BMW F900XR - Owner's Manual > Warning indicators

Mode of presentation

Warnings are indicated by the corresponding warning lights.

Warnings are indicated by 'General' warning light showing in combination with a dialogue in the TFT display. The 'General' warning light shows yellow or red, depending on the urgency of the warning.

The status of the 'General' warning light matches the most urgent warning.

The possible warnings are listed on the next pages.

Check Control display

The messages differ in how they show on the display. Different colours and symbols are used depending on priority:

• Green CHECK OK 1: no message, optimum values.
• White circle with small "i" 2: information.
• Yellow warning triangle 3: warning, value not ideal.
• Red warning triangle 3: warning, value critical

Values display

Symbols 4 differ in how they show on the display. The colours used differ and reflect the urgency of the message. Along with numerical values 8 with units 7, texts 6 are displayed as well:

Colour of the symbol

• Green: (OK) Current value is ideal.
• Blue: (Cold!) Current temperature is too low.
• Yellow: (Low! / High!) Current value is too low or too high.
• Red: (Hot! / High!) Current temperature or value is too high.
• White: (---) No valid value available.

  Dashes 5 are displayed instead of a numerical value.

NOTICE The assessment of some values is only possible from a certain journey duration or speed. If a measured value is still not being displayed because the conditions for measurement have not been met, dashes are displayed instead as a placeholder. If there are no valid measured values, there will be no assessment in the form of a coloured symbol.

Check Control dialogue

Messages are output as Check Control dialogues 1.

• If there are two or more Check Control messages of equal priority, the messages keep changing in the order of their occurrence until they are acknowledged.
• If symbol 2 is actively displayed, it can be acknowledged by tilting the Multi-Controller to the left.
• Check Control messages are dynamically attached as additional tabs on the pages in the menu My vehicle.

You can go to the message again as long as the fault persists.

Warnings, overview

Ambient temperature

The ambient temperature is displayed status line of the TFT display.

When the vehicle is at a standstill, the heat of the engine can falsify the ambient-temperature reading. If the heat of the engine is affecting it too much, dashes are temporarily shown in place of the value.

There is a risk of black ice if the ambient temperature falls below the following limit value.

Limit value for the ambient temperature

• approx. 3 ºC

The first time the temperature drops below this value, the ambient-temperature reading and the ice crystal symbol flash in the status line of the TFT display.

Outside temperature warning

Ice-crystal symbol appears on the display.

Possible cause: The air temperature measured at the motorcycle is lower than 3 ºC.

WARNING Risk of black ice also applicable at over 3 ºC

Risk of accident

• Always take extra care when temperatures are low; remember that there is particular danger of black ice forming on bridges and where the road is in shade.

 

• Ride carefully and think well ahead.

Radio-operated key out of range

- with Keyless Ride OE

General warning light shows yellow.

Remote key not in range. Not possible to switch on ignition again.

Possible cause:

Communication between radio-operated key and engine electronics is disrupted.

• Check the battery in the radio-operated key.

  - with Keyless Ride OE

• Replace battery of radio-operated key.
• Use the spare key to continue your journey.

  - with Keyless Ride OE

• Battery of the radio-operated key is empty or loss of the radio-operated key.
• Remain calm if the Check Control dialogue appears on the display while you are riding.

  You can continue your journey, the engine will not switch off.

• Have the faulty radio-operated key replaced by an authorised BMW Motorrad retailer.

Replace battery of radio-operated key

 - with Keyless Ride OE

General warning light shows yellow.

Remote key battery at 50%. No functional impairment.

Remote key battery weak. Limited central locking function. Change battery.

Possible cause:

• The integral battery in the radio-operated key has lost a significant proportion of its original capacity. There is no assurance of how long the radio-operated key can remain operational.
• Replace battery of radio-operated key.

Voltage of the vehicle electrical system too low

General warning light shows yellow.

is displayed in yellow.

Vehicle voltage low.

Switch off unnecessary consumers.

WARNING Failure of the vehicle systems

Risk of accident

• Do not continue your journey.

Battery is not being charged. If you continue to ride the motorcycle the on-board electronics will drain the battery.

NOTICE The fuse for the alternator regulator can blow if the 12 V battery is installed incorrectly or if the terminals are swapped (e.g. when using a starting aid).

Possible cause:

The alternator or alternator drive is faulty, battery is faulty or the fuse for the alternator regulator has blown.

• Have the fault rectified as quickly as possible by a specialist workshop, preferably an authorised BMW Motorrad retailer.

Voltage of the vehicle electrical system critical

General warning light shows red.

is displayed in red.

Vehicle voltage critical! Consumers were switched off. Check battery condition.

WARNING Failure of the vehicle systems

Risk of accident

• Do not continue your journey.

Battery is not being charged. If you continue to ride the motorcycle the on-board electronics will drain the battery.

NOTICE The fuse for the alternator regulator can blow if the 12 V battery is installed incorrectly or if the terminals are swapped (e.g. when using a starting aid).

Possible cause:

The alternator or alternator drive is faulty, battery is faulty or the fuse for the alternator regulator has blown.

• Have the fault rectified as quickly as possible by a specialist workshop, preferably an authorised BMW Motorrad retailer.

Bulb faulty

General warning light shows yellow.

The faulty bulb is displayed:

High beam faulty!

Front left turn indicator faulty! or Front right turn indicator faulty!

Low-beam headlight faulty!

Front side light faulty!

- with daytime riding light OE

Daytime riding light faulty!

Tail light faulty!

Brake light faulty!

Rear left turn indicator faulty! or Rear right turn indicator faulty!

Number plate light faulty!

- Have it checked by a specialist workshop.

General warning light flashes yellow.

The faulty bulb is displayed:

Active headlight faulty. Have it checked by a specialist workshop.

WARNING Vehicle overlooked in traffic due to failure of the lights on the vehicle

Safety risk

• Replace defective bulbs as soon as possible; always carry a complete set of spare bulbs if possible.

Possible cause:

Bulb faulty.

• Visually inspect to ascertain which bulb is faulty.
• Replace the LEDs for low-beam and high-beam headlight.
• Replace the LED for side light.
• Replace the LEDs for brake light and tail light.
• Replacing bulbs for front and rear turn indicators.

  - with LED additional headlight OA

• Replace the auxiliary headlight.

Anti-theft alarm battery weak

- with anti-theft alarm (DWA) OE

Alarm system batt. capacity weak. No restrictions.

Make an appointment at a specialist workshop.

NOTICE This error message shows briefly only after the Pre-Ride-Check completes.

Possible cause:

The integral battery in the antitheft alarm has lost a significant proportion of its original capacity.

There is no assurance of how long the anti-theft alarm can remain operational if the vehicle's battery is disconnected.

• Consult a specialist workshop, preferably an authorised BMW Motorrad retailer.

Anti-theft alarm battery flat

- with anti-theft alarm (DWA) OE

General warning light shows yellow.

Alarm system battery empty. No independent alarm. Make an appointment at a specialist workshop.

NOTICE This error message shows briefly only after the Pre-Ride-Check completes.

Possible cause:

The integral battery in the antitheft alarm has lost its entire original capacity. There is no assurance that the anti-theft alarm will be operational if the motorcycle's battery is disconnected.

• Consult a specialist workshop, preferably an authorised BMW Motorrad retailer.

Coolant temperature too high

General warning light shows red.

Coolant temperature too high! Check coolant level. Continue driving in part. load to cool down.

ATTENTION Riding with overheated engine

Engine damage

• Compliance with the information set out below is essential.

Possible cause:

The coolant level is too low.

• Check the coolant level.

If the coolant level is too low:

• Top up the coolant.

Possible cause:

The coolant temperature is too high.

• If possible, ride in the part-load range to cool down the engine.
• In traffic jams, switch off the engine, but leave the ignition switched on so that the radiator fan continues to operate.
• If the coolant temperature is frequently too high, have the fault rectified as soon as possible by a specialist workshop, preferably an authorised BMW Motorrad retailer.

Emissions warning

The malfunction indicator lamp lights up.

Engine! Have it checked by a specialist workshop.

Possible cause:

The engine control unit has diagnosed a fault which affects the pollutant emissions.

• Have the fault rectified by a specialist workshop, preferably an authorised BMW Motorrad retailer.
• You can continue riding; pollutant emissions are higher than the threshold values.

Engine control failed

General warning light shows yellow.

No communication with engine control. Multiple sys. affected. Ride carefully to the next specialist workshop.

Engine in emergency-operation mode

General warning light shows yellow.

Fault in the engine control. Onward journey possible. Ride carefully to next specialist workshop.

WARNING Unusual ride characteristics when engine running in emergency-operation mode

Risk of accident

• Avoid accelerating sharply and overtaking.

Possible cause:

The engine control unit has diagnosed a fault. In exceptional cases, the engine stops and refuses to start. Otherwise, the engine runs in emergency operating mode.

• You can continue to ride, but bear in mind that the usual engine performance might not be available.
• Have the fault rectified as quickly as possible by a specialist workshop, preferably an authorised BMW Motorrad retailer.

Severe fault in the engine control

General warning light flashes yellow.

Serious fault in the engine control! Riding at mod. speed pos.

Damage possible. Have checked by workshop.

WARNING Engine damage when running in emergency-operation mode

Risk of accident

• Ride slowly, avoid accelerating sharply and overtaking.
• If possible, have the vehicle picked up and have the fault rectified by a specialist workshop, preferably an authorised BMW Motorrad Retailer.

Possible cause:

The engine control unit has diagnosed a fault which may cause severe secondary faults. The engine is in emergency-operation mode.

• Avoid high load and rpm ranges if possible.
• Have the fault rectified as quickly as possible by a specialist workshop, preferably an authorised BMW Motorrad retailer.

  It is possible to continue to ride but not recommended.

Tyre pressure close to limit of permitted tolerance

- with tyre pressure control (RDC) OE

General warning light shows yellow.

is displayed in yellow.

Tyre pressure does not match setpoint. Check tyre pressure.

Possible cause:

Measured tyre pressure is close to the limit of permitted tolerance.

• Correct tyre pressure.
• Before adjusting tyre pressure, read the information on temperature compensation and adjusting pressure in the section entitled "Engineering details":
  - Temperature compensation.
  - Pressure adaptation.
  - Find the correct tyre pressures in the following places:
  • Back cover of the operating instructions
  • Instrument cluster in the TYRE PRESSURE view
  • Sign under the seat

Tyre pressure outside permitted tolerance

- with tyre pressure control (RDC) OE

General warning light flashes red.

is displayed in red.

Tyre pressure does not match setpoint. Stop immediately! Check tyre pressure.

Tyre press. control.

Loss of pressure.

Stop immediately! Check tyre pressure.

WARNING Tyre pressure outside the permitted tolerance.

Risk of accident, degradation of the vehicle's driving characteristics.

• Adapt your style of riding accordingly.

Possible cause:

Measured tyre pressure is outside permitted tolerance.

• Check the tyre for damage and to ascertain whether the vehicle can be ridden with the tyre in its present condition.

If the vehicle can be ridden with the tyre in its present condition:

• Correct the tyre pressure at the earliest possible opportunity.
• Before adjusting tyre pressure, read the information on temperature compensation and adjusting pressure in the section entitled "Engineering details":
  - Temperature compensation.
  - Pressure adaptation.
  - Find the correct tyre pressures in the following places:
  • Back cover of the operating instructions
  • Instrument cluster in the TYRE PRESSURE view
  • Sign under the seat
• Have the tyre checked for damage by a specialist workshop, preferably an authorised BMW Motorrad retailer.

If you are unsure whether the vehicle can be ridden with the tyre in its present condition:

• Do not continue your journey.
• Notify the breakdown service.

Transmission fault

- with tyre pressure control (RDC) OE

"---"

Possible cause:

The vehicle has not reached the minimum speed.

RDC sensor is not active

• min 30 km/h (The RDC sensor does not transmit its signal to the vehicle until a certain minimum speed has been reached.)

• Increase speed above this threshold and observe the RDC readings.

Assume that a permanent fault has not occurred unless the 'General' warning light comes on to accompany the symptoms.

Under these circumstances:

• Have the fault rectified by a specialist workshop, preferably an authorised BMW Motorrad retailer.

Possible cause:

Wireless communication with the RDC sensors has been disrupted.

Radio systems are located in the surrounding area which are interfering with the transmission between the RDC control unit and the sensors.

• Move to another location and observe the RDC readings.

Assume that a permanent fault has not occurred unless the 'General' warning light comes on to accompany the symptoms.

Under these circumstances:

• Have the fault rectified by a specialist workshop, preferably an authorised BMW Motorrad retailer.

Sensor faulty or system fault

- with tyre pressure control (RDC) OE

General warning light shows yellow.

"---"

Possible cause:

Vehicle is fitted with wheels not equipped with RDC sensors.

• Fit wheels and tyres equipped with RDC sensors.

Possible cause:

1 or 2 RDC sensors have failed or there is a system fault.

• Have the fault rectified by a specialist workshop, preferably an authorised BMW Motorrad retailer.

Battery for tyre pressure sensor weak

- with tyre pressure control (RDC) OE

General warning light shows yellow.

RDC sensor battery weak. Function limited.

Have it checked by a specialist workshop.

NOTICE This error message shows briefly only after the Pre-Ride-Check completes.

Possible cause:

The integral battery in the tyre-pressure sensor has lost a significant proportion of its original capacity. There is no assurance of how long the tyre pressure monitoring system can remain operational.

• Consult a specialist workshop, preferably an authorised BMW Motorrad retailer.

Drop sensor defective

Drop sensor faulty.

Have it checked by a specialist workshop.

Possible cause:

The drop sensor is not available.

• Consult a specialist workshop, preferably an authorised BMW Motorrad retailer.

Emergency call function restricted

- with intelligent emergency call OE

Emergency call failure.

Make an appointment at a specialist workshop.

Possible cause:

The emergency call cannot be cannot be made automatically or via BMW.

• Consult the information on operating the intelligent emergency call.
• Consult a specialist workshop, preferably an authorised BMW Motorrad retailer.

Side stand monitoring is faulty

Side stand monitoring faulty. Onward journey possible. Engine stop. when stationary! Have checked by workshop.

Possible cause:

The side-stand switch or its wiring are damaged.

• Consult a specialist workshop, preferably an authorised BMW Motorrad retailer.

ABS self-diagnosis not completed

ABS indicator and warning light flashes.

Possible cause:

The ABS function is not available, because self-diagnosis did not complete. The motorcycle has to move forward a few metres for the wheel sensors to be tested.

Pull away slowly. Bear in mind that the ABS function is not available until self-diagnosis has completed.

ABS fault

ABS indicator and warning light comes on.

Limited ABS availability! Onward journey possible. Ride carefully to next specialist workshop.

Possible cause:

The ABS control unit has detected a fault. The ABS function is available, subject to restrictions.

• You can continue to ride. Bear in mind the more detailed information on certain situations that can lead to an ABS fault message.
• Have the fault rectified as quickly as possible by a specialist workshop, preferably an authorised BMW Motorrad retailer.

ABS failed

ABS indicator and warning light comes on.

ABS failure! Onward journey possible.

Ride carefully to next specialist workshop.

Possible cause:

The ABS control unit has detected a fault.

• You can continue to ride. Bear in mind that the ABS function is not available. Take note of the more detailed information on certain situations that can lead to an ABS fault message.
• Have the fault rectified as quickly as possible by a specialist workshop, preferably an authorised BMW Motorrad retailer.

ABS Pro failed

- with riding modes Pro OE

ABS indicator and warning light comes on.

ABS Pro failure! Onward journey possible. Ride carefully to next specialist workshop.

Possible cause:

The ABS Pro control unit has detected a fault. The ABS Pro function is not available. The ABS function is available, subject to restrictions. ABS provides support only for braking in straight-ahead driving.

• You can continue to ride. Bear in mind the more detailed information on certain situations that can lead to an ABS Pro fault message.
• Have the fault rectified as quickly as possible by a specialist workshop, preferably an authorised BMW Motorrad retailer.

ASC/DTC intervention

ASC/DTC indicator and warning light quick-flashes.

The ASC/DTC has detected a degree of instability at the rear wheel and has intervened to reduce torque. The indicator and warning light flashes for longer than ASC/DTC intervention lasts.

This affords the rider visual feedback on control intervention even after the critical situation has been dealt with.

ASC/DTC self-diagnosis not completed

ASC/DTC indicator and warning light slow-flashes.

Possible cause:

ASC/DTC self-diagnosis not completed

• The ASC/DTC function is not available, because self-diagnosis did not complete.

  (The motorcycle has to reach a defined minimum speed for the wheel sensors to be checked: min 5 km/h)

• Pull away slowly. The ASC/ DTC indicator and warning light must go out after a few metres.

If the ASC/DTC indicator and warning light continues flashing:

• Seek the advice of a specialist workshop, preferably an authorised BMW Motorrad retailer.

ASC/DTC switched off

ASC/DTC indicator and warning light comes on.

Off!

Traction control deactivated.

Possible cause:

The rider has switched off the ASC/DTC system.

• Switch on the ASC/DTC function.

ASC/DTC restricted

ASC/DTC indicator and warning light comes on.

Traction control limited! Onward journey possible. Ride carefully to next specialist workshop.

Possible cause:

The ASC/DTC control unit has detected a fault.

ATTENTION Damaged components

Damage to sensors, for example, which causes malfunctions

• Do not transport any objects underneath the driver or passenger seat.
• Secure the toolkit.

 

• Do not damage the angular rate sensor.
• Bear in mind that the ASC/DTC function is restricted.

  You can continue to ride. Bear in mind the more detailed information on situations that can lead to a ASC/DTC fault.

• Have the fault rectified as quickly as possible by a specialist workshop, preferably an authorised BMW Motorrad retailer.

ASC/DTC fault

ASC/DTC indicator and warning light comes on.

Traction control failure! Onward journey possible.

Ride carefully to next specialist workshop.

Possible cause:

The ASC/DTC control unit has detected a fault.

ATTENTION Damaged components

Damage to sensors, for example, which causes malfunctions

• Do not transport any objects underneath the driver or passenger seat.
• Secure the toolkit.
• Do not damage the angular rate sensor.
• Bear in mind that the ASC/ DTC function and dynamic engine brake control are not available.
• You can continue to ride. Bear in mind the more detailed information on situations that can lead to an ASC/DTC fault.
• Have the fault rectified as quickly as possible by a specialist workshop, preferably an authorised BMW Motorrad retailer.

D-ESA fault

General warning light shows yellow.

Spring strut adjustment faulty! Onward journey possible. Ride carefully to next specialist workshop.

Possible cause:

The D-ESA

control unit has detected a fault. The damping and/ or spring adjuster may be the cause. In this condition, the motorcycle may have too much damping and is uncomfortable to drive, especially on roads in poor condition. Alternatively, the spring preload may be incorrectly adjusted.

• Have the fault rectified as quickly as possible by a specialist workshop, preferably an authorised BMW Motorrad retailer.

Fuel down to reserve

Fuel reserve reached. Go to a filling station soon.

WARNING Irregular engine operation or engine shutdown due to lack of fuel

Risk of accident, damage to catalytic converter

• Do not run the fuel tank dry.

Possible cause: The fuel tank contains no more than the reserve quantity of fuel.

Reserve fuel

• approx. 3.5 l

Gear not taught

- with shift assistant Pro OE

The gear indicator flashes.

The Pro shift assistant is not available.

Possible cause:

- with shift assistant Pro OE

The gearbox sensor is not fully trained.

• Select neutral N and allow the engine to idle for at least 10 seconds to teach the neutral position.
• Use clutch control to engage each gear in turn and ride for a minimum of 10 seconds in each gear.

  The gear indicator stops flashing when the gearbox sensor has been trained successfully.

  • When the gearbox sensor has been taught successfully, Gear Shift Assistant Pro works as described.
• If teaching is not successful, have the fault rectified by a specialist workshop, preferably an authorised BMW Motorrad retailer.

Hazard warning lights system is switched on

Turn signal indicator light flashes green.

Turn signal indicator light flashes green.

Possible cause:

The driver has switched on the hazard warning lights system.

• Operating hazard warning flashers.

Service display

If service is overdue, the due date or the odometer reading at which service was due is accompanied by the 'General' warning light showing yellow.

If the service is overdue, a yellow CC message is displayed.

Exclamation marks also draw your attention to the displays for service, service appointment and remaining distance in the MY VEHICLE and SERVICE REQUIREMENTS menu screens.

NOTICE If the service-due indicator appears more than a month before the service date, the current date has to be corrected. This situation can occur if the battery was disconnected.

Service due

is displayed in white.

Service due! Have service performed by a specialist workshop.

Possible cause:

Service is due, because of either distance covered or time expired.

• Have your motorcycle serviced regularly by a specialist workshop, preferably by an authorised BMW Motorrad retailer.

  The vehicle remains operationally reliable and roadworthy.

  The vehicle retains its value.

Service-due date has passed

General warning light shows yellow.

is displayed in yellow.

Service overdue! Have service performed by a specialist workshop.

Possible cause:

Service is overdue because of the driving performance or the date.

• Have your motorcycle serviced regularly by a specialist workshop, preferably by an authorised BMW Motorrad retailer.

  The vehicle remains operationally reliable and roadworthy.

  The vehicle retains its value.

See also: