Fixing faulty fuel level strip on BMW R 1200 (air cooled) 🔧 Kradmelder24 Garage

[@nikosmamoudis9923]

OK I am the same guy that comment below and told to you to be careful ! Well, It DOES WORK ! I don't know for how long but it does work ! As I like to consider my self as a thinking person and a field bio scientist . I took more than the necessary precautions for any explosion and tried it again and again under heavy safety measures, behind a concreat wall 50 cm thick and totally controlled environment ! I have to say that we / I tested the piezotronic more than 40 times on the tank to see if its safe ! Oh I cant confirm if it melts and welds anything cause when I checked mine it could close a circuit , from my observation it breaks of the salts gathered on the gas level strip. I do not advise though to any one to attempt this procedure ! The best way is to get a new one at your dealer !

[@GregBaumgarten]

After 4 new fuel strips replaced by dealership, I decided to do this method. And it worked. We'll see how long it holds. Thanx, "2006" RT1200.

[@BrandonSalas-us8mm]

Holy smokes what a lame design i zapped mine two years 10k miles ago not auper accurate but it works just don’t go below 100miles range

[@thetreadtrader7565]

Tried this on my GSA, a bit fiddly, broke the first one, total success with the second. Many thanks for this video👍

[@josepena8784]

I just did mine on 2006 BME R1200 GSA and it worked! Thank you for share that info, I have no idea for how long, but it wasn't working anyway way 💁 so whatever it last it's a winn winn. And I did it with full tank and following every step like the video. Thanks again 👍

[@andrewgreenslade8589]

18 July 2022: This works! Today I did my R1200RT (2010) and it worked first time! Thank you very much :-)

[@davidmcdonald2003]

It worked on my 2008 R1200RT. But only started to work a few days after the zapping and when I actually started the engine. I had two single wire cores from the lighter. I unplugged the connection and inserted the U-shaped bent wires on to pin 1 and 4. I pushed the connecter with the wires on to the pin and zapped 10 times. Did the same on pins 2 and 3. I turned on the ignition but no joy. Perhaps I didn’t wait long enough. Then when I went to ride the bike today I started the engine and just before I rode off the fuel gauge worked. Excellent because the BMW dealership where the bike was first purchased declined to look at the repair. Apparently they were too busy repairing newer bikes and had decided not to repair older BMW bikes. Is a 16 year old BMW old - not in my book. Anyway thanks for the tip.

[@Kradmelder24]

I had to wait for more that 5 minutes each time. Glad to hear it worked.

[@NicolasGabrielRobez]

Just tested on my R1200GS (2008) and worked fine! Thank you so much for sharing this information. In Finland the maintenance costs would have been close to 400€ (470USD).

[@Kradmelder24]

Nice to hear :) have fun and ride safe!

[@neostotos]

I just did it. R1200GS 2008. It works!! Thanks a lot.

[@Xcellmusic]

It worked on the first try on my 2009 R1200GSA - Thank you so much!!!

[@als2222]

Thanks for the video. I've always been wary of trying this, but finally decided it's the least-worst option compared to the cost of replacement and that a new one isn't guaranteed to last - my replacement fitted by the Dealer gave up within two years. Anyway, tried it this morning and it worked first time :-) Will carry this with me on tours so I can carry out future resets when required.

[@patrickpruitt2542]

Thanks for posting! For anyone else doing this fix, pay attention to the last part; "Fuel gauge should work again after some minutes." 2 minutes seems like forever when you're staring at a blinking error message. Just as you think it didn't work, you will realize it did.

[@davidmcdonald2003]

Yeh I was inpatient and had given up. Then I went to ride my bike and it suddenly showed the fuel level.

[@batojohn]

I did, and it worked 100%. Thank you very much. I saved 200$.

[@borcemaleski9943]

Worked on my BMW R1200RT 2006.Thank you

[@jaydewet8735]

Hi. Thank you. This worked on my 2009 R1200gsa. Good work

[@brandvik9172]

Just did it on my 08 R1200GS, it worked. Wondering how long it will last..

[@stefanoridolfi9300]

Thank you for your help, today my fuel level strip is come back!

[@tinolafu]

Did you try with the fuel tank filled up or empty? I'm confused of what it's safer. Thanks

[@stefanoridolfi9300]

@@tinolafu I try with the half fuel thanks, at a first moment it did'nt work, then i went to the gas station near my house and the level of fuel appeared.Now it works well

[@flipped68]

I’m a bit scarred of blowing myself up. Is this really a good way to fix it. Mine shows no fuel after about 20miles. So swing it I should try it.

[@ngttrr]

Thanks!!! It worked on my R1200GS 09

[@steveneastwood]

Thanks for the great video ! I have one question though - before using the zapper is the recommendation to do this with an empty tank ? Thanks

[@Kradmelder24]

In my opinion it doesn't matter as long the lid is closed ;)

[@danielhehir1]

Hello, ... looks like BMW has made a matching yellow zapper for your GSA. I guess the continuous fuel gage faltering has now inspired BMW to include a matching Zapper in the tool box as standard equipment. ... clever ... I've got the exact same problem with my 2009 GSA. Wondering how long this zapping will keep the thing working . Is it just a temporary fix ?

[@Kradmelder24]

Tanks. Yes, at least here. As soon I've driven the tank almost empty the zapper is faulty again. In the end I#m fixing it about two or three times a year. :) It's a thing of 5 minutes.

[@mateprnjak3039]

Worked for my 2008 gs adventure. Not first time because bike need to be on central stand and side stand must be in when first start a bike

[@metin-ismotor]

Yardımınız için çok teşekkürler Sıfır sorun. Sorun çözüldü

[@Kradmelder24]

Geri bildiriminiz için teşekkürler!

[@grootkaroo9721]

Thanks it works ,did it to my gs yesterday

[@RikQverweg]

This really works !!! Thx Kradmelder

[@willyu8052]

Worked on my 2009 R1200RT Thank You

[@Kradmelder24]

You're welcome :)

[@winkydinkandyou]

It worked on my 06 k1200r. Thank you

[@Jazzzzp]

Where is the connector located on the k1200? I have a K1200S but can't find info on where to start.

[@winebikediy]

@@Jazzzzp hey man.. every figured out how to do this? Im on the same boat..

[@Jazzzzp]

@@winebikediy I was planning to start stripping my bike but I didn't get to it yet. Recently got quoted about 120 euro in the shop for it, so I'm still planning to do it myself .. someday. No solid info on this bike anywhere, sorry man

[@duncanmcginnis]

It worked!! Amazing, kinda like voodoo.

[@morgan5630]

It worked!!!! Thank you, you’re ingenious!

[@brandonsalas6552]

This 100% works for my Rt tho make sure its in center stand havrnt had an issue coming up on one year anniversary ethonaled fuels i avoid it no more faulty gauges

[@bothofusuhl3113]

Kradmelder, you are a genius! I did this last night on my '05 RT with a full tank of fuel and it worked. I'll admit I was a little hesitant to pull the trigger the first time but it did in fact work (the calibration is off, shows 156mls with full tank, but I suspect it will recalibrate when it sees the range extremes of empty & full, no?) . The big question is this: How did you come up with this? Did you just happen to be enjoying a pint while sitting next to an electronics engineer? I can't imagine anyone just saying "hey, why not put a spark in my tank and see what happens?" Please tell the story!

[@Kradmelder24]

Lucky you :D haha

[@winebikediy]

Haha I know.. kinda curious also how the idea came about..

[@gdaphoto]

LOL. still questioning it myself if it is wise to spark the petrol tank.

[@istvangellert5285]

Thank you the video. My question is, what is the safer, if the tank is empty, or if it is full? My guess, when is full, but I would like to hear some experience.

[@Kradmelder24]

Doesn't matter as long as you don't let any oxygen into the tank. ;)

[@michor10]

Does anybody know what the cause for the failure is? How does the spark fix the problem?

[@DuskersHusky]

Thank you so much, now i sell my r1200 before another issue happens, tired of faults so going back to the stone ages, peace out

[@SándorGyulaLakatos]

thanks for advice 👍

[@michor10]

Is it possible to remove the fuel strip from above? That would seem a lot safer than creating sparks in your gas tank.

[@Kradmelder24]

Try it and tell me.

[@adriangodo8145]

I bought e new one (film) and still not working properly. Even when is full shows less, some 1/3 less. Will it work this lighter for my BMW?

[@Kradmelder24]

Really don‘t know. Never tried it on a new one.

[@DarioMaia]

Thanks a lot for the instructions, it worked like a charm!

[@paulthilwind8492]

I tried this a couple of years ago, and it worked perfectly. Now it as stopped working again, so I zapped it again, did not fix the problem. I zapped it again the other day, still not working. Any suggestions?

[@TheExhippie]

Worked on my 2008 GSA. Thank you. Could anyone explain how it works?

[@mitchellkurt4026]

I read this online, not sure the truth to it: The sensor element in the strip is not as flexible as it should be and develops fractures causing an open circuit. The momentary high voltage arc from the lighter travels the length of the sensor substrate and fuses it back together.

[@kentbrook2568]

@@mitchellkurt4026 Why not just use a hand grenade? Click click BOOM!

[@airoenkoendan7022]

Kent Brook why Dont you just shut up with your ignorance

[@retraCnayR]

Might sound like a stupid question, but do I need to have an empty tank when I do this?

[@Kradmelder24]

Doesn't matter as long the lid is closed.

[@retraCnayR]

@@Kradmelder24 can’t believe it, I’ve just done it and my gauge is now back and working. The range seems a little off, but guessing this will balance out over the course of riding? Was super sceptical of doing this, but it’s worked first try. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@correcaminosgtl384]

Thank you very much for the information. I've done it in my r1200rt and it has not worked for me. Is positive and negative important? or the polarity does not matter.

[@Kradmelder24]

Polarity doesn't matter. Begin with outer pins 1-4 and then inner pins 2-3. After turning ignition on it will take up to 10 minutes before gauge will come back.

[@correcaminosgtl384]

Kradmelder24 thank you. I'll tell you how I finish it

[@Themandogable]

@@Kradmelder24 mine is flashing fuel light and saying I'm empty. No matter if I fill up or not the needle stays at the bottom and feel continues to flash. Will this trick fix that

[@gdaphoto]

Can you use any trigger-type BBQ lighter or does it need to be a specific one?

[@Kradmelder24]

anyone with lines will be good enough I guess.

[@eduardocangerana8599]

Obrigado, funcionou perfeitamente. RT 1200 ANO 2010. São Paulo/ Brasil.

[@VBrandaoJr]

Ola...onde voce comprou a ferramenta?

[@renatorelota4265]

Does it work on r1200r (2008) models? Or just GS models?

[@Kradmelder24]

May be on all Boxer bikes the same.

[@nicolacarletti]

hello .... I have tried several times but has not funsion, do you have any other advice?

[@Kradmelder24]

:( unfortunately not... it takes time up to 10 minutes before it takes affect

[@davidlawson3]

Wow that actually worked. My 2007 1200gs only had 2 wires on the plug but it still worked. Anybody know why it works? Im guessing this arcs corrosion off of some terminals?

[@Kradmelder24]

Only two wires on that connector? Wow, that's new for me...

[@davidlawson3]

Kradmelder24. Yeah there were 4 positions but only 2 wires on terminals 2 & 3.

[@Usethebanana]

Best on a full or empty tank? Or there is no difference? Need to try this when I have a moment. Thanks!

[@Kradmelder24]

I‘ve done it with full tank and with almost empty one. No difference.

[@Usethebanana]

@@Kradmelder24 alright, great! Thanks man!

[@Kradmelder24]

Usethebanana but always keep the lid closed! ;)

[@Usethebanana]

@@Kradmelder24 :D you need the right mixture of oxygen and gasfumes to be able to ignite, besides, it's not like your fuel strip is going to spark all over the place, despite some overly dramatic people... but I would take that precaution too 😂, thanks!

[@NicolasGabrielRobez]

BTW some repair cost estimates listed in this thread were between 150 - 200 USD. My Finnish BMW maintenance company told me that only the spare part would cost 190 euros. By adding the manpower cost of the total cost would be a little less than 400 euros. Did your estimates hold both the repair and spare part costs? If so, then it means that my Finnish BMW maintenance company is robbing its customers... Anyways, kradmeder24's fix worked, so I avoided the extra costs, thanks again!

[@Kradmelder24]

As far as I know repair costs in Germany are around 400 Euros as well. Ride safe!

[@MigMarVel]

Is there a video or instructions on how to make that tool you are using? Like how you modified the lighter to do that??

[@Kradmelder24]

Then you would have to find a similar bbq lighter first in your country. Rather unlikely to manage. ;) There are thousands of different types.

[@marcocg2011]

Hi, Dear friend, this zapper system will also work with GS 1200 Adventure of 2010 ?, does not mark level and Range to 0.

[@Kradmelder24]

Should work even on 2010 model

[@marcocg2011]

Thank you very much. Worked for me.

[@hendrylopez5355]

on my 2009 it is not working also but on my case the fuel indication is CERO EMPTY and I can see in your case it shows full May this solution still applys?

[@Kradmelder24]

When fuel strip quits working then fuel gauge may show empty or full or half or anything. I had it all.

[@nikosmamoudis9923]

I can understand the way this method works ! It still has a great risk of exploding the tank ! It must be safer if you take out the whole floater mechanism and do it but will it work ? Is there any other way of restoring it ?

[@Kradmelder24]

No oxygen - no explosion.

[@sdevane75]

​@@Kradmelder24there is oxygen in the tank

[@sdevane75]

Also things can explode in space

[@Kradmelder24]

@@sdevane75 but not enough

[@alexfr811]

Hi! By any chance do you know if a k1200r 2006 has got the same system? Appreciate very much your response... Thx

[@Kradmelder24]

Alex Jazz oh, unfortunately I can‘t tell...

[@alexfr811]

@@Kradmelder24 ok... Thx anyways! Useful video what so ever... Cheers

[@antoniocaballero4207]

Does anyone knows the internals of the fuel level strip? what's the working principle?

[@rodrigotv4069]

Worked for me in the first try. 2010 BMW R1200RT Premium. Thanks. Funcionou para mim na primeira tentativa. O custo foi de 30 reais de um acendedor a gás piezoeletrico, para poder desmontar e fazer os plugs. Rio de Janeiro/Brasil. 26 de abril de 2024.

[@Kradmelder24]

You're welcome 😎

[@fredericnoguera4020]

Merci. pour cette astuce sa fonctionne parfaitement. Thank you

[@Themandogable]

I tried this the first time and it didn't work I switched the positive and negative and it worked the second time the problem is now my fuel reads full 24/7. Hahaha I went from no fuel reading and flashing as if I was empty to full tank 24/7. Maybe I'll keep trying it. Maybe I'll get lucky

[@richardcollins6521]

Does anyone know how long this fix lasts for? One of the comments mentions after about 6 ‘fixes’ the fuel strip no longer functions at all, can anyone confirm or deny this?

[@Kradmelder24]

Well, yes. After quite some fixes it‘s over, five to ten I would guess. One fix will last about a half year or so. This solution is nothing for eternity.

[@richardcollins6521]

Kradmelder24 thank you, that’s good to know, it’s certainly better than replacing the sensor every year

[@simonmc7589]

Hi does it work on a gauge that shows a fault please?

[@Kradmelder24]

never tried, sorry

[@simonmc7589]

@@Kradmelder24 no probs thanks for the quick reply 👍

[@benhuriglesias3810]

Olá!! Para que serve está ferramenta?

[@Kradmelder24]

Olá, você pode usá-lo para consertar um medidor de combustível com defeito.

[@miguelangelliendo6372]

Estimado colega, si el Zapper / Zapping se hace con el tanque lleno de combustible o vacío? No hay riesgo de explosión debido a la alta tensión del zapper? Saludos

[@Kradmelder24]

No matter if tank is full or empty as long the lid is closed :)

[@miguelangelliendo6372]

Thank you very much for your prompt response

[@manavaldez7342]

When this happens does the bike don't run? Mahalo in advance!!! Aloha

[@Kradmelder24]

No it does run.

[@manavaldez7342]

Mahalo sir!!! God Bless you and your ohana!!!

[@mburton2609]

This trick worked perfectly for me and completely fixed my problem.

[@guygourley2411]

What type of clips/leads do you need for the piezo?

[@Kradmelder24]

I've soldered some of those to the end of the leads. 0,75mm² will fit perfectly. Don't know the english word for them, sorry: amzn.to/2TrHANV

[@ra7ilboy]

Hi, Will this method work on a r1200gs adventure 2015? Thank you

[@Kradmelder24]

Do you have the same problem there?

[@ra7ilboy]

@@Kradmelder24 yes. On my r1200gsa 2015

[@Kradmelder24]

I didn't knew that 2015 GSAs have same problems. Sorry, I can't say if this method will help.

[@ra7ilboy]

Ok, thanks

[@donwoodard2146]

Ehhh Think ill just keep reseting the trip meter. Really cant see how this could help

[@Kradmelder24]

👍

[@ajanik07]

In my BMW 1200 GS Adventure 2008 it works. :) perfect, I safe 150$ :) Thank you. It works after start engine.

[@Kradmelder24]

you're welcome :)

[@NicolasGabrielRobez]

I didn't have to start the engine and it worked on my R1200GS (2008)

[@heinrabie6227]

Awesome it worked 😀👌

[@bothofusuhl3113]

Well, sadly, my sensor only functioned for 100 miles after it's shock back to life... what now?

[@Kradmelder24]

well, shocking the strip doesn't bring it back for good in most cases :( only temporarily for some months.

[@danteinzoli5032]

Buongiorno, se dopo questo tentativo di ripristino non dovesse funzionare cosa bisogna fare? Grazie

[@Kradmelder24]

How long have you waited after zapping?

[@danteinzoli5032]

Non ho aspettato ho inserito la chiave e ho provato,

[@Kradmelder24]

Wait at least 5 minutes, better drive some kilometers and check again.

[@danteinzoli5032]

ok grazie

[@danteinzoli5032]

Ho provato ad eseguire l'operazione come da voi descritta ma non c'è stato nessun risultato è tutto come prima.

[@ralphvonfellbach9073]

What terminals did u crimp/ solder on it?

[@Kradmelder24]

I've soldered some of those to the end of the leads. 0,75mm² will fit perfectly. Don't know the english word for them, sorry: amzn.to/2TrHANV

[@ralphvonfellbach9073]

@@Kradmelder24 adernendhuelsen =ferruls Danke!

[@Kradmelder24]

@@ralphvonfellbach9073 danke auch!

[@guilhermenegraesjr.2560]

I doesn't work. We tested several times in different sensors and all of them stay wrong... ]

[@Kradmelder24]

Meanwhile my sensor is fubar, too. After six times of successfull zapping all stays dead.

[@Themandogable]

@@Kradmelder24 does the bike have to run for 10 up to 10 minutes for it to take effect or can I just shut it off and it will work later on

[@Kradmelder24]

Themandogable yes let the Engine run for 10 mins.

[@Themandogable]

@@Kradmelder24 so now what I have is the fuel reading as full 24/7 hahahaha,

[@brandonsalas6552]

I have special rounded need le nose pliers custom and clip remover ploers

[@simonpini610]

Given that a piezo electric lighter will generate over 3,000V (needed to create a spark in air) it seems a bit reckless to connect this to a fuel tank and pull the trigger... not for me thanks.

[@Kradmelder24]

As long no oxygen gets to the fuel even 10.000 Volts aren't enough ;)

[@paulagarten378]

live electric spark inside gas tank????

[@Kradmelder24]

Well, still one component missing for fireworks ;)

[@BarisBaydur]

Hello. Is it work on my 2007 k1200r bike?

[@winebikediy]

Hey man.. ever tried doing this on your k1200r?

[@BarisBaydur]

@@winebikediy no, I went to bmw dealer and changed with original part.

[@pierrecrocquefer5420]

I tried and it doesn’t work on mine 😢

[@Kradmelder24]

Sad. But it doesn't work all time.

[@pierrecrocquefer5420]

@@Kradmelder24 finally it works 😇 after the night she thunk

[@nikosmamoudis9923]

After research of almost 2 weeks my conclusions are : 1st) The chief engineer of the biggest BMW dealer and repair shop in Athens have never heard about it ! 2nd) taking a closer look at floater in older bikes or the sensor in newer ones and its coils that work as a dimmer it is unlike for them to be cut off or disconnected ....and the high voltage arc does not melt and reconnect the foil it is more possible to make the salts and dirt fall off the contacts and the whole thing works again ! In the following week I will inform and show you the results ! An explosion from a gas tank even containing 100ml of gasoline will probably cause serious injuries or even death ! Be Aware of all the nonsense that float around in the internet !

[@adamm3591]

Well I have done this on two of my 1200s and guess what it worked so your conclusion is wrong just my .02$. So before you start call it nonsense maybe you should try it first!

[@danciuvalentinmario9753]

The tank is empty or not ?

[@Kradmelder24]

Unimportant if empty or full. Important is that the lid is closed to prevent oxygen to get in ;)

[@michor10]

@@Kradmelder24 What about the oxygen already in the tank? Cheers.

[@brandonsalas6552]

Watching you pull in those wires made me cringe tbhb

[@Kradmelder24]

no risk - no fun 😂

[@giuseppezagno3254]

FLOP! Non funziona

[@Kradmelder24]

Devi aspettare qualche minuto prima che funzioni. Per me sono stati quasi 10 minuti.