ABS2 fault code #16 question

[leve...@aircanopy.net]

I just received my new GS-911. Installation and use couldn't be
easier. I placed my order when I learned that ABS2 diagnostic
capability was available.

First thing I did was to plug into my 2000 R1150GS, because I have an
ABS malfunction light. The fault displayed is "16. ABS PISTION (sic)
FAULT".

I am curious what a "PISTION" is... is it a mis-spelling of piston? or
position? or is it some un-translateable German word?

Also I would appreciate it if anyone could shed some light on the
meaning of this fault code. Is there a solution short of replacing the
entire ABS unit?

[patrick lee]

I will call or go to BMW dealer's service department, they are usually pretty good on telling you the fault codes., try to clear the codes first, if the problems continue, than you have to fix the faults.

[Bill Nash]

I guess I should have said I have cleared the fault - several times - and it
always returns, sometimes hours later, sometimes a couple days.

Obviously I want to fix it ;-)

What I would like to know is if anyone knows specifics of the ABS2 Fault #16
and whether or not the ABS unit is repairable.

[Stephan]

hi Bill,

yip, that definitely is a mis-spelling of "piston" - will add it to the
bug list.
I will also see what I can dig up on the fault-code #16

best,
Stephan

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Stephan Thiel
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[Bill Nash]

After reading about the influence of battery voltage on fault codes, I
realized I failed to follow up on my experience. Thought I would update the
group.

After letting the bike set idle for a few weeks my 3-year old generic AGM
battery failed to start the bike, even after charging (at the time I
experienced the ABS2 problems described below the battery worked fine,
always started the bike OK - certainly well enough to pass the ABS start-up
test).

I bought and installed an Odyssey 680 battery, and before I fired up the
bike I again cleared the ABS fault code.

What do you know - 1400 miles later and no sign of any ABS faults.
Previously the fault #16 would always pop up after several miles of riding.

Lesson I learned is the specific fault code doesn't always point directly to
the root cause of the problem. I was convinced that my ABS2 unit was
suffering from a fatal malfunction.

The experiences of folks shared in this forum is invaluable information.

Regards,

Bill

[patrick lee]

From what I was told, there is a plunger in the ABS unit, sometimes they stuck in side, one way to correct this problem would be renew brake fulid yearly, 90% of the time ABS melfunctions are caused by the battery.  
pat

[Bill Nash]

Pat,

You're right about the importance of keeping the brake fluid clean. It's
important to flush through the ABS bleed ports as well as those on the wheel
cylinders. Accumulated crud could cause the moving parts to stick. I have
also heard folks recommend occasionally "exercising" the ABS to keep things
freed up inside the control unit.

What surprised me about the outcome of my experience was I did not get the
classic initial low-battery startup fault. Evidently the ABS control unit
monitors battery voltage at intervals *after* startup, too. If the voltage
isn't sufficient to drive those internal pistons a fault is triggered.

Next time I'll check the battery first! ;>)

[Stephan Thiel]

just keep in mind that ABS2 was one of the first ABS units on the
market... and hence THE most basic one of all the diagnosable ABS units
- they've gotten considerably better at self-diagnosing as the versions
evolved...