Orange assistance level on Bosch controller

[jmc4home]

Does anyone know what an orange assistance level indicator light means? The documentation states an error is displayed if ALL BATTERY level indicators are orange, but this isnt the battery level indicator, its the assistance level indicator light. If I open the Flow App, no error is displayed and the bike continues to function as normal. In fact, if I use the mini-remote to change modes, the light remains orange, but if I look at the Flow App, I can see it cycling thru the modes. The light is solid and does not flash. I have tested without my phone and it didnt happen - read that some people had it when their phone was out of range. Maybe it doesnt do it every time? IN addition, its happened, i ride within range of my bike, connect the app and it remains orange, no error. I have opened a ticket with Bosch but havent heard back yet. I LOVE when they dont document everything in manuals...

 

[Stihldog]

Does anyone know what an orange assistance level indicator light means? The documentation states an error is displayed if ALL BATTERY level indicators are orange, but this isnt the battery level indicator, its the assistance level indicator light. If I open the Flow App, no error is displayed and the bike continues to function as normal. In fact, if I use the mini-remote to change modes, the light remains orange, but if I look at the Flow App, I can see it cycling thru the modes. I have opened a ticket with Bosch but havent heard back yet. I LOVE when they dont document everything in manuals...

View attachment 145195

I wonder if that means “it’s time for a service”? On my Kiox display a small orange dot shows up occasionally. I asked the LBS to change the frequency of service indicator …because now it’s annoying. I’m not sure on the new smart-bikes though.

 

[jmc4home]

I wonder if that means “it’s time for a service”? On my Kiox display a small orange dot shows up occasionally. I asked the LBS to change the frequency of service indicator …because now it’s annoying. I’m not sure on the new smart-bikes though.

That would be strange considering its a brand-new bike with 30km on it haha. I wish either the manual or the Flow App gave some details.. pretty unacceptable if you ask me. Considering I am a systems engineer myself, I really cant stand when there is a clear lack of collaboration between the development team and the technical writers. They program an orange light but its not documented anywhere. Lack of attention to detail. But I am also upset because my LBS took 2 weeks to update the firmware prior to this happening.

 

[RustyIron]

The first day I had my Bosch bike, I got that symptom. It would happen with my iPhone on the workbench and the Flow App running. When I would ride out the driveway, I would get the constant orange indicator light. I could turn off the bike and restart it, and everything would be fine until I reconnected with the app and then rode away. It took a while to figure out what was going on. This clearly isn't your problem, as your app is connected to the bike. However, your bike shop can plug their laptop into the controller and see the faults.

 

[jmc4home]

The first day I had my Bosch bike, I got that symptom. It would happen with my iPhone on the workbench and the Flow App running. When I would ride out the driveway, I would get the constant orange indicator light. I could turn off the bike and restart it, and everything would be fine until I reconnected with the app and then rode away. It took a while to figure out what was going on. This clearly isn't your problem, as your app is connected to the bike. However, your bike shop can plug their laptop into the controller and see the faults.

What was the root cause? Did you update the app or? Do you simply not pair the app now?

Edit: Thanks for the tip, it actually spawned an idea. Sometimes when I ride I have my phone, sometimes i do not. I wonder if this happens if my phone was connected but I leave my phone and it goes out of range. I think this is what you were telling me but it didnt initially click. I will test this out. Bring my phone, see if it happens, then leave my phone and see. I am pretty sure I had my phone and it was connected when this happened but now I will have to confirm.

Edit 2: was hoping it was that simple but no go. Connected to phone and rode far away, didnt go orange. Also, like you said, i came within range of my phone with it connected looking to see if an error would display and it did not and it was still orange.

 

[Stihldog]

…2 weeks to update the firmware prior to this happening.

Well that’s just bs on their part. You know how long it takes for a firmware …not long at all. Unless there were other issues with your bike.

After I purchased my Rail I would need the occasional firmware update. That was easy …roll into my LBS, technician plugs it in, roll out …10 minutes.

Are they not familiar with the systems for e-bikes …that they are selling. 2 weeks seems like a long time.

 

[jmc4home]

Well that’s just bs on their part. You know how long it takes for a firmware …not long at all. Unless there were other issues with your bike.

After I purchased my Rail I would need the occasional firmware update. That was easy …roll into my LBS, technician plugs it in, roll out …10 minutes.

Are they not familiar with the systems for e-bikes …that they are selling. 2 weeks seems like a long time.

Long story short.. yes I had an issue where the bike would just.. turn off. I look at the firmware version.. wildly out of date - each component on a different version. Take it to them.. guess what.. arent Bosch certified so they dont have the tool. Ended up having to deal with the Orbea rep etc etc.. LBS finally asked their Trek rep if they can take it to a Trek store to do it. Yes, for 5 minutes of work - 2 weeks, literally. I didnt know this when I bought the bike (that they couldnt work on it because they werent cerified.. figured if they sell the bike.. they can work on it hahaHAHAHA). Course I was at the beach for alot of it so I couldnt just grab the bike and take it elsewhere. I was also dealing with the LBS owner.. why couldnt he just drive the thing anywhere and get it done.. idk man. /end rant

 

[Stihldog]

Long story short.. yes I had an issue where the bike would just.. turn off. I look at the firmware version.. wildly out of date - each component on a different version. Take it to them.. guess what.. arent Bosch certified so they dont have the tool. Ended up having to deal with the Orbea rep etc etc.. LBS finally asked their Trek rep if they can take it to a Trek store to do it. Yes, for 5 minutes of work - 2 weeks, literally. I didnt know this when I bought the bike (that they couldnt work on it because they werent cerified.. figured if they sell the bike.. they can work on it hahaHAHAHA). Course I was at the beach for alot of it so I couldnt just grab the bike and take it elsewhere. I was also dealing with the LBS owner.. why couldnt he just drive the thing anywhere and get it done.. idk man. /end rant

I hear ya!
I did purchase my bike(s) from a certified Trek/Bosch dealer. When I rolled through their doors for a service they would all know me by name …sometimes that’s not a good thing.

I didn’t expect to jump ahead of the line-que…but it might help if you can cry on demand .

I purchase a few things online but having a good lBS, or three, helps.

Ps; my name is not !!!NORM!!! Btw
CHEERS

 

[Plummet]

Orange is a fault code indicator. Open the flow app and it will tell you what the fault is.

 

[jmc4home]

Orange is a fault code indicator. Open the flow app and it will tell you what the fault is.

Like I stated, there is no error displayed in the app. In addition, the manual states a non-critical error is when all battery indicator lights light up or flash - this is the assistance level light, not the same thing. Doing some searching on here it seems more likely it something to do with the phone connection, its just apparently not consistent.

 

[Mikerb]

With the LED Remote Orange on the mode indicator is an advisory/warning not a fault.......for example, it goes orange when you reach 30% battery left, and it goes orange if your phone loses cell contact. Flashing Orange is a fault. With a Kiox 300 display it would tell you what it is warning you about or what the fault is. You simply press the square button to cancel the warning. So I dont know if the original or subsequent firmware updates for the top tube mounted system controller is now programmed to do the same.
I have the LED Remote and have seen both warnings............30% battery, and on one ride I was repeatedly warned my phone had lost cell contact ( I was near an Army base/firing range!!)

 

[JC-1]

My bike does the same. Always at the start of a ride. The manual etc all talk about the battery level indicator being orange or the assistance level LED flashing orange. None seem to discuss a solid orange assistance level LED, which is what this is. It doesn't flash and it doesn't produce errors in the app.

 

[jmc4home]

My bike does the same. Always at the start of a ride. The manual etc all talk about the battery level indicator being orange or the assistance level LED flashing orange. None seem to discuss a solid orange assistance level LED, which is what this is. It doesn't flash and it doesn't produce errors in the app.

Exactly. So I found a FAQ article regarding the app that basically said, if the app isnt connected to the bike when a warning/error occurs, connect the app and replicate the error. This tells me its likely the phone connection causing it. The app doesnt display an error/warning, because the error/warning is for the app not being connected, so how could it - catch-22.

I bet if you had a Knox 300 you would see its warning about the phones connection.

 

[RustyIron]

What was the root cause? Did you update the app or? Do you simply not pair the app now?

Sorry for my lack of clarity. I was in a hurry this morning and got sloppy. This time of year, I need to leave the house late enough to avoid commuter traffic, and early enough so that I'm finished riding before it's blazing hot. Even so, I still hit some traffic, and it was pretty warm on the ride. Whatever... at least I got to ride.

My specific problem was that I connected the phone to the bike, then rode off without the phone. In 50 yards or so, the bike realizes that the phone is missing, and goes into the warning mode. It still runs, but the lights are goofy.

The solution is to NOT connect the phone, or connect the phone and keep it with you so it doesn't go out of range.

After some experimentation, I REALLY like this arrangement. The Bosch Flow ride tracker is much more reliable than Strava, and it still uploads to Strava. So I keep the app connected while I'm riding. If for some reason I left my phone behind on a ride, the goofy light error would alert me to the problem right away.

 

[Mikerb]

Like a lot of apps on some phones there is no obvious log out. Unless you log out on the app or close the tab, the app keeps running. I very rarely use the Flow App and since realising the above I have not had that orange led on my LED Remote again.

 

[Plummet]

Like I stated, there is no error displayed in the app. In addition, the manual states a non-critical error is when all battery indicator lights light up or flash - this is the assistance level light, not the same thing. Doing some searching on here it seems more likely it something to do with the phone connection, its just apparently not consistent.

View attachment 145207

Well what o can tell you is that mine will turns orange when
A) the bike is connected to the flow app on the phone then looses that connection, whilst still on.
B) the motor has thrown up a fault code of some description.

I've had it happen a bunch of times.

 

[High Rock Ruti]

Does anyone know what an orange assistance level indicator light means? The documentation states an error is displayed if ALL BATTERY level indicators are orange, but this isnt the battery level indicator, its the assistance level indicator light. If I open the Flow App, no error is displayed and the bike continues to function as normal. In fact, if I use the mini-remote to change modes, the light remains orange, but if I look at the Flow App, I can see it cycling thru the modes. The light is solid and does not flash. I have tested without my phone and it didnt happen - read that some people had it when their phone was out of range. Maybe it doesnt do it every time? IN addition, its happened, i ride within range of my bike, connect the app and it remains orange, no error. I have opened a ticket with Bosch but havent heard back yet. I LOVE when they dont document everything in manuals...

View attachment 145195

High Rock Ruti

This is an error indicator, power indicators are green, blue, purple and red. The Bosch race motor throws this orange error code a couple times a week. It does not "seems" to effect the power output? Shutting power off and turning power on clears the color.....so far! Not sure what accounts for the error, anybody know?

Warm Regards Ruti

 

[JC-1]

I contacted Bosch who said this:

“The orange indicator on your system controller suggests a non-critical error. Does it initially flash and then remain solid? It is unusual that the Flow app is not displaying an error. Pressing the small square button on the mini remote should clear it; have you tried this, and does the error return on start up?

If it persists, you will need to consult your local Bosch eBike specialists. They can run a diagnostic scan to provide further insights into this error and help resolve it.”

I haven’t seen it flash it initially and my mini remote broke. I do think it’s most likely just the connection with the app and nothing to worry about.