Vado 5 not responding issue - power and assist surge

[Rick53]

New update. I had a longer ride last night. On 28 mile The motor stopped responding and monitor was flashing “motor error”. I turned the motor off and then on and was able to finish the ride.
The issue with the power surging/dropping seems to be OK for now.
here is a pic.

I know very little about Ebikes : But it would seem obvious you have a Intermittent lost of connection somewhere . It makes no sense it works then doesn't then does : Sounds like either a faulty sensor or possibly wiring . It doesn't take Much.

Hope you get it figured out as I have the same Bike coming

 

[DanInStPete]

I'm buying a new bike in the next month or so and the Vado 5.0 is at the top of my list (along with a couple of others). These issues, as well as problems with past versions of the bike, make me nervous.

Are any other owners experiencing problems with the newest 5.0?

 

[Nxkharra]

It is an amazing bike. So much fun. Smooth and quiet. Like you are biking and not on ebike.
I am hoping these issues to go away soon. Even with these I am having lots of fun but they are annoying.
Dont let these change your mind.

 

[Nxkharra]

Let me add to ensure you purchase your ebike from a reputable and knowledgable dealer (that is if you are able to do so).
if you purchase online make sure you know an authorized dealer.
The ebikes are not new but the issues with them still makes bike mechanics puzzled.
my dealer is authorized Specialized and very helpful but issues I am having is new to them.

 

[Nxkharra]

Update..it is now couple of month since my shop changed the computer display. He stated it does more than just display info. Some wires might be controlling the torque response and motor assist.
it seems to be working. aside from the only time that I received “Motor Error” message where I had to turn the motor off and then on I have not encounter any issues with motor not responding.
I must add that it does need one to pedal with some torque to receive any assist (dah).

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I must add that it does need one to pedal with some torque to receive any assist (dah).

Eh? I ride an older Vado 5.0 and found out pedalling with some extra torque is only necessary to accelerate but once you get onto constant speed it only requires proper cadence to ride smoothly. Besides, the display seems to play a crucial role in Vado 5.0 operation - it is decidedly not only a display but a controller too.

Are your problems solved @Nxkharra? I hope so! Vado 5.0 is such a great bike when any electronic problems have been solved by a Specialized dealer!

 

[Nxkharra]

Fully agree with your assessment. I have explained my issue earlier in this post where the motor would stop responding split second and this would be very annoying specially on climbs. This would happen even when enough torque was applied.
after changing controller/monitor things have improved. No more motor not responding.
I still have to be careful to ensure I am in the right gear and engage enough torque.
I hope the issue is not returned.
I must add that I agree that Vado 5 is an incredible bike and lots of fun.
Please share the year of your bike and if your bike has had any issues?

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I bought a "new old stock" Vado 5.0, model year 2017 this autumn (2019). I got huge discount for old model year. Vados (especially 5.0 and 6.0) including model year 2019 were getting shabby BLOKS display/controller -- and the BLOKS start-up collapsed this year not fulfilling their promises to Specialized. There were two issues: my expectations and a real problem. I expected I could use Mission Control App with BLOKS but that is not possible. The User Manual promised things you can do with your TCD-W display today, almost nothing worked with BLOKS as promised. Okay, that is something I can live with as the only thing I am really missing is the lack of connectivity.

The real problem was that the software for BLOKS had not been updated. That ended with the motor stopping while I was riding uphill; and I had to pedal 15 km home upwind afterwards with no pedalling assistance. The Specialized dealer took the complaint seriously and did the software update. Any problems disappeared from that time. (The display itself cannot be replaced with TCD-W due to certification of an S-Pedelec).

I must add that even if the BLOKS made things somewhat sour to me, I am presently very happy with the bike. It is so well designed as just a bike! Noiseless motor operation, rapid acceleration, high speed and virtually no issues anymore. The 2017 5.0 model was made as a flagship so even the components are top of shelf. Excellent e-bike, that Vado 5

 

[Nxkharra]

Wow. So nice to hear your input. I am also very happy with my 2020 Vado 5.0 for the same reasons you explained.
do you foresee any issues with motor stopping to respond in the future. I realize this is a hard question. You seem to be very knowledgeable about these things. I am clueless.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

do you foresee any issues with motor stopping to respond in the future

I am on the optimistic side ;-)

 

[Nxkharra]

Update. After changing the control/monitor unit all seems to be OK. No issues in last couple of months

 

[Jimbo08]

Good to hear your issues are getting worked out. I read all the posts and hate to hear somebody being held back from riding due to bike issues. I am heading off to Specialized next week for more service training, and expect to get some on servicing the the new Creo road ebikes. Market is ever changing and its exciting.

 

[Nxkharra]

Good to hear your issues are getting worked out. I read all the posts and hate to hear somebody being held back from riding due to bike issues. I am heading off to Specialized next week for more service training, and expect to get some on servicing the the new Creo road ebikes. Market is ever changing and its exciting.

Thanks Jimbo08. Keep us updated and help us with anything new you find specially on the Vado motor and battery.
thanks again.

 

[jpershke]

I know this is a bit old but found this researching as I have a similar issue with my vado 4.0 and looking for ideas. I get this error code.... Any updates to others power loss situation? I do feel that the battery seating mechanism is not good and a likely culprit but interesting to hear about the control unit fix.... My dealer is at a loss as to what to do and my 1 yr warranty is up soon....

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Have you tried a contact cleaner on both the contacts inside the frame and on the battery contacts (with battery off)?

 

[jpershke]

No but they look pristine and dealer checked that out. It's less than a year old with only 500 miles. Like some others it seems to only happen uphill....

 

[Nxkharra]

My Vado 5 has been without error for over a year now.

As @Stefan Mikes always told me some of the errors are due to bike being new and they go away after a while.

Just enjoy the rides.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

My Vado 5 has been without error for over a year now.

As @Stefan Mikes always told me some of the errors are due to bike being new and they go away after a while.

Just enjoy the rides.

Ya, it is because the new e-bike and the new user don't typically agree with each other in the beginning
For instance, I often get a "Motor Error" message on Wahoo connected to my Vado SL. It happens when I suddenly brake or are making a tight cornering with the speed loss. Should I worry? Not at all. The e-bike rides like a dream!