right now on colder days after cold night it takes 5 minutes to come on. Will see what they do come warmer weather in April-May next year.
Title: Re: TPMS warranty replacement or denial survey
Post by: PH14 on November 27, 2012, 08:16:11 AM
I have my '08 going in for the brake recall this week and have also asked them to replace the TPMS on both wheels due to low battery display in cooler weather.  The dealer has indicated that below 50 degrees it may take up to 5 minutes for them to get up to temp and in northern, colder climes it may take as long as 30.  A low battery display in those time frames is not indicative of a problem.  He says Kaw will charge back the parts to them if they receive them and they do not test bad within their parameters.  Obviously, the bike did not have any low battery condition under any temperatures for the first two years.  I've been holding off on replacement as long as I can so that I would have the newest TPMS going forward after the warranty expires.

In what I've read over the years, I don't remember many, maybe ANY, that were ever denied under warranty.  Please chime in here and let's see what the statistics are so that I'll have some data to present to the dealer if it becomes an issue.

Thanks!

One of mine was replaced, under warranty, because it showed the low battery message when cold. The dealer had no issue with Kawasaki.
Title: Re: TPMS warranty replacement or denial survey
Post by: lather on November 27, 2012, 08:50:15 AM
Mine are now over 5 years old and working fine. To be specific, in they have been in continuous operation since October 8, 2007 and 92,000 miles. They gave the temporary LOW BAT message during the 2nd, 3rd and 4th winters, but not during the 5th winter or so far this year. The LOW BAT message will occasionally flash on but not long enough to trigger the red light or require a reset.

My research indicates that this is about the passivation layer wearing out. The passivation layer is what extends the battery's shelf life and what causes the false low battery message in cold weather.
I consider the passivation layer a good thing. Now that it is finally wearing out I figure my batteries will soon fail. I plan to solder in some new ones when they do. On the COG forum there is a good thread about converting to snap in battery holder but it seems to me it would be easier to just solder in two new batteries and be good for another 5 years.
Title: Re: TPMS warranty replacement or denial survey
Post by: mvjr1904 on November 27, 2012, 09:19:34 AM
Purchased my 2011 C14 on March 2012.  April 2012, rear tire sensor began to read "low battery". Both sensors replaced during 600 mile service, under warranty. 

The one thing I did notice with the OEM sensors was that I did receive an immediate sensor reading when I started the bike. Now, with the dealer replaced sensors, no immediate reading when I start the bike and it takes 1-2 miles before the sensors provide a psi reading. When it colder out, it does take longer to pick up a reading.
Title: Re: TPMS warranty replacement or denial survey
Post by: Static on November 27, 2012, 10:36:27 AM
Just had mine replaced under extended warranty. They were also replaced a year ago under the standard three year warranty. No questions asked. My extended warranty cost $339 for an additional 3 years. The two sensors replaced with labor was well over $500. The extended warranty has already paid for itself and then some with two years to go.
Title: Re: TPMS warranty replacement or denial survey
Post by: Scaffolder on November 27, 2012, 11:47:17 AM
Yes. Replaced under warranty. 2 separate bikes 2 or 3 times. One was replaced and never registered. Still no #s.
Title: Re: TPMS warranty replacement or denial survey
Post by: MrPepsi on November 27, 2012, 11:59:51 AM
Oh, and why am I suddenly a Newbie?  I've been posting here for 5 years, albeit not much lately.  I must have missed something!

You are a newbie because of the supposed server meltdown several months back. Lost all old posts.
Title: Re: TPMS warranty replacement or denial survey
Post by: c14rider on November 27, 2012, 02:20:17 PM
I remember the server meltdown a year or two ago.  Sounds like it happened again :(

Is no one voting in the poll or can I just not see the results until I vote?  I've never done a poll before, so I'm not sure how this works.  If you're not voting, please do!

Thanks.
Title: Re: TPMS warranty replacement or denial survey
Post by: VirginiaJim on November 27, 2012, 02:28:38 PM
I see one post in Nov of 2011 and several within the last month or so, other than that, nada.  You may want to add another checky box for those of us that have complaining sensors but just haven't gone in to get them fixed yet.  I fit into that category.  Mine have been complaining every winter since I bought the bike and unlike Lather's, they've been getting worse.  I'm taking the bike in for some work in a few weeks and ask to get them replaced then.
Title: Re: TPMS warranty replacement or denial survey
Post by: MrPepsi on November 27, 2012, 02:29:42 PM
My post count did not get reset, so I don't know.
And I have not had my TPMS replaced.
Title: Re: TPMS warranty replacement or denial survey
Post by: c14rider on November 27, 2012, 02:54:18 PM
Is no one voting in the poll or can I just not see the results until I vote?  I've never done a poll before, so I'm not sure how this works.  If you're not voting, please do!

Thanks.
Got it.  The poll was set to only show results after voting and I guess that even applies to the poll administrator :)  Changed it so anyone can view the results.
Title: Re: TPMS warranty replacement or denial survey
Post by: gPink on November 27, 2012, 02:59:43 PM
I voted with your addition to the poll. Mine always come on when they warm up. Won't worry about it til they quit.
Title: Re: TPMS warranty replacement or denial survey
Post by: Pokey on November 27, 2012, 04:57:22 PM
Dealers wanted me to leave my bike for "a few days" to verify what I said was true, I told them to kiss my butt instead.
Title: Re: TPMS warranty replacement or denial survey
Post by: gPink on November 27, 2012, 04:59:51 PM
We need to work on your people skills, Poke.
Title: Re: TPMS warranty replacement or denial survey
Post by: Pokey on November 27, 2012, 05:09:29 PM
We need to work on your people skills, Poke.


I am quite fun to be around and have excellent people skills, Jim knows. I am however brutally honest and to the point most times, and do not like and will not tolerate being given the runaround. I am always nice, honest and professional at first, if that doesnt work then I become an asshole.  ;)
Title: Re: TPMS warranty replacement or denial survey
Post by: gPink on November 27, 2012, 05:13:13 PM
Maybe that's what I'm doing wrong.
Title: Re: TPMS warranty replacement or denial survey
Post by: ZG on November 27, 2012, 05:32:15 PM
2 years of ownership and no problems...  :)
Title: Re: TPMS warranty replacement or denial survey
Post by: maxtog on November 27, 2012, 09:10:12 PM
Dealers wanted me to leave my bike for "a few days" to verify what I said was true, I told them to kiss my butt instead.

Good for you... I would probably tell them the same thing.
Title: Re: TPMS warranty replacement or denial survey
Post by: VirginiaJim on November 28, 2012, 04:08:31 AM
Dealers wanted me to leave my bike for "a few days" to verify what I said was true, I told them to kiss my butt instead.

"Are you actively riding the bike, Poke?", he asks knowing full well the member in question isn't.  You know, you could take a picture with your phone of the complaining sensors and show that to them.

I've been waiting for it to get cold so that they can see it for themselves.  My phone is rather limited and isn't very smart at all.
Title: Re: TPMS warranty replacement or denial survey
Post by: VirginiaJim on November 28, 2012, 04:08:58 AM

I am quite fun to be around and have excellent people skills, Jim knows. I am however brutally honest and to the point most times, and do not like and will not tolerate being given the runaround. I am always nice, honest and professional at first, if that doesnt work then I become an asshole.  ;)

True dat.
Title: Re: TPMS warranty replacement or denial survey
Post by: Conrad on November 28, 2012, 04:54:53 AM
Maybe that's what I'm doing wrong.

You doing it the other way around G?
Title: Re: TPMS warranty replacement or denial survey
Post by: gPink on November 28, 2012, 05:02:46 AM
Who knew? OK I got it...nice first.
Title: Re: TPMS warranty replacement or denial survey
Post by: Pokey on November 28, 2012, 10:08:35 AM
"Are you actively riding the bike, Poke?", he asks knowing full well the member in question isn't.  You know, you could take a picture with your phone of the complaining sensors and show that to them.

I've been waiting for it to get cold so that they can see it for themselves.  My phone is rather limited and isn't very smart at all.


Sure did show them pics, 4 different ones from all different dates and temps outside. Even asked them to go out and ride my bike while I was there, they declined. So that is why I told them to pound salt. You know that I hate these stupid sensors anyways, so I have no problem yanking them out.  8)
Title: Re: TPMS warranty replacement or denial survey
Post by: ZG on November 28, 2012, 12:00:47 PM
2 years of ownership and no problems...  :)

FAK!! I jinxed it!! I knew that would happen as soon as I typed that yesterday...  :banghead:
 
On my way into work this morning all was fine and dandy for the first 20 minutes, then BAM! The wicked horseshoe and rear TPS batt warning...  :(  Tires were already warm by that time, so I believe this is the real deal...
 
Called my shop this morning and they are ordering one up for me...  :)
Title: Re: TPMS warranty replacement or denial survey
Post by: Conrad on November 28, 2012, 12:23:06 PM

FAK!! I jinxed it!! I knew that would happen as soon as I typed that yesterday...  :banghead:
 
On my way into work this morning all was fine and dandy for the first 20 minutes, then BAM! The wicked horseshoe and rear TPS batt warning...  :(  Tires were already warm by that time, so I believe this is the real deal...
 
Called my shop this morning and they are ordering one up for me...  :)

That's exactly the way mine acted just before replacement.
Title: Re: TPMS warranty replacement or denial survey
Post by: basmntdweller on November 29, 2012, 09:35:51 AM
My rear sensor battery died back in the spring and front started flashing me about a month ago. Local shop has one on order for me. Should be in any day. That screen is annoying kinda like the low fuel when I takes over. Any way to squelch those screens when they come on? It is supposed to be mid 40's today so I might get a few miles in after work. 30 degrees is my limit with the gear I have. 26 this AM so truckin' it today.

Matt
Title: Re: TPMS warranty replacement or denial survey
Post by: Conrad on November 29, 2012, 10:25:15 AM
My rear sensor battery died back in the spring and front started flashing me about a month ago. Local shop has one on order for me. Should be in any day. That screen is annoying kinda like the low fuel when I takes over. Any way to squelch those screens when they come on? It is supposed to be mid 40's today so I might get a few miles in after work. 30 degrees is my limit with the gear I have. 26 this AM so truckin' it today.

Matt

Press and hold the top button under the gauges and then momentarily press the bottom button, then release the top button. The red LED on the left side of the dash should light up to let you know that there is an issue.
Title: Re: TPMS warranty replacement or denial survey
Post by: basmntdweller on November 29, 2012, 01:51:57 PM
Thanks Conrad. I seemed to recall a way to do it but at he time I didn't have the need so it was forgotten.

Matt
Title: Re: TPMS warranty replacement or denial survey
Post by: B.D.F. on November 29, 2012, 03:03:40 PM
Yeah, it seems that Kawasaki is changed their policy of replacing the sensors when they display the 'low battery' warning but recover. Apparently now the warning has to be permanent to have the sensors replaced under warranty. Probably the result of having to replace so many sensors: the first few million were a surprise but after that.... :-)

The batteries are replaceable although they are not meant to be so. And replacing them does take some soldering along with the removal and replacement of the sensor itself which is inside the mounted tires. So it is a fairly painful process for those who do not do their own tire changes (which I suspect are most motorcycle owners).

Murph's may still be offering a battery replacement service but again, that is fairly painful because the sensor still has to be removed and replaced from the wheel after the tire is dismounted.

Brian


I have my '08 going in for the brake recall this week and have also asked them to replace the TPMS on both wheels due to low battery display in cooler weather.  The dealer has indicated that below 50 degrees it may take up to 5 minutes for them to get up to temp and in northern, colder climes it may take as long as 30.  A low battery display in those time frames is not indicative of a problem.  He says Kaw will charge back the parts to them if they receive them and they do not test bad within their parameters.  Obviously, the bike did not have any low battery condition under any temperatures for the first two years.  I've been holding off on replacement as long as I can so that I would have the newest TPMS going forward after the warranty expires.

In what I've read over the years, I don't remember many, maybe ANY, that were ever denied under warranty.  Please chime in here and let's see what the statistics are so that I'll have some data to present to the dealer if it becomes an issue.

Thanks!
Title: Re: TPMS warranty replacement or denial survey
Post by: c14rider on December 02, 2012, 07:14:33 PM
Well, I'm a bit shocked.  I took the bike in yesterday for the TPMS replacement and brake rod recall.  The warranty service manager wasn't there that had hemmed and hawed and didn't know if they would be covered or not.  They said 'are you going to wait for it?'  Uh, no, I hadn't planned to.  You mean you can get to it right now?  Turns out they knocked it out in about 4 hours time while me and the wife rode our bicycles on the local greenway.  Came back, picked it up, no questions, didn't even have to sign anything!  So now I have added myself to the survey as 'replaced under extended warranty'.  Sweet!