Code 36 service required???

[datadog]

Have any ‘18 MX bikes had this battery issue? I’m only seeing it about the MXR.

The 'A' packs did not have this issue, only some of the 'R' packs (MXR EXR)

 

[bluefxstc]

The 'A' packs did not have this issue, only some of the 'R' packs (MXR EXR)

Can you tell us what the issue was? Knowing what the issue was can help owners evaluate the risk and possibly develop a solution/repair.

 

[TriumphTwins]

2018 MXR #464 code 36

Yikes! I just picked up a '19 MXR #484, #464 is getting close. Do the serial numbers restart every model year or are they consecutive and just change the year on the paperwork?

 

[datadog]

Yikes! I just picked up a '19 MXR #484, #464 is getting close. Do the serial numbers restart every model year or are they consecutive and just change the year on the paperwork?

No restarts for the last six digits. There are other digits that change in the VIN to indicate model year and specific model.

 

[Philip]

No restarts for the last six digits. There are other digits that change in the VIN to indicate model year and specific model.

So does it mean that there are only ~500 Altas out there, not 1,300?

 

[Redwolf]

No restarts for the last six digits. There are other digits that change in the VIN to indicate model year and specific model.

There must have been a restart somewhere... My EXR is #103. And I believe it's newer than most of the MXRs. Did I misunderstand something?

 

[datadog]

Sorry for the confusion. Each model (MX/EX/SM) started with #001. When the models changed to EXR/MXR, the VINs did not reset to 001. So there are three sets of VIN starting with 001.

FYI, VIN starting characters:
56PARAA - SM
56PARAB - MX
56PARAC - EX
56PARAD - SMR (don't think any were produced)
56PARAE - MXR
56PARAF - EXR

 

[Redwolf]

Thanks for the clarification, I don't feel like I'm losing my mind so much now.

 

[TCMB371]

Can you tell us what the issue was? Knowing what the issue was can help owners evaluate the risk and possibly develop a solution/repair.

I'd like to know the actual cause of the issue, as well.

 

[datadog]

I can't comment on the causes of the battery issues, mostly because that engineering group was very secure (for good reason, the technology was proprietary) and I don't know what went on. I do know that there were issues, Alta fixed them, and battery packs affected by the issue were replaced quickly.

 

[TCMB371]

I can't comment on the causes of the battery issues, mostly because that engineering group was very secure (for good reason, the technology was proprietary) and I don't know what went on. I do know that there were issues, Alta fixed them, and battery packs affected by the issue were replaced quickly.

I appreciate your candor, dd.

 

[snydes]

And also realize that the repair for what causes code 36 is not going to be easily accomplished properly (i.e. a lasting repair) in most garages. If not properly done code 36 will just reappear.

 

[Bought-2-L8]

Bought my MXR a month ago. Just got Code 36.

 

[OneLapper]

Bought my MXR a month ago. Just got Code 36.

did you get it new or used? what's the VIN?

 

[Bought-2-L8]

did you get it new or used? what's the VIN?

Bought it new. Vin #434. 80 miles on the bike.

 

[OneLapper]

Bought it new. Vin #434. 80 miles on the bike.

There are a couple owners here that have the same issue. No fix yet but we're working on it. I'm sure @snydes will chime in soon. Good news is the bike is still usable and it appears the battery pack is capable of handling several cell faults without a noticeable performance hit.

 

[snydes]

Bought it new. Vin #434. 80 miles on the bike.

Sorry to hear that. You, @Bloak and myself are the unlucky ones that experienced this after the shutdown. Your bike likely is part of the same group of bikes that had some battery quality control issues that were not caught during manufacturing.

I'm guessing with your VIN # that you did NOT just have firmware updated recently? Is that correct?

If your problem is related to the same issue that I'm referring to than the good news is the bike still functions, it's just that the pack is losing/has lost connections with some cells. Range would be the only thing affected. Also, it would be likely that the bike was that way the whole time you have had it, so you wouldn't know any difference (other than that light glaring in your face now).

The best thing you can do just to try and cover your bases would be (if reasonable) to take it to your dealer and have them hook up the bike and submit a warranty claim in the unlikely case that a new company will emerge. I'm not sure on what the dealer laptops can do, but they may be able to verify that the problem is indeed a fault in the battery and also may be able to illustrate the severity of the imbalance.

There are mixed opinions as to the feasibility of repairing these batteries. I believe in time there will be a source to service these batteries as there will be more code 36 bikes coming out of the woodwork. At any rate it is something that needs to be handled by a competent individual that is well trained in electrical safety


I'm going to add your VIN to the list.

 

[TCMB371]

Sorry to hear that. So far so good with my bike (399) at over 600 miles and 33 hours.

 

[Bought-2-L8]

Sorry to hear that. You, @Bloak and myself are the unlucky ones that experienced this after the shutdown. Your bike likely is part of the same group of bikes that had some battery quality control issues that were not caught during manufacturing.

I'm guessing with your VIN # that you did NOT just have firmware updated recently? Is that correct?

If your problem is related to the same issue that I'm referring to than the good news is the bike still functions, it's just that the pack is losing/has lost connections with some cells. Range would be the only thing affected. Also, it would be likely that the bike was that way the whole time you have had it, so you wouldn't know any difference (other than that light glaring in your face now).

The best thing you can do just to try and cover your bases would be (if reasonable) to take it to your dealer and have them hook up the bike and submit a warranty claim in the unlikely case that a new company will emerge. I'm not sure on what the dealer laptops can do, but they may be able to verify that the problem is indeed a fault in the battery and also may be able to illustrate the severity of the imbalance.

There are mixed opinions as to the feasibility of repairing these batteries. I believe in time there will be a source to service these batteries as there will be more code 36 bikes coming out of the woodwork. At any rate it is something that needs to be handled by a competent individual that is well trained in electrical safety


I'm going to add your VIN to the list.

The dealer told me they updated it but I cant guarantee it.

 

[snydes]

I would have the issue documented with your dealer in case we happen to be able to get some sort of satisfaction out of this in the end, although that's doubtful.