Battery/controller fault?

[JohnN]

Hi
I have a BH EVO Cross. Not quite 2 years old but with only 1000km ridden
When first purchased the power just cut out a few times when under heavy load climbing a steep hill. The shop I bought it from made an adjustment and fixed the issue.
I have done minimal riding lately but a few times I tried I would sometimes get error 13 “bad connection. I am about to again ride regularly and had a bike shop service the bike and repair the fault.(the shop I purchased from has closed down). They cleaned all the connections and test ride several times but fault returned. Then screwed the display down and fault disappeared. I ride to work 13km and no problems. Charged it at work and error returned immediately I went to ride home. For the next 5km it was tough work riding but I could get the error to go by depressing either brake. This would only last seconds though. When the error disappeared the display would show only 1 bar of battery but multiple gos in the lever and it would reset to 100%. Likewise The battery assist could go back to nothing or resume where it was. But not necessary even be assisting. It could surge or not be there. After 5 km it just stopped happening and ride perfectly. Any thoughts please

 

[J.R.]

I've had error code 13, "communication error", a handful of times, it was always the display. Those spring loaded pins on the back and corresponding copper connections on the handlebar base plate. Make sure all pins are in the out position and not stuck. You can carefully use use plastic safe contact cleaner as directed. I've used CRC brand. Also check the connectors at/below the handlebar. Clean, dry and tight. On my Evo there are 2 large barrel connectors and 2 small brake cutoff connectors.

BH only suggests for E 13 "check cable and connector". I would also check, clean the motor cable at the chain stay.

If that doesn't clear it, you could clean the connectors at the controller in the frame compartment above the battery. Just remove the 2 screws on the frame compartment cover and the controller will drop down.

This picture shows cover (screws removed) and controller in frame.



This picture shows Evo controller. Not all connections are used on all models.

 

[bob armani]

I concur with J.R. regarding this issue you are having. It seems it is a common error with the side mount displays. In addition to his suggestions, always a good idea to clean the torque sensor located near the rear axle with contact spray. I have used the 'WD' brand and it worked like a charm. Another more permanent solution I have found for the 'false positive' errors was purchasing the heads up center display as an upgrade to the side mount. No more contacts sticking causing a bad connection. My side mount was deemed as defective and my dealer swapped it out for the center display for a small additional cost (under warranty of coarse). Hopefully this will solve most of your problems. Please keep us posted for future reference.

 

[JohnN]

Thanks JR and Bob for responding.

I jumped on the bike the day after posting this and have had 4 rides totalling about 100km without fault recurring. I think I may just leave it now.

 

[bob armani]

Thanks JR and Bob for responding.

I jumped on the bike the day after posting this and have had 4 rides totalling about 100km without fault recurring. I think I may just leave it now.

Good call! If it works, do not mess with it. If they return, you'll have something to work with for now. Good luck with all your future rides!

 

[Geri Lawlor]

I have a BH Emotion Street 2018 although I just bought it March2019. Having lots of problems with the motor powering back and the controller actually turning off. Not getting much help from anyone. BH keeps sending the wrong replacement controller even though they have the serial number. The whole process is getting very frustrating. Originally I read that BH really stood behind it's products but am really questioning that now.

 

[J.R.]

I have a BH Emotion Street 2018 although I just bought it March2019. Having lots of problems with the motor powering back and the controller actually turning off. Not getting much help from anyone. BH keeps sending the wrong replacement controller even though they have the serial number. The whole process is getting very frustrating. Originally I read that BH really stood behind it's products but am really questioning that now.

Sorry to hear. Have you spoken to anyone at BH on the phone? Or have you just had email contact. The two times I needed help I spoke to support on the phone. Both times my dealer arranged the contact for me. Like you, I had to replace the controller. The controller fried on a Sunday and I was up and running by the next Saturday. The only thing I can suggest is to get the selling dealer involved. Good luck.

 

[bob armani]

I have a BH Emotion Street 2018 although I just bought it March2019. Having lots of problems with the motor powering back and the controller actually turning off. Not getting much help from anyone. BH keeps sending the wrong replacement controller even though they have the serial number. The whole process is getting very frustrating. Originally I read that BH really stood behind it's products but am really questioning that now.

Geri Lawlor-
When I had a controller issue, I simply corresponded with one of their techs and was very specific and detailed concerning the problem I was having. However, from the get go, I had to use their Facebook page to establish communication with the right person. After working with the tech, they sent me the necessary parts needed to do a controller replacement. If all else fails, perhaps you can follow JR's advice and see if that will work for you. Good Luck!