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  #1  
Old 20 Nov 2009
omhughes's Avatar
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Help!! Broke Down On Colombia Ecuador Border
Hi,
My bike is a BWM 1200 GS ADVENTURER...
its a 2006 November model.

It's been running perfectly up until this morning when I was just about to go into Ecuador and its dead as a door nail.

Key points
1) Was working perfectly up until this morning
2) I just parked to get my passport stamped
3) Came out put the key in... nothing...
4) If I leave it for a while and try and turn it on the lights on the ignition display come on....note there is no errror code...but as soon as I press the starter it just dies totally...totally absolutely nothing on the display and it stays like that for a good few minutes
5) I tried jump starting it... no joy...if just makes a noise like its just about to start the process of turning over and dies......

Help!!!!!!!! the bike is stuck between ecuador and Colombia in no mans land!!!
Email
Oisin.m.hughes@gmail.com

Oisin
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  #2  
Old 20 Nov 2009
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I'd try in this order.

Battery - seems like the battery is kaput. How did you try to jump start it?

Second I'd try the EWS ring. To put this right (if you have a spare). Connect the new EWS ring to the loom (you won't be able to get the old one out) and use a spare key taped though the EWS ring to read the chip in the key. Then use your other key to turn the ignition.

If that doesn't fail, sounds unrealted but could be the FPC.
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  #3  
Old 20 Nov 2009
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It sounds like the battery. If your key ring has gone bad, you would still have power but your display will read EWS. Also, the bike would not even attempt to turn over. Is it the stock battery? Did you check the connections? If stock, the battery is three years old, they have had their problems. Try to get it charged properly first.Ruta 40 BMW in Medellin will be able to help you if you need a new one. BMW Quito are useless, at least last time i checked they were. I would go back to Colombia and work it out there, maybe get trucked back to Pasto, or maybe contact Ruta 40 from Ipiales on the boarder.
a small but excellent BMW dealer. RUTA 40 in medellin. Calle 34 No. 44A - 65 ■ Telefonos: 57(4)262 3059 - 57(4)384 3200 ■ Fax: 57(4)262 ...
In Spanish, talk to Mauricio. Can't remember if there is someone there who speaks english.
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  #4  
Old 20 Nov 2009
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Happened to me to .. only in Mexico ...
As others have suggested, sounds like the battery. You need a new one (preferably NOT a BMW one) ... look on the web and you'll find that the standard batteries are not up to the job.

In my case, was fortunate enough to have stopped on a slope when it happened so managed to bump start it. Can you get a push or 2 ?

Have fun, don't stress ... John
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  #5  
Old 21 Nov 2009
omhughes's Avatar
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thanks guys
I was able to get a truck to take it to Cali to BMW....I'm heading up there now....
thanks a mill for the tips
regards
Oisin
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  #6  
Old 21 Nov 2009
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Cali
check with Mike at CasaBlanca Hostel
great connection in Cali
sounds like battery connections are bad or dirty
sometimes BMW starter button needs to be taken apart and carbon points sanded with 600 grit pper to make a connection
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  #7  
Old 23 Nov 2009
HU Ecuador Meeting Organiser
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Location: Tumbaco, Tambillo
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Quito
If u are still stucked and your bike has something that is more serious than a battery, u can take bike to Quito and contact:
BMW dealer for spares (Alvarez Barba) and Edison Cunalata (workshop) or Clinica de Motos (workshop) when you get lat. 0.
Feel free to contact,
RG
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