Hello, help needed

[DeadGrandpa]

Howdy, everybody! I have an ICE Sprint X Tour recumbent trike with the Steps e-8000. I've been riding it quite a bit for almost two years, over 7,600 miles. I've recently experienced a connection problem with the controller/computer shutting down then coming back on when I run over bumps and rough pavement.

I had similar problems some months ago but a call to my trike dealer gave me the information to correct the problems. The first was a loose battery connection (error code E10) in the battery cradle, and the second was what I'm currently experiencing. Unfortunately, the fix that worked to stabilize the controller before now has no effect. Dealer says it could be a pinched wire harness, but I find that wiggling the controller in its cradle will cause it to shut down, then come back on, only to shut down again when I hit another bump. Doesn't seem like the wiring is involved.

I'm thinking it might be time to replace the controller, or else it's something very simple that I cannot find. Any thoughts?

 

[PedalUma]

A controller is the motherboard burred inside the motor. It controls the motor. Do you have an issue with the user interface display connector by the handlebar? If so, you may want to try dielectric grease. Also make sure the securing tab is extended.

 

[DeadGrandpa]

A controller is the motherboard burred inside the motor. It controls the motor. Do you have an issue with the user interface display connector by the handlebar? If so, you may want to try dielectric grease. Also make sure the securing tab is extended.

Please excuse my incorrect terminology. Yes, the "user interface display connector" is the chief suspect, as the screen goes blank and I simultaneously lose the e-assist function. I have tried dielectric grease. When the recent issue began, I wiped the contacts clean on the back of the display, tried it clean and dry, but still had the problem. Tried a fresh application of grease, but no improvement.

I previously tightened the screw pressing on the securing tab, and I turned it in a little more this time, but I was afraid of screwing it in too far, or stripping the threads. I kinda have a history of doing that. Can it really be that simple?

BTW, I thought the display thing with the buttons is what controls the motor, from my perspective, anyhow. Since it keeps track of the time, speed and distance, I also called it a computer.

 

[PedalUma]

It can be that simple. Or, perhaps it is time for a new display if it is buggered. For DYI we would hard wire it, test it, then solder and weather seal the connection. My bikes do not have connections. It is all soldered. Often through frame.

 

[DeadGrandpa]

It can be that simple. Or, perhaps it is time for a new display if it is buggered. For DYI we would hard wire it, test it, then solder and weather seal the connection. My bikes do not have connections. It is all soldered. Often through frame.

I got a reply today from Patrick Selwood at ICE regarding my problem. He recommended that I remove the display from the cradle, and then apply two strips of electrical tape to the inside of the cradle above the contacts. This will firm up the fitting of the display into its cradle and stops it from being able to move and lose contact. He added this picture to make it easier for me. I followed his instructions and it worked like a miracle. There is no play or wiggle in the display at all. I haven't given it a road test yet, but I feel sure the problem is solved.

 

[DeadGrandpa]

And today my trike dealer offered another "hack" to firm up the fit of the display into the cradle. He said that a strip of a zip tie in the channel on each side of the display can be helpful to eliminate the side to side movement. It's a little hard to see in his photo, but the arrows help.