Question about gear position sensor

[NoJive]

So today I'm riding the :spyder2:, when all of the sudden my gear position sensor shows the E. Luckily, I pulled up to a light soon after, and downshifted to first, which seemed to fix the problem. Got to my destination (Lowes) with no other problems. Left Lowes, and it went crazy. Flashing the R when I was in 2nd, showing N when in 3rd, etc. I rode it home, which was about a 15 minute ride, with it going crazy. It did not affect my DPS, nor did it cause me to go into limp mode. From what I have read, it should cause a limp mode condition. I'll call the dealer on Monday, but I was supposed to go on a ride Sunday. I don't want to do that, if this will cause a limp mode condition, or harm the bike. Should I park her until it can be fixed? '08 GS SM5 btw.

 

[Freddy]

Speaking from the same experience I can say that it will go into limp mode if it displays R for a short while. If the worst come to the worst and it stays in LM, unplugging the wires from the sensor (behind drive pulley) will enable you to continue but the display will warn you constantly of a trans fault, but no LM.

 

[NancysToy]

It is usually the result of a bad gear position sensor, but it won't hurt to clean and dry the contacts in the connector with some spray contact cleaner that is plastic compatible. Water in the connector can cause similar problems. Easier to get by with on a SM than it is on an SE.

 

[NoJive]

Thanks all. I'll check the plug today, if that doesn't fix anything, I'll give the dealer a call Monday.

UPDATE: Checked the plug, and although it seemed tight, I unplugged it, and checked the contacts. Everything looked good, so I plugged it back in, making sure it was snug. Been commuting all week, and not seen any issue. Hopefully, it just wasn't seated well.