Bike is getting mushy

[Brad Crouch]

I have a 5 year old Specilized Creo SL with more than 12,000 miles. Three times now the peddles get what can be described as mushy. In turbo or sport mode while climbing it feels like it is skipping and losing power. In the past I turned the motor off and it was fine. After a while turning the motor back on worked. Today, on a short ride, it happened and I went to eco mode and it stopped. My question: is the motor failing?

 

[fooferdoggie]

need a new belt?

 

[Brad Crouch]

Is that internal inside the motor housing?

 

[fooferdoggie]

Is that internal inside the motor housing?

Yes I think yours has a belt but wait till others who know more about it.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Creo SL has internal motor gears, no drive belt.
Brad, my Vado SL is also 5 years old and has over 13,200 miles on the odometer. No issues so far. Perhaps it is not the motor but the electronics are failing? When did you replace the TCU coin battery for the last time?

(foofer, please do not speculate about a system you are not familiar with, thank you).

 

[Brad Crouch]

I have not replaced the battery but have purchased a range extender.

 

[Brad Crouch]

I have replaced it once.

 

[fooferdoggie]

Creo SL has internal motor gears, no drive belt.
Brad, my Vado SL is also 5 years old and has over 13,200 miles on the odometer. No issues so far. Perhaps it is not the motor but the electronics are failing? When did you replace the TCU coin battery for the last time?

(foofer, please do not speculate about a system you are not familiar with, thank you).

That's why I had a question mark. but your the expert and have no clue either so we both in the same boat.

 

[PedalUma]

Could it be battery sag? My local dealer cannot check this because they do not own a voltmeter. And they claim to be the county's 'Premier eBike Shop." When is the last time you checked your battery. Was it ever replaced? When was the last time you lubed inside the motor's transmission?

 

[teskow]

Hey everybody, I don't know either but I saw your post and just want others to know I can't give you an answer. Here I am though.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I have replaced it once.

Brad, see a Specialized dealer for a diagnosis. This is the only thing you can do.
I also would begin with replacing the TCU coin battery for a good start before doing anything else.

 

[Brad Crouch]

Dropping it off today at a dealer. I will let you know what they say.

 

[PedalUma]

The dealer can log into the Specialized Dealer app, enter the serial # and hook the display to a PC and update the firmware. Then they can run the diagnostics. Sometimes the app will ask to pedal it at a cadence of 60 for one minute to see that all is in sync. Then it will say to check x, then y, then z. And will run the check again.

 

[Brad Crouch]

Well I got the bad news today. “The two possibilities are the clutch going out or a failure in the torque sensor. Neither of these are repairable issues, require replacement. The replacement motor is $1200 plus labor “. Damn.

 

[Gionnirocket]

Isn't that special _ized

 

[PedalUma]

Well I got the bad news today. “The two possibilities are the clutch going out or a failure in the torque sensor. Neither of these are repairable issues, require replacement. The replacement motor is $1200 plus labor “. Damn.

That is a big bummer. Dealers are not allowed to open the motors and repair inside and they do not have the skills or parts. All they can do is order and sell a new motor and bolt it on. This is why I have spare parts such as clutches, torque sensors and cadence sensors. The ToSeven factory gave then to me for free. Not that I have ever encountered a failed DM02 motor. It is just incase. A contingency plan. They know that I believe in the right to repair, can open motors and work inside, and can program up to 150 different variables. The bike that got a tune on Monday has the original battery and it is perfect. It is eight-years-old. All I did was lube in the motor and replace the chain.

 

[PedalUma]

@Brad Crouch,
I know the game plan. They are not content with the $1200. They want so much more. They are going to offer a loyalty discount on a new bike, one that only they have the right to repair. And that one will also be made with the plan for it to fail. What is so brilliant is they get to sell the problem and the solution in a never ending cycle. They want another $4,000 now and another $2,000 over the next three years. Then sell another bike with the seeds of another problem already planted. They are very convincing with this sales pitch. It is well rehearsed, just like the guy pitching a bronze casket to a grieving widow.

 

[PedalUma]

@Brad Crouch.
Crickets. Nothing. Did they attempt the pitch to spend more and more? What were the terms?
Click Download User's Manual to see what you can control on a really good user system, all through the display including dealer level diagnostics. You own it and are its master. Want to set your own power and speed limits? Want to set the milliseconds and degrees a crank must turn for the motor to start to assist and how it ramps power? Want to control your own torque and cadence sensors? Want 15 levels of power from 10 amps to 18? All that is here with a rock solid system along with freedom from being the supplicant to a corporate vampire. https://to7motor.com/product/t154-e-bike-centre-control-panel Any two wire battery will work. And the good batteries last over eight years, not two, cost less than half, and are external so they come right off to conveniently charge away from the bike. Never again get the bend over and pull out your wallet routine. Q: Who is the boss of your bike? A: You are. I will bet that their pitch did not focus on the bike and its durability and ride characteristics, but on wisbang wireless features that are all a gimmick sideshow.