2008 preload sensor problem

[6adan]

I am getting a sensor alert on my Roadsmith trike for the preload. I know nothing about this setup but need an idea where I might start looking to repair this.

Thanks Dannie

[Gold Rush]

I am getting a sensor alert on my Roadsmith trike for the preload. I know nothing about this setup but need an idea where I might start looking to repair this.

Thanks Dannie

Howdy Dannie. Did your conversion include the adjustable preload option? Unless it did there is none. The OEM Honda mono shock is removed and that is where the preload is adjused as a two whee motorcycle. If the adjustable preload option is not installed I believe it is normal to get a fault (alert) when you try to adjust the none existant capability.

All that being said, if you do have the asjustable Roadsmith preload then there is a problem. I have never seen any GL1800 preload sensor alert but it sure a posibility. Let us know for sure what you have and we'll try to help.

[6adan]

Thanks Gold Rush, I do believe it dose because the shock is still there and hooked to a lever that looks like it pivots and pushes on a spring on each side that is attached suspension.

[Gold Rush]

Thanks Gold Rush, I do believe it dose because the shock is still there and hooked to a lever that looks like it pivots and pushes on a spring on each side that is attached suspension.

OK, that sounds like the Roadsmith system. It's not actually the OEM shock but that's not the concern now. What happens is during conversion the OEM shock is taken apart and the hydraulic piston that does the preload is installed into the Roadsmith conversion.. This allows the rider to use OEM controls to set and monitor preload.

Do you have access to a service manual? Trouble shooting is pretty involved and there are several things that can cause your problem. If you are not up to doing this yourself any Honda dealer should be able to do it since the trike conversion is not really altering the preload function that much.

First thing I'd suggest is to take the right side cover (one by the rear fender) off and look toward the rear of that area for the Actuator Motor Assembly. Make sure all the connections are seated correctly. There are also connectors under the left control panel that might have come loose or the control switches themselves may have failed. This style switch has been a real problem on the GL1800s.

Sorry I can't be more help. Hopefully you get this fixed. I use the dickens out of my preload adjustment and would not be without it.

[6adan]

Thanks, no manual yet have only had the trike a few weeks. That is on my list of things to get. I will check the things you said. I do all of my own work I have brought several GL1000, GL1100, a couple of CBXs and my GL1500 back to life. This is the only GL that I have that was running when I got it.

[pwhoever]

I have seen one solution that is recommended to disconnect the battery for awhile and then reconnect it and this will sometimes reset it. I had this problem earlier this year and disconnected my battery overnight and after reconnecting in the morning, it was working again. I have no idea how old my battery was but it was definitely old. Just to be on the safe side, I replaced it. It has worked fine up until this last month. I had one malfunction during a 2 week trip. My engine had been running a bit hot and the outside temps were close to 100. I believe the trapped heat under all the tupperware made have caused this issue. After it cooled down, it was working fine again and have had no issues since. Another thing you can try is to swap the relays for the main pump, the suspension up relay, and the suspension down relay and see if there is any change. I believe these are on tbe third bank of relays under the seat. Mine were fine,

Even though I have a California Sidecar trike, they do a similar thing with removing the preload off the original shock and mounting it on the new trike rear suspension.

[Gold Rush]

Glad to see you are no stranger to the GLs Dannie.... You can beat this thing!! PM me your email address and I'll send you as much info from the manual as I can muster up.

This link will get you to a manual but I don't know for sure what year it is. Also does not have the Electronic Troubleshooting Manual portion and that is what you really need....

The info pwhoever posted is good to know stuff also. You might try that too.... Keep us posted.

[GoldWingrGreg]

Thanks, no manual yet have only had the trike a few weeks.

The best place to get a manual is from the source that Honda contracts with to print and distribute them.

www.helminc.com

[6adan]

Thanks Gold Rush for the pages of the manual. I have been checking it out and everything checks good till I get to the part where it says to remove the Combination Meter and I am not sure what that is. Is that the Tachometer and speedometer cluster?

Thanks Dannie

[Gold Rush]

Thanks Gold Rush for the pages of the manual. I have been checking it out and everything checks good till I get to the part where it says to remove the Combination Meter and I am not sure what that is. Is that the Tachometer and speedometer cluster?

Thanks Dannie

Yes. That is exactly what it is. That manual will really come in handy when you finally get it.. ..