Help! Raleigh Stoweway - display flickering with 5V_SW voltage error

[RS2k]

Hi all, I have a Raleigh Stow-e-way and overall it's been a good bike, but now I'm starting to have some issues with the electrics.

The display has been cutting out recently and I found taking the battery out and slapping it back in would fix it. However, this doesn't work anymore. My display is now stuck flickering in what seems like a loop of the startup sequence. Sometimes it boots past and then cuts out, and other times it stays flickering.

http://imgur.com/a/jsRYkpC

I ran the LogiX diagnostic software and it reported error E0101 ("controller system - voltage detection error 5V_SW"). It took quite a few runs for it to even come up with an error so I don't know whether to believe it or not.

The weird part is that I can get it working when I plug in the display with the Mini USB port. Maybe the display is gone and unable to receive power, hence the error? It also has some condensation and moisture underneath the inside of the display. I've also noticed a buzzing noise coming from it which I don't remember hearing before.

I've noticed that once the display's been plugged in to USB for a few minutes, it can be unplugged and will continue to function as normal. Another way is to plug it into a power bank. Probably not the healthiest for the electrics but it works for now.

I tried everything - straightening out the pins on the battery + cradle, cleaning the speed sensor near the crank, reseating cables for the motor and display as suggested in other threads. Nothing seems to be doing it which leads me to think it's either the display or the controller.

I also had doubts that it could be the battery since it's beat up from someone trying to nick the bike. However, I don't believe it's a battery problem as the motor is getting full and uninterrupted power during both diagnostics and usage.

Any suggestions or advice? It would be much appreciated

 

[cyclebuddy]

It also has some condensation and moisture underneath the inside of the display. I've also noticed a buzzing noise coming from it which I don't remember hearing before.

The first thing I'd do is to dry out that display. Moisture can cause shorts on the board, although you say it functions okay when a 5v supply is plugged into the micro USB. I'd let the bike sit in a warm room for a few days to make sure... as there may (also/instead) be moisture in the controller too.

Beyond that, I'd be tempted to open the display (if it can be) and see if any of the connecting cables/components are loose, and if the controller isn't potted/sealed, I'd work over that board too with a soldering iron/check for dry joints.

Another option may be to see if Halfords (or whoever you bought the bike from) have a spare display in their big under-the counter box of spare bits they can substitute (different branches seem to offer differing levels of helpfulness/and or assortment of spare bits available).

 

[Nealh]

As cb has said the flickering indicates moisture in the handle bar unit, causng shorts inside.

 

[RS2k]

The first thing I'd do is to dry out that display. Moisture can cause shorts on the board, although you say it functions okay when a 5v supply is plugged into the micro USB. I'd let the bike sit in a warm room for a few days to make sure... as there may (also/instead) be moisture in the controller too.

Beyond that, I'd be tempted to open the display (if it can be) and see if any of the connecting cables/components are loose, and if the controller isn't potted/sealed, I'd work over that board too with a soldering iron/check for dry joints.

Thanks. I already hung it on my fan with the USB port open so air could get inside but it didn't quite get all of the condensation out. I might try sticking it in a silica gel pouch on top of my heater. Opening it is difficult with the tight seal so hopefully drying it out fixes it.

 

[matthewslack]

Hang it with the opening at the top.