Shimano recently introduced the new EP801 and EP600 drive units. With a host of efficiency, controller and usability upgrades and hopefully, some reliability upgrades these seem like a great choice if you are tempted to choose a bike fitted with a Shimano drive unit.
More information on the EP801 if you're not already familiar with it :
www.emtbforums.com
With the Gen4 motor, Bosch, were considerably more pro-active with derestriction recognition with the motor software. Error 504 appears if the system detects an irregularity with the speed sensor. Once you have error 504 , your speed is limited for 90 minutes until it resets. Alternatively, you can visit a Bosch service centre to have it reset. If you have this three times in a row, you have no choice but to visit a service centre for a reset. In the early days, there were several occurrences of the error when derestriction devices weren't in use, fortunately these problems were identified and rectified reasonably quickly.
Shimano have previously delivered anti-tuning firmware modifications to the EP8 with firmware 4.7.0, however, this was primarily intended to stop third party software being used to access the motor and battery data so owners could no longer accurately monitor the battery health in light of the various issues Shimano were having with the longevity of their in house batteries.
With the new motors, Shimano has taken a step forward and introduced Error 299.
You'd imagine that with Shimano's more recent history of unreliability, random errors, locked out motors and the total lack of factory supported repair of their motors added to a shortage of replacement motors often leading to long waits for replacements - that they might be showing a little humility. (For some reason, this is not exclusive, a minority have managed to obtain reasonable replacement times).
Error 299 is Judge, Jury and Executioner.
It's ok though, you can buy your way out of it ! At least initially.
If you do suffer from Error 299, either from the use of a derestriction device, an unfortunately anomaly, or Shimano's error code bingo system, you need to use Shimano's ASDP system (or have your dealer do it) :
botit.shimanobikenetwork.com
Here, you can log the problem and PAY to have it resolved - once they issue you a quote to remove the error.
Resolution is then relatively simple (if it's a random error or not). Just remove your motor and have a dealer send the motor to an authorised E299 service centre to reset the error.
If error 299 is detected then your warranty is also voided. As we've seen already , to limit warranty returns in order to make the books look good, Shimano's policy is to void warranty at any given opportunity with zero come back for the owner. Yes, you install third party software, as it's now the only way to understand why your bike only seems to go half the distance it did 6 months ago. Warranty void ! The act of trying to prove that your battery is not conforming to Shimano's warranty - voids you warranty.
It's ok though, because lets say you do have a motor which randomly creates Error 299. After an (unknown at present) number of times the motor is permanently locked out !! You can't have it reset. The only option is to purchase a new one (assuming they will sell you one, which as most people who've tried to buy a Shimano motor will know - is no easy task).
Yes, it's landfill ! No re-cycling, resetting, repairing. Why's that ok ? Well, if you buy a new one, you'll get a new 2 year warranty !
The company with the worst ecological approach to motors and batteries manages to make things even worse and now uses software to make a perfectly good motor unusable. But yes, it's ok, you can buy yourself out of it again in the most wasteful way possible.
As if there weren't already enough reasons not to buy a Shimano powered bike, the company that gives with the latest version ... also takes away.
More information on the EP801 if you're not already familiar with it :
Shimano EP8 gen2 (EP801) first ride review
I had the chance to look at the new Shimano EP8 (EP801). It was a cold and icy day, which wasn't perfect, but it's not like I could decline the opportunity. I try to illustrate how silent it is in my video. Check it out or keep on reading below...
www.emtbforums.com
With the Gen4 motor, Bosch, were considerably more pro-active with derestriction recognition with the motor software. Error 504 appears if the system detects an irregularity with the speed sensor. Once you have error 504 , your speed is limited for 90 minutes until it resets. Alternatively, you can visit a Bosch service centre to have it reset. If you have this three times in a row, you have no choice but to visit a service centre for a reset. In the early days, there were several occurrences of the error when derestriction devices weren't in use, fortunately these problems were identified and rectified reasonably quickly.
Shimano have previously delivered anti-tuning firmware modifications to the EP8 with firmware 4.7.0, however, this was primarily intended to stop third party software being used to access the motor and battery data so owners could no longer accurately monitor the battery health in light of the various issues Shimano were having with the longevity of their in house batteries.
With the new motors, Shimano has taken a step forward and introduced Error 299.
You'd imagine that with Shimano's more recent history of unreliability, random errors, locked out motors and the total lack of factory supported repair of their motors added to a shortage of replacement motors often leading to long waits for replacements - that they might be showing a little humility. (For some reason, this is not exclusive, a minority have managed to obtain reasonable replacement times).
Error 299 is Judge, Jury and Executioner.
It's ok though, you can buy your way out of it ! At least initially.
If you do suffer from Error 299, either from the use of a derestriction device, an unfortunately anomaly, or Shimano's error code bingo system, you need to use Shimano's ASDP system (or have your dealer do it) :
Shimano | After Sales Service Digital Platform
Web site created using create-react-app
Here, you can log the problem and PAY to have it resolved - once they issue you a quote to remove the error.
Resolution is then relatively simple (if it's a random error or not). Just remove your motor and have a dealer send the motor to an authorised E299 service centre to reset the error.
If error 299 is detected then your warranty is also voided. As we've seen already , to limit warranty returns in order to make the books look good, Shimano's policy is to void warranty at any given opportunity with zero come back for the owner. Yes, you install third party software, as it's now the only way to understand why your bike only seems to go half the distance it did 6 months ago. Warranty void ! The act of trying to prove that your battery is not conforming to Shimano's warranty - voids you warranty.
It's ok though, because lets say you do have a motor which randomly creates Error 299. After an (unknown at present) number of times the motor is permanently locked out !! You can't have it reset. The only option is to purchase a new one (assuming they will sell you one, which as most people who've tried to buy a Shimano motor will know - is no easy task).
Yes, it's landfill ! No re-cycling, resetting, repairing. Why's that ok ? Well, if you buy a new one, you'll get a new 2 year warranty !
The company with the worst ecological approach to motors and batteries manages to make things even worse and now uses software to make a perfectly good motor unusable. But yes, it's ok, you can buy yourself out of it again in the most wasteful way possible.
As if there weren't already enough reasons not to buy a Shimano powered bike, the company that gives with the latest version ... also takes away.
