ABS light flashing?

Hey guys!
I own a 08 VFR VTEC with ABS. My second one and I love it as much as the first one :-)

Recently, the ABS light started flashing and I don't know why. Before going to the dealer, I'm looking for advices on what could be the cause and what I could do to fix it myself if possible.

The light usually starts flashing while riding (after a while), not from startup. If I turn off the engine and the bike, the light doesn't flash right away when I boot it again.

I haven't tried to trigger the ABS while braking to see how it performs when the light is flashing. I actually think that I've never been in a situation where I had to experience the ABS :-)

I couldn't see any external damage to the ABS sensor wheels, nor to the front sensor. I couldn't remove and inspect the rear sensor due to lack of accessibility because of the brake lines.

Any ABS expert that could point something that I could test easily? I have a good set of basic tools and a multimeter.

Thanks in advance and ride safe!

Just a shot in the dark, but the very first thing I'd do is check my voltage. Make sure you aren't cooking the ABS computer.

OK, I checked the voltage at the battery (which I changed few months ago, way before the ABS light started to blink).

Contact ON, engine OFF : 12,85V

Contact ON, engine ON : 14,70V

Seems OK to me, no?

I have a Zumo GPS and third-party heat grips fitted on the bike. The GPS works OK, and I wasn't using the heated grips recently. In fact I noticed that 2 of the the grips electrical connections have been severed due to the fact the the relay to which they were connected was able to move freely under the seat. I corrected that :-)

Reading the service manual (always RTFM ...) I also discovered the diagnosis procedure for ABS system, and I get codes 5 and 13 (I had to film and slow down the video to be sure about the number of flashes :-) Fuses are fine.

5 is "Rear control motor system" and 13 is "Rear motor driver circuit". I erased those codes as indicated.

I have a long ride on Sunday, I'll see then if the problem is coming back. In the meantime, I'll also check the connection of the rear wheel speed sensor.

The 5-13 code is back :-(

I wanted to remove the rear ABS sensor for inspection and cleaning, but its front bolt is not very accessible (rear is OK).

I tried to use a socket, but it wouldn't fit because of the brake line and a 8mm spanner doesn't have enough space around to move.

[image: 160622091947190589.jpg]

Any advice on how to proceed?

Thanks!

9 hours ago, BuZZ

The 5-13 code is back :-(

I wanted to remove the rear ABS sensor for inspection and cleaning, but its front bolt is not very accessible (rear is OK).

I tried to use a socket, but it wouldn't fit because of the brake line and a 8mm spanner doesn't have enough space around to move.

[image: 160622091947190589.jpg]

Any advice on how to proceed?

Thanks!

Hi Buzz.

Why bother with trying to remove the rear wheel speed sensor??? You don't have a rear speed sensor fault! Have you confirmed that your rear brake ABS actually works? If not, when was the last time the brake system was fully bled/flushed? Could you have crap build-up in the rear modulator valve? Have you tried disconnecting the battery negative lead for a while?

Just throwing in a few ideas - never owned a 6th gen with ABS.

Good luck.

Cheers.

Grum.

Hi Grum! Thanks for the input!

You're right, the fault is probably not coming from the sensor itself, but I thought it would be easy to check anyway :-)

I didn't try to trigger the rear ABS while the light is flashing. I'll try to disconnect the battery tonight. I have a weekend ride on Saturday. I'll check the result then.

My bike has had its last full service by a bike mechanic (not Honda) (48000 km/32000 miles) 6 months ago (now 52000 km), and the brakes were bled at that time.

I checked the prices for used rear ABS modulator on internet, it is not too expensive (if it works!). I don't know if it's something I could change myself, I've never bled brakes before ...

Any idea for the price of a new unit if proven faulty?

Bonjour BuZZ.

Take the bike for a ride and on a straight stretch of road slam the rear brake on and try to lock up the rear wheel. The ABS will either work or not, and just perhaps if the rear wheel modulator does work, it just might clear the fault of its own accord - worth a try!

Cheers.

Grum.

Yeah clean and check first then reset computer.

I'll see how it goes this weekend and I'll keep you guys posted!

BuZZ, 24 June 2016 at 8:15 PM

I'll see how it goes this weekend and I'll keep you guys posted!

Hey Buzz. How did it go on the weekend - anything to report?

9 hours ago, Grum

Hey Buzz. How did it go on the weekend - anything to report?

Hi Grum! Weekend was nice :-) We went to the Pyrénées and Andorra. Nice weather in the valleys but we were in the clouds in the heights. But I guess that's not what you want to know :-)

I didn't have the opportunity to really test my ABS during the ride, since the fault was intermittent (ABS light flashing happened only once i think) and I didn't want to slam the brakes in front on the next rider.

Unfortunately, I won't be able to do anything about it until next week :-(

I'll keep you informed!

Hello guys,

I went to the Dolomites (north Italy, it's bikers' paradize :-) with my VFR (4000 km in total), and I thought the ABS light fixed itself when I dropped the bike :-/ It happened when I wanted to take a picture and I stopped the bike on a slope. The stand didn't hold the loaded bike and bam! Fairing and pannier cover badly scratched :-( But no more flashing ABS light :-) Anyway, the ABS light started flashing again a few days later, so the fix is not permanent.

I will leave the bike with a dealer here in 10 days from now. I suspected the rear ABS regulator to have a problem, according to the 5-13 code, but the mechanic never changed this part on a VFR, so he believes that's not the faulty part. I hope he's right, a brand new part alone is 1700€ !

Thanks for reading, here are some pictures of the Dolomites trip :-)

Start in Rouen, Normandy, France

[image: 160902025850774860.jpg]

Stelvio Pass, Italy

[image: 160902025854543816.jpg]

Dolomites views :

[image: 160902025830577711.jpg]

[image: 160902025902988239.jpg]

[image: 160902025908503433.jpg]

Grimsel pass and Furka pass, Switzerland on my way back :

[image: 160902025828775130.jpg]

Trips:

[image: 160902034645560441.jpg]

Now that's what I'm talking about! Beautiful scenery and talk about a twisty road! Hopefully the ABS issue will get resolved and not for 1700 price. Thanks for the pictures and good luck.

Great photos.  The Dolomites are spectacular - awesome place to ride a motorcycle.  Lots of fun places to stop too. 

Regarding the ABS issue, it's not easy to access, but it might be worthwhile to check all the electrical connections and any wires for chafing to / from the ABS unit.

Cogswell, 2 septembre 2016 at 4:48 PM

Regarding the ABS issue, it's not easy to access, but it might be worthwhile to check all the electrical connections and any wires for chafing to / from the ABS unit.

I'm glad you like the pictures :-)

As for the ABS problem, I left my bike at the local Honda workshop this morning. After a day, they still don't know what i wrong with her.

They tried to bypass the existing wiring, to try to isolate the source of the problem, but with no success :-( They bled the brakes as well, no more luck. They will ask a more technical guy from Honda mothership for his advice.

Maybe it's time to find a source for a used modulator ... :-(

Hi,I also have the same problem with my abs,i ride the exact same model (08).I also went to the Honda workshop and my mechanic said it was a faulty sensor,so he changed my abs sensor but the problem remains.And right now i am out ideas on what the heck there is wrong with my abs and how to fix it.If you have any news on whats wrong with your problem please share it,maybe it will help fix mine also

Thanx in advance

This video has some DIY diagnostic info that can be followed to eliminate some connector / sensor issues.  If it ends up being the ABS control module it will probably require some factory diagnostics.  Unfortunately it seems that often mechanics at dealers are not well versed in this - they bleed the system, or throw a new sensor at it without definitively determining what is wrong.  At least some things can be eliminated before taking it to a dealer. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pb6nXV-iamI

11 hours ago, Aenarion

Hi,I also have the same problem with my abs,i ride the exact same model (08).I also went to the Honda workshop and my mechanic said it was a faulty sensor,so he changed my abs sensor but the problem remains.And right now i am out ideas on what the heck there is wrong with my abs and how to fix it.If you have any news on whats wrong with your problem please share it,maybe it will help fix mine also

Thanx in advance

Hi Aenarion!

I just got on the phone with the Honda workshop. What they want to do is to try to invert the electrical connections between the front and rear ABS units, and check if the "rear module error" becomes a "front module error". In that case, it will mean that the fault is coming from the unit itself, and I will have to change it. Fortunately, they agree to install a second hand unit I could buy, on eBay for example (price range: 30 to 80 €) .

I will leave them my bike on the 11th of october. More news to come then ...

7 hours ago, BuZZ

Hi Aenarion!

I just got on the phone with the Honda workshop. What they want to do is to try to invert the electrical connections between the front and rear ABS units, and check if the "rear module error" becomes a "front module error". In that case, it will mean that the fault is coming from the unit itself, and I will have to change it. Fortunately, they agree to install a second hand unit I could buy, on eBay for example (price range: 30 to 80 €) .

I will leave them my bike on the 11th of october. More news to come then ...

Thank you very much for your reply,i will wait till the 11th before taking it to my mechanic :D

Aenarion, 29/9/2016 at 8:10 PM

Thank you very much for your reply,i will wait till the 11th before taking it to my mechanic :D

I actually ordered a used modulator in the UK, from eBay for 25€ (including delivery :-). Chances are low that it would be defective too. I'll give it to the mechanic as soon as I receive it.

This has to be sorted out soon, I'm moving again over the next two weeks and I want my bike!!!

Mine started flashing while riding or would just stay on,but no codes. Voltages all were perfect, but what gave it away was suddenly I lost both high beam bulbs. Blew two sets in two days, checked voltage and it was 15.8 to 16.5. Replaced the R/R with a Ricks spare I had, voltage was 14.5 for 5 days no ABS lights beams all good and then my stator failed with the Ricks. After a custom rewind repair and an R1 R/R all is good and my new volt meter shows a solid 14.4.

Voltage doesn't always show as bad right away my first precursor of a problem was my ABS light was acting funny.

6 hours ago, aristo

Mine started flashing while riding or would just stay on,but no codes. Voltages all were perfect, but what gave it away was suddenly I lost both high beam bulbs. Blew two sets in two days, checked voltage and it was 15.8 to 16.5. Replaced the R/R with a Ricks spare I had, voltage was 14.5 for 5 days no ABS lights beams all good and then my stator failed with the Ricks. After a custom rewind repair and an R1 R/R all is good and my new volt meter shows a solid 14.4.

Voltage doesn't always show as bad right away my first precursor of a problem was my ABS light was acting funny.

This is what I'm hoping for! I've got a 6th Gen in the garage with electrical issues. It went through some R/Rs (Including a Rick's) and the ABS light is flashing. Roasted a re-wound stator before adding a series type R/R. Hoping a newly re-wound stator and the series R/R will clear up the ABS light once everything is right.

(Not my bike, just trying to fix it)

Great bit of detective work KevCarver!

Just an update to tell that I have no update :-( The mechanic left for a week of vacation and left my bike taken apart! I will have to wait for two more weeks before I can come back here to pick it up ...

More news: i got my bike back yesterday! The modulator I bought from eBay has been fitted, and it seems the the ABS light is not flashing anymore :-)

I rode it back from my hometown to the place I live now (150 km). Fingers crossed it will stay that way.

The bill was reasonable: 130 € including taxes (+25€ for the modulator itself) for 2 hours of work+brake fluid (they kept my bike almost a month!).

Sounds like a happy ending! 

Hopefully it is :-)

Grum, 27/06/2016 at 4:50 AM

Hey Buzz. How did it go on the weekend - anything to report?

Hey Grum! I got a mail notification but I couldn't find your message here. Maybe you deleted it?

Just in case, this is picture of the part that was replaced (rear modulator), it was a used part I found on eBay:

[image: 161119101200369451.jpg]

So far so good, after 2 weeks, the ABS light doesn't flash anymore.

Hi Buzz.

Good news sounds like its fixed. I did start a message then decided to delete it. Good to see a photo of what the culprit looks like.

Cheers.

Grum.

Well done Buzz...
I would be asking for the old one back and opening it up, probably just a sticky part! Then you could post your findings for everyone...
I dug into a 'K' jetronic fuel pump years ago, expensive new, had a fitter and Turner mate, fixed it for about ten bucks. He went on to make a really good business out of it.

Sent from my HTC_PN071 using Tapatalk

9 hours ago, Forbes

Well done Buzz...
I would be asking for the old one back and opening it up, probably just a sticky part! Then you could post your findings for everyone...
I dug into a 'K' jetronic fuel pump years ago, expensive new, had a fitter and Turner mate, fixed it for about ten bucks. He went on to make a really good business out of it.

Sent from my HTC_PN071 using Tapatalk
 

I actually kept the faulty modulator, in case the "new" one wouldn't solve my problem. I'll give it a look in a month maybe, when I'll be sure that everything is fine :-) 

BuZZ, 19/11/2016 at 8:46 PM

I actually kept the faulty modulator, in case the "new" one wouldn't solve my problem. I'll give it a look in a month maybe, when I'll be sure that everything is fine :-) 

Hi guys!

After a few month without any ABS light flashing, I wanted to discard my old ABS unit, but remembered first to take it appart. Here are some pictures:

[image: 170319053910990263.jpg]

[image: 170319053910634269.jpg]

[image: 170319053910410083.jpg]

The electric motor is moving the little crankshaft, which in turn moves the two little black pistons that you can see in the second picture. This builds pressure for the system when ABS is triggered I guess. The spring system also pushes on the crankshaft from the other side when the system is at rest. I guess the back connector (top left) serves to tell the position of the crankshaft.

There was a bit a grease around the cranksaft, but nothing much that I could see elsewhere.

I still don't know what was wrong with this unit.

Electric motor probably faulty

I would hazard that that's more of a servo than an actual spinning motor, so yes, probably got hot and fried....or just dry joints internally?

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6 hours ago, Forbes

I would hazard that that's more of a servo than an actual spinning motor, so yes, probably got hot and fried....or just dry joints internally?

I think you are right, the gear on the crankshaft is not a "full circle" one, so not doing complete revolutions.

i have no idea at this point if it is working or not.

Hi all, first post on this Forum.  I know your problem was not a voltage issue BUT it is worth noting that my ABS light started flashing in exactly the same way. One of my  headlight bulbs also blew but that does happen on occasions. Long one short, I had the VFrR's achilees heel charhpging issue for (only) the second time on this same bike in 10 years. Yes it was the generator. While replacing it I replaced it with new R/R I bought 6 yrs ago when I had last charging issue. I put the old R/R back on 6yrs ago as I realised the gen. was busted. So.......this time I thought I'd put the new R/R on at same time, after all same one on from new in 2006. Guess what, after fixing it all, initially 14.5V across battery....all good.....took it for a 30 mile ride.....ABS flashes and I later discovered h bulb gone. After much reading of Haynes on ABS I came onto Forum and read this thread an earlier comment re. poss. cooking ABS unit so CHECK VOLTAGE. Did it on start up and guess what....18V. noooooo!!!!  Put old R/R back on and problem was completely solved. What a pain but Imdidn't cook the new battery so I got away with it with just one bulb loss....phew. Just thought ai'd post this to,endorse earlier comment that it worth checking running voltage (so quick to do) before digging too deep elsewhere as my 11 year old bike has never had an ABS prob. (Yet!!). Lucky me. Hope this is,of some help.......I am looking in UK to buy Voltmeter and fit it.....it's a must as far as I'm concerned.