How to override faulty temperature sensor / flashing battery and temp lights

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HubCap
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Last seen: 2 years 10 months ago
Joined: Monday, August 17, 2009 - 10:30
Points: 112
How to override faulty temperature sensor / flashing battery and temp lights

I have been experiencing a problem with flashing battery and temperature warning lights, which causes my Vextrix NiMH to refuse to charge, even when the bike has been un-used in subzero Celsius for days. This usually only happens when it is humid (which here in the UK has been the case since last spring due to constant rain). I have tried sealing the connector and the temp sensor itself as suggested on this forum, but the problem still exists. Eventually I will install The Lairds software which, I have read, solves the problem.
In the meantime however, I chanced upon a simple workaround which may be of help to other owners with this problem:

Symptoms: Vectrix refuses to charge when displaying flashing battery and temperature lights - speedometer needle goes round, fans come on for, somewhere around 10 - 20 seconds, then the charger turns itself off.
Cure:1: Switch off the red kill switch on right hand handlebar / throttle. 2: Switch on ignition key. Dashboard lights up but with no flashing battery / temperature lights. 3: Switch mains switch to charger lead off and then on again while ignition is still switched on. 4: Switch off ignition. 5: Charging starts as normal.
This has worked 5 times in a row for me.
Hope this is helpful
Hubcap

martinwinlow
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Last seen: 1 year 11 months ago
Joined: Monday, March 26, 2012 - 05:48
Points: 244
Re: How to override faulty temperature sensor / flashing ...

Well, a couple of things spring to mind but neither straight forward. First would be to connect a laptop running the diagnostic software and see what that reveals. Not much use if you haven't got a lap top let alone the software but more so the PCAN cable (tho I can hire you one! :) )

Second would be to strip the bike a bit further than you did in December and see if there is anything obviously adrift with the wiring as that seems the most likely issue to me. You can download a copy of the workshop manual from here... http://websd-vectrixscenecom.webs.com ... but you need to join (registration only) and then access Member Resources.

You could also try EFS to see what they think - I don't expect they charge for a telephone call.

Regards, MW.

Regards, Martin Winlow
Isle of Colonsay, Scotland
evalbum.com/2092

HubCap
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Last seen: 2 years 10 months ago
Joined: Monday, August 17, 2009 - 10:30
Points: 112
Re: How to override faulty temperature sensor / flashing ...

Hi would be interested in hiring the cable, I'd like to install the lairds software.

Keep it shiny side up!

ofx210p
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Last seen: 8 years 2 months ago
Joined: Monday, October 20, 2008 - 03:22
Points: 377
Re: How to override faulty temperature sensor / flashing ...

Either the lairds code or an earlier version of the vectrix code will solve the problem as both are not dependant on the temp sensors.

On the wiring front - the temp sensors and boards are purchaseable from vectrix IF you can get hold of them. They never respond to emails. Actually i lie, they do respond to the first email and then subsequent ones seem to be ignored. But that is another story.

I have noticed wires can easily break off the temp sensor boards so it might be worth getting the batterys and sensors out and off and giving it a good go through.

Just my 2c

Cheers

Chris

martinwinlow
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Last seen: 1 year 11 months ago
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Points: 244
Re: How to override faulty temperature sensor / flashing ...

Hi Hubcap - I have PM'ed you. MW

Regards, Martin Winlow
Isle of Colonsay, Scotland
evalbum.com/2092

martinwinlow
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Last seen: 1 year 11 months ago
Joined: Monday, March 26, 2012 - 05:48
Points: 244
Re: How to override faulty temperature sensor / flashing ...

Hi Hubcap - I have PM'ed you. MW

Regards, Martin Winlow
Isle of Colonsay, Scotland
evalbum.com/2092

lelek62
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Last seen: 9 years 11 months ago
Joined: Sunday, June 23, 2013 - 03:21
Points: 25
Re: How to override faulty temperature sensor / flashing ...

Hi HubCap,

this is a great post which I just found as I am in exactly the same situation.
Unfortunately I can´t get it to work, my charger still quits charging once the red lights come on.

Here is my current firmware situation, is that any different from yours?

All my temp sensors show 60° C and I checked a few of them and they seemed to be ok.
Any further ideas?

Best regards

Erik

HubCap
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Last seen: 2 years 10 months ago
Joined: Monday, August 17, 2009 - 10:30
Points: 112
Re: How to override faulty temperature sensor / flashing ...

A more complete sequence:
1: Ignition OFF
2: plug in charger
3: charging starts, red lights on
4: red lights cause charging to stop
5: red kill switch off
6: Ignition ON(no red light this time)
7: Un-plug charger
8: plug in charger
9: charging starts no red lights
10: charging continues

Keep it shiny side up!

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