Shimano Error E299 (EP801/EP600) - Anti Tamper Motor Lockout

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.

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More information on the EP801 if you're not already familiar with it :


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) :


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.
About author
Zimmerframe
Self confessed Muppet and EMTB lover, based in France. Crash tests a lot.

Comments

coo, but what about battery then?

I guess it has to be custom? I’m not 100% sure. I’m learning as I go.

I was going to go with a Dengfu E22. but these brackets have got me thinking again.

This is the Bosch adapter.
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There's a thread about replacing the cells on a shimano battery here Re-Build ande Re-Cell of Shimano Batteries

Presumably you could rebuild it with a different BMS and replace the connectors with bafang ones?

e.g. You could fit something like this which does cell balancing too and communicates with an app on your phone

 
There's a thread about replacing the cells on a shimano battery here Re-Build ande Re-Cell of Shimano Batteries

Presumably you could rebuild it with a different BMS and replace the connectors with bafang ones?

e.g. You could fit something like this which does cell balancing too and communicates with an app on your phone

This is exactly the directions ebikes should go. You should be able to swap cells without problems and if you should be able to be able to access the BMS with your phone. I don't mind not being able to easily go faster then the legal limit but you should be able to switch regions yourself if you need to, on the bike you own.
 
A bit of the off topic regardless torque sensor fault in EP8 motors. After warranty period we are screwed, must get a new motor (not easy task anyway).
Just for comparison Bafang axle with torque sensor costs about 115eur, about 1-2h of labor and job done hassle free.
Where is the point of getting EP8 equipped eMTB?
 
I was hoping the EP801 might have resolved a few Shimano issues. Looks like the opposite, it gets worse :(
 
Is the ep8 also affected by the e299 error with the new firmware ? I made the mistake to update to the latest version, I have my SpeedBox off the bike and wondering if it would be a problem to put it back …

Btw Shimano upgrade design is garbage, I lost connection to the bike while sitting next to the bike and watching the upgrade progress bar. Then motor was bricked without a recovery method other than hooking it to a pc. Who does live update over Bluetooth without uploading the full binary first …
 
Yeah this is cooked. Fair enough void the warranty, but to stop the motor from working is bullshit. What if you plan to ride the bike on your own/private trails? Then the 25km limit doesnt apply.
So you’re paying massive money to buy a bike, that you cant really control or modify. Do you really own it In the case? You should be able to modify it any way you wish after you own it.

I was just about to buy a Shimano EP801 equipped bike, on the proviso i could de-restrict it. I think I’m going to have to steer clear now.
 
after the problems i have had with my shimano and problems i see and read about and a lot of manufacturers moving to bosch as well as bafang i wouldnt have another shimano powered bike given
 
RoyRoy
Buy yourself a frame and bafang motor. Put it back together and you can enjoy riding the way you like.
 
Well I have just fallen foul of the E299 code on tonight's' ride. 25 kms in and on top of a 800m hill a long way from anywhere. Completely standard bike with zero modifications from new (about 4 months ago). Not very happy reading about possible consequences of something which is seemingly a shimano internal anomaly. See what the seller says tomorrow
 
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