Aaargh Bosch error code!

[Beezerk]

I was out on a ride earlier when my bike suddenly threw up an error 504 code on the display. I was at a standstill at the time waiting for someone to go past and I didn't think much of it as it disappeared when pressed a button.
When I started riding it felt almost like it was in some sort of limp mode. The motor would kick in at first then barely have any power.
I still had 4 of 5 bars of charge but weirdly the range was showing 0 miles.
I've just done a quick Google and all I can find are threads by people who have had their bike chipped and getting this error, mine hasn't been tampered with at all so I'm a bit puzzled.
Any ideas?

 

[Beezerk]

OMFG, it turns out I have to ride it for 90 minutes to clear the error
It's like riding in treacle, and how the heck am I not going to look stupid riding in a circle for an hour and a half
On a more serious note, how can this error have occurred? If the speed sensor has moved slightly could it potentially cause it?
Really stumped but I've emailed Bosch to see what they have to say.

 

[Beezerk]

Wow, absolutely inundated with replies ?
Anyway, took the bike out for a good 90 minutes this afternoon, it was slow going due to the motor only allowing you to apply very low pressure on the pedals. Got home, had a drink and stuff, went back outside and the bike had turned itself off as it does after being left static for a while, turned back on and all good...thank fook.
Did a good 10 mile ride with no problems so I'm really stumped why it happened.
Bosch haven't replied yet but I'm interested what their response, if any will be.

 

[GrahamPaul]

Wow, absolutely inundated with replies ?

Well you did such a good job of answering it yourself before any of us had a chance.

(You will get a reply from Bosch. They always answer. I can almost guarantee that they'll tell you to take the bike to one of their specialist centres for a diagnostic check.)

 

[Paul Mac]

There is another post on here stating that this is happening quite often to both restricted and de restricted Bosch gen 4 motors, apparently there is a software fix for it.

 

[Doomanic]

You need to get your firmware updated to the latest version that was released a week or so ago. It's got a fix for the over-sensitive tamper detection.

 

[Beezerk]

Aaah brilliant, nice one ?

 

[pgtips]

You need to get your firmware updated to the latest version that was released a week or so ago. It's got a fix for the over-sensitive tamper detection.

So whats the latest firmware number and how to find out which one I have guys? ( New Trek owner )

 

[Beezerk]

Just to tie things up nicely.
Bosch have replied and stated as above, there is a software fix which stops non tampered bikes getting this error. They said just to take it to a LBS for it to be done.
I'll get in touch with Edinburgh Cycles where I bought it from as I also still need that cable reroute doing under the motor.

 

[Doomanic]

You need to get your firmware updated to the latest version that was released a week or so ago. It's got a fix for the over-sensitive tamper detection.

So whats the latest firmware number and how to find out which one I have guys? ( New Trek owner )

You need to get the firmware number read by a Bosch Service Centre or your LBS.

 

[David0208]

Wow, absolutely inundated with replies ?
Anyway, took the bike out for a good 90 minutes this afternoon, it was slow going due to the motor only allowing you to apply very low pressure on the pedals. Got home, had a drink and stuff, went back outside and the bike had turned itself off as it does after being left static for a while, turned back on and all good...thank fook.
Did a good 10 mile ride with no problems so I'm really stumped why it happened.
Bosch haven't replied yet but I'm interested what their response, if any will be.

Awesome! You might save me the trouble of no bike until I can get it booked in for a software update. 504 error last night . . . and lbs said I had to book it in.

I'll try the 90 min ride first!

 

[Beezerk]

Awesome! You might save me the trouble of no bike until I can get it booked in for a software update. 504 error last night . . . and lbs said I had to book it in.

I'll try the 90 min ride first!

Yeah it definitely works, only thing is it doesn't tell you when it clears on the display without turning it off.
I read somewhere it may be based on miles rather than 90 minutes (about 17km iirc), this way the motor/computer knows how far you've gone in "suffer mode" , I think you can do it at different times as well rather than all at once.

 

[David0208]

Yeah it definitely works, only thing is it doesn't tell you when it clears on the display without turning it off.
I read somewhere it may be based on miles rather than 90 minutes (about 17km iirc), this way the motor/computer knows how far you've gone in "suffer mode" , I think you can do it at different times as well rather than all at once.

That was my next question, as I must have done about 50 mins last night on the way back . . . and mostly uphill!

 

[pgtips]

That was my next question, as I must have done about 50 mins last night on the way back . . . and mostly uphill!

A guy on facebook with the same error code, put the bike on a bike stand and riged an electric drill in the crank and left it running for the duration....that worked ok.

 

[Beezerk]

Ha ha absolutely superb ?

 

[Beekeeper]

Genius!

 

[Beekeeper]

I was awake most of the night pondering how the Bosch Gen4 senses ‘tuning’. I could only conclude (probably wrongly) that some kind of secret GPS chip is lurking around somewhere inside it.

Yeah, I don’t get out much ?

 

[PJ27]

I wish I had seen this post and information when the error 504 came up on my bike.

Bike completely standard only 500kms I was leaving home riding slowly on the road and 504 error appeared. I checked sensor was clean, continued to ride for a bit, turned off and on nothing changed so took to LBS. LBS now had for 10 days apparently awaiting arrival software/diagnostic tool (why didn't he already have it selling bikes with Bosch motors??).

Told today software arrived but needs to upload onto his computer, run diagnostics, send to Bosch who the advise what is wrong and then he can apply the fix!!! I said I am sure its just the latest software upgrade, cant you just run that. He said no in case its a warranty issue. So want have my bike again for weekend and not in a position to get it prior to tomorrow

Why with Bosch cant users update to the latest software at home, just like your iphone. Would make it easier for everyone and be a great selling point.

 

[AKAKTM]

I have a new Trek Rail. Mine has the latest software (1.0.3.0) and is a stock/standard bike. I just got the 504 code the other night far away from home. It was a slow ride back and became dark and left me in an unsafe condition on a black bike with dark gear on riding home past dark.

I had a Levo before this Trek with the Bosch Gen 4 and the Levo never let me down. The chainring came off on the Bosch within the first 100 miles and now it gets this terrible 504 error code. If it were a car, I'd be close to calling it a lemon and asking for a refund!

Bosch needs to get their act together and fix this issue. I will try to return the bike and go to a Levo if this happens again.

 

[Beezerk]

So is the firmware version 1.0.3.0 the latest one which is supposed to stop these spurious errors? Not good if it is.
I'd email Bosch mate to let them know so they can log it.

 

[PJ27]

I have a new Trek Rail. Mine has the latest software (1.0.3.0) and is a stock/standard bike. I just got the 504 code the other night far away from home. It was a slow ride back and became dark and left me in an unsafe condition on a black bike with dark gear on riding home past dark.

I had a Levo before this Trek with the Bosch Gen 4 and the Levo never let me down. The chainring came off on the Bosch within the first 100 miles and now it gets this terrible 504 error code. If it were a car, I'd be close to calling it a lemon and asking for a refund!

Bosch needs to get their act together and fix this issue. I will try to return the bike and go to a Levo if this happens again.

View attachment 31775

View attachment 31776

I agree, expect better from a company like Bosch. Motor is great when it’s working....

 

[PhilBaker]

I thought v1.0.3 was the latest and it fixes the errors too Checking which version you have depends on which display you have to someones earlier question. To check what you do for your Bosch display look at the bottom of this page:-

Updates and software versions for on-board computers and drives

Retrofitting and keeping your pedelec and on-board computer up-to-date: you can find the current software versions and updates for Bosch eBike systems here.

www.bosch-ebike.com

 

[Paul Mac]

Weird how it affects some gen 4 motors but not all.
As I said, there are three of us with rails, 2 9.8's and a 9.9, all with the old firmware and so far no problem.
I have 1200 miles on mine now and my mate has 1400 miles.
We are all running them with a speed box 3 as well.

 

[PJ27]

Bosch Gen X 4 Error Code: 504 I had this error appear on my bike 2 weeks ago (as you may know from previous posts) My bike is completely standard (apart from new tyre, new hand grips and a mud guard) I wash after every ride, keep inside. I have not touched the motor in anyway.

I took to the local bike shop and have just been advised the bike is fixed and through the analysis sent to Bosch it was determined the motor has been attempted to have speed restrictions removed or tampered with.& it is now on record I am absolutely IRATE. It is simply and absolutely not true.

Why would they say this? Would they be saying this to get out of a potential claim? Has anyone had the same experience?

 

[AKAKTM]

Bosch Gen X 4 Error Code: 504 I had this error appear on my bike 2 weeks ago (as you may know from previous posts) My bike is completely standard (apart from new tyre, new hand grips and a mud guard) I wash after every ride, keep inside. I have not touched the motor in anyway.

I took to the local bike shop and have just been advised the bike is fixed and through the analysis sent to Bosch it was determined the motor has been attempted to have speed restrictions removed or tampered with.& it is now on record I am absolutely IRATE. It is simply and absolutely not true.

Why would they say this? Would they be saying this to get out of a potential claim? Has anyone had the same experience?

It is difficult to tell. My situation is exactly like yours. The only thing changed on my Trek Rail 9.9 was the back tire. It is a stock/standard bike. The Trek dealer inspected the bike very carefully and could not figure out why the bike generated the 504 code. It is concerning because I do not know when or if this will happen again and nobody has provided me a way to avoid this happening.

No motor is perfect, but so far, I'd say the Brose Mag-S has several significant advantages over the Bosch Gen 4.

 

[GrahamPaul]

Bosch Gen X 4 Error Code: 504 I had this error appear on my bike 2 weeks ago (as you may know from previous posts) My bike is completely standard (apart from new tyre, new hand grips and a mud guard) I wash after every ride, keep inside. I have not touched the motor in anyway.

I took to the local bike shop and have just been advised the bike is fixed and through the analysis sent to Bosch it was determined the motor has been attempted to have speed restrictions removed or tampered with.& it is now on record I am absolutely IRATE. It is simply and absolutely not true.

Why would they say this? Would they be saying this to get out of a potential claim? Has anyone had the same experience?

I'd be furious. I'd also write a letter to Bosch to contest their opinion, together with a statement that I would hold them responsible for any future costs arising from their incorrect diagnosis. Copy to the bike shop for their information.

 

[Beezerk]

Bosch Gen X 4 Error Code: 504 I had this error appear on my bike 2 weeks ago (as you may know from previous posts) My bike is completely standard (apart from new tyre, new hand grips and a mud guard) I wash after every ride, keep inside. I have not touched the motor in anyway.

I took to the local bike shop and have just been advised the bike is fixed and through the analysis sent to Bosch it was determined the motor has been attempted to have speed restrictions removed or tampered with.& it is now on record I am absolutely IRATE. It is simply and absolutely not true.

Why would they say this? Would they be saying this to get out of a potential claim? Has anyone had the same experience?

That's insane, the email I had back from Bosch acknowledged that some motors were throwing up spurious errors. I wonder how it would stand up in court, don't Bosch have to prove the bike has been tampered with? They cannot do that as the software bug is a massive loophole.

 

[Beezerk]

Part of my email reply from Bosch...

The 504 error is a software error that as you rightly say is usually brought about due to tampering on the Drive Unit.

We have found that riders have complained that this error comes up even on bikes that have not been tampered with. As such, we have released an update via our diagnostic software to prevent this error from appearing again.

To resolve the issue, please take your bike to a local bike dealer and ask them to perform a software update.

 

[AKAKTM]

Part of my email reply from Bosch...

The 504 error is a software error that as you rightly say is usually brought about due to tampering on the Drive Unit.

We have found that riders have complained that this error comes up even on bikes that have not been tampered with. As such, we have released an update via our diagnostic software to prevent this error from appearing again.

To resolve the issue, please take your bike to a local bike dealer and ask them to perform a software update.

I was told that version 1.0.3.0 was the version that eliminated this issue. My bike is no 1.0.3.0 and it still generated this error. Is there already another software or is 1.0.3.0 also problematic?

 

[AKAKTM]

Putting the bike in limp mode is not only very inconvenient, but was dangerous for me. I was many miles from home and it was close to dark. I knew that I had time to get home given my bike should run 17 or 18mph when needed. Unfortunately in limp mode generated by the errant 504 code, my speed was so low that it ended up too dark to ride the trail and i ended up on a road ride home on a long climb at about 4-5mph on a black bike in dark color gear with no lights. Bosch seemingly decided that the safety of customers is not very important. They should have considered the risks of forced limp mode before forcing it on the market.