Hi all, There is a fault with the ECU on the C-ABS models that causes battery drain intermittently. This is caused by the ABS servos remaining on with low speed manouvers (ABS is not correctly calibrated below 6mph and when tight turns are made under 6mph this causes the ABS servos to 'activate). When you turn the ignition off the servos can remain on and this is what causes the battery drain (less than 1 hour to fully flat battery). How do I know? I have had 2 flat batteries since owning my 2010 C-ABS Blade. I worked out how to replicate the fault and was able to record the ABS servos remaining on even with the ignition off. I could prove this to Honda. Since then, Honda Japan have developed a new ECU (as the existing one cannot be reflashed to fix this) and shipped it over for my bike. My bike was the guinea pig so to speak I am the first to have this new type of ECU at least in the UK, if not in the world. THE NEW ECU FIXES THE FLAT BATTERY ISSUES! So, all C-ABS owners should contact their dealers to request a change to the new one to rectify this fault. Even if you have not had the issue already (as ALL C-ABS CBR1000RR's have this problem that is 100% recreatable) you may have in the future. When your warranty is up Honda may not fix it. Call your local dealer to get it booked in. Honda UK are well aware of it but are dealing with it on a 'case by case' basis. Hope this helps,
Thanks for the information I new there was an issue that could happen but I did not realise they had a fix for it. Will be having my first service soon will speak to the dealer then see if I can get it done, Would rather have the update just incase.
Thanks for info...I've got a 2010 '10', and that has exactly happened to me on 4 occassions. Will be speaking to my dealer very soon. How long did it take from start to finish to get the part and for it to be fitted? Cheers
I notified them at the beginning of December. However due to the snow etc it took until Jan for it to be fitted. I hear now that there will be a 'dealer bulletin' rather than a recall (recalls cost lotsa $$$). This will notify dealers of the situation officially. I have heard that it will be in March that this will be official. The ECU fitting is really quick, maybe 1 hour in total with a short road test.
Yep It would seem the ECU replacement is likely gonna come in March 2011, even though one or two have already been fitted on a trial basis to ensure it fixes the problem. HUK told my dealer they were sorting the paperwork for it right now, but my dealer hinted that it could be a service bulletin item rather than a customer recall. I guess we'll have to wait and see, and I'm onto my dealer about it regularly, so when I hear something I'll be sure to post it here as soon as know.
Cheers guy's. Gonna speak to dealer soon and atleast then it will be logged that I have highlighted my problem. I will let you know if I hear anything
What a great site, just joined less than 20 mins ago and already learned some valuable info, cheers for that.
Hi, I only recently bought an 09 model and have experienced the ABS issues, has the "revised" ECU rectified the problem?
Spoke to dealership yesterday (Dobles), and they are fully aware of this problem, too which they are having my bike in for the initial diagnostic checks, too which they may have to replace the ECU under warranty. They have been instructed to do the initial checks from Japan, so atleast they can certify they have and get the ECU replacement. They are looking at a quick turn around. so will keep you all updated of my progress. Cheers
My mechanic has run all diagnostics, bled the full system as instructed by Honda Aust and is now replacing the front power unit for the ABS. Funny there is no mention of ECU by HA. The power unit itself is $AU1250. I'll keep all informed of the progress. Mechanic has had the bike 2 days and its still in pieces.
OK I've only had my 2011 blade just over a month but not had any issues with this. Would it have been done already or shall I mention it at the first service? Or will they just update the software when it goes in?
Hi mate, Your bike was more than likely built in 2010 with the old ECU. You may never experience the fault BUT it does exist in all ABS bikes and is 100% recreatable if you try. I'd push them to fix it. You'd be gutted in 25 months if it started happening and the warranty had expired!
Seems very odd that they've gone to this extent. If its the battery problem then it is 100% the ECU. Suggest to your dealer that they contact Honda Japan.
Odd's right, but this is the next step in the diagnostics which Honda Aust has told my mechanic to follow, I truly believe they just have know idea. I have had a blown ABS fuse, flat battery, brake fade and ABS fault lights. First fault lights 2 long 1 short blown ABS fuse, replaced, reset, fault light again this time 5 long 1 short front power unit malfunction, bleed fuel brake system, no joy next step replace front power unit. I'm guessing next will be ABS ECU followed by Main ECU.
My Local Honda dealer was fully aware of this isssue when i raised it . But they would only say they would put in a claim for a new ECU if a fault occured. Which is fair enough until you think you have to break down somewhere first,before they fix the known fault. Monies tight i guess.
Dobles Honda gave me a new bike due to this in spring last year - they asked if i could wait for a fix... im glad i didnt wait for over a year! Glad they finally sorted this out - Well done Honda
Guy's, An update...Drop my bike at Dobles on Saturday just gone. They have been instructed to run diagnostic checks on it from Japan. They have just rung me to confirm that all is well with charging circuit and batteries, and that they have order a new ECU for it. They should be receiving the part early next week. Again, if you have any issues with dead batteries, get it checked.
