Traction Control Problems

[Cykel]

Anyone have any? Mine doesn't seem to engage in any mode. It will change modes as expected, but just simply won't engage. I've had a suspicion for a while and confirmed it 100% on a recent trip.

ABS functions properly, indicator LEDs work as expected. Any at home checks or reset procedures before I go test the warranty?

 

[Maxified]

Do you notice any difference at all between TC off, TC1 & TC2 when accelerating spiritedly?

 

[Cykel]

Same in all modes. In TC1 I can spin the rear wheel up in the dirt...enough to send the bike sideways. Same in TC2 and of course off.

Just did the test in the manual. Bike on center stand, in gear, rotating the rear wheel. Supposed to throw a code and disable TC (and ABS I suppose). ABS used to work, but maybe doesn't any more. Sensor or ABS ECU issue I guess?

 

[terrysig]

I've sensed that as well. Also never get the light to come on to indicate it is use as others have described.

Although I will admit that I turn it off almost all the time...actually only use TC2 when raining and not sure it works.

Had thought about taking it in for a check when the weather turns but again I turn it off unless I forget or raining.

 

[autoteach]

O can tell you that in either tc1 or 2 I can go WFO on gravel or pavement and it will either wheelie briefly or it will put the tire off to the side. If I trust it, it will step back in line. it always flashes at me while doing this.

 

[tomatocity]

I have not seen the TCS light come on in a long time. Last time I was in the Parkfield - Coalinga area I noticed the rear tire would break loose (TC1) when leaving the side (dirt to asphalt) of the road. I should have stayed on the throttle to test it. Also noticed when on the dirt/gravel (TC2) uphill I could easily break the rear tire loose. Again I should have tested it. after the trip I asked the Service Manager if they could check the Traction Control and he said he did not know how to and would check into it and email when he had the information. Been three weeks and haven't seen an email.

What is the best and safest method to road test the Traction Control?

 

[terrysig]

Good point about wheelies on the pavement. They do get muted with TC2 on. I have noticed that.

On gravel I keep it off...i like to power slide

But that is something to check.

Never, ever got the light to turn on but I'll keep trying!

 

[terrysig]

I do have to admit that it has not been a problem and I have 8K on the bike in all kinds of conditions.

I treat it like a big heavy ass dirtbike! Not too worried about TC (except for rain).

 

[Dirt_Dad]

I'm not aware of any TCS problems on our S10s. I usually only turn off TCS if I'm doing a significant water crossing, or if I'm anticipating a lot of humps in a road that encourage wheelies. TCS1 wheelies are much more brief than TCS2 wheelies. I do use TCS1 for rain, but otherwise I'm in TCS2 95% of the time. Even on pavement I see the TCS(2) light blinking pretty frequently when pushing hard.

I have found it's possible to surprise TCS1. On a wet road I tried to wheelie over a hump in the road and the bike just spun until TCS1 shut it back down.

All the tire spins in this video were shot in TCS2.
http://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?topic=5677.0

 

[autoteach]

the safest way, loose gravel or grass. The fun way, just whack the throttle wfo in first and let the wheel come up. it gets restrained quickly. as you cross roads at country intersections you can just stay in it. Always fun.

 

[Cykel]

Thanks for the replies guys. Was hoping for a "reset it like this" type answer, but it seems to be a rare issue so it will be going to the shop for diagnosis.

Mostly I'm okay with it being off, but certainly would like the feature to work when I want it to. I'll update the thread with details as they come.

 

[snakebitten]

I test mine everyday when I arrive home. Got a long dirt drive. About 1/4 mile.
If I stay in TCS1, she blinks and bucks and coughs when I feed her the coals.

If I stop at the mailbox and switch to TCS2, she blinks, but she spins up a bit and accelerates about twice the rate she will in TCS1. (FUN)

If I turn it off, it is very different. I become traction control with my right wrist. Not hard to over do it either. Suddenly I got 600lbs of hurling beast down the road.

Don't trust myself. TCS2 is enough.

 

[Cykel]

That description of behavior gives me more confirmation that mine isn't working ::017::

I got to "test" it in a deep loose gravel parking lot...S mode, tired, and not really thinking...but TC1 was on. The test was very brief and included the crash-bars ::025::

 

[~TABASCO~]

I just want to throw this idea out there to see if it might help anyone....... Ive seen this on many Tenere's...

I had a customer come in that thought he was having issues with traction control and ABS... I didn't ride his bike but this is what he was indicating to me in general conversation. We where throwing some K60's on his bike. When taking off the front and rear wheel from the bike I noticed a good amount of build up on the magnet ABS ring and the pick up on the front and rear wheels... Lots of fine dust build up and also what appeared to be very fine iron (or what to me looked like fine iron) stuck to the ring and pick up.. I cleaned all that out for him and made it look new again. A week or so later we where talking again and he mentioned that the ABS & TC seemed to be much better, like new.... I don't know if any of the garbage in the wheel hubs had anything really to do with the ABS / TC performance, but this customer seem to think so... So just FYI, make sure that ring and pick up are clean and go try it...

I personally have not had any ABS/TC issues but when changing tires Ive also noticed a good bit of dirt, Etc in or stuck to the ring.. Make sure to clean all that up when you have it off...

Testing ABS / TC.. Find a short strip of green grass (legal and not a front yard ) and push hard down on the rear brake pedal.. It will go into ABS instant.. Tap it down into 1-2nd and goose it a little and it will go straight into TC... You can perform both of these test in about 10-15 seconds... very easy...

 

[johnnail]

What does the DEALER say?

 

[Cykel]

Have yet to be able to get it to a dealer, but I'm gonna try cleaning up the rings/sensors and see what happens. Thanks for the tip Jaxon.

If it's a no go then it'll be off to the local Yamaha guys early next week.

 

[terrysig]

got a chance to do some experimenting ;D

ABS has always worked both street and dirt.

on an unimproved road with gravel, bad asphalt and dirt...and lots of wheelie bumps.

TC1 or TC2 could easily spin rear with no TC blinking.

TC1 pretty good throttle snap wheelies with bump assist but definite TC light on.

TC2 much better wheelies and no TC light.

TC off VERY good wheelies >

Changing tires now...no obvious build up.

The dealer and I will be having a discussion.

 

[Cykel]

Thanks for the input Terry. Here's some more data from my end:

1 - Tested ABS functionality via the test connector under the seat. All is good.
2 - Bike on center stand, TC1, running, throttle slowly to 20 mph...ABS light flashes but nothing else.
3 - Above test in TC2, except a few seconds after I brake the rear to a stop the TC shuts itself off and throws a code as expected.

Anyone know if that behavior is normal? I expected some TC intervention when on the throttle. Talked with a shop on Friday and taking it in later this week, but wanted more data from others if possible.

 

[MidlifeMotor]

I went out in the desert by my house yesterday to test it in TC2. The light definitely comes on when the TCS kicks in and I can definitely feel it working. It seemed to work when it should and did not kick in when it shouldn't. As far as rear brakes, they are virtually useless in dirt when used alone due to ABS, HOWEVER, when used with the front brakes the bike stops just fine.

 

[tomatocity]

Wednesday while riding down Parkfield Grade I tested TC1, TC2, and TC Off and everything worked well. Friday while riding Old Hernandez Road I again tested the TC settings and all worked as it should. It was neat to down long rear wheel spins. 1st... 2nd... 3rd... spinning the rear wheel with little throttle play. This engine has an incredible powerband.