Giant Escape 2 torque sensor doesn't cut out when stopping pedalling.

[UnclePuncher]

Hi all,

I work for a bike co-op. We've had a Giant Escape 2 donated. It's a nice bike. I'm tasked with refurbing it back into service.

The battery seems ok. But his head unit had been ripped off. So I wired it back in. Not the neatest job but it works. I've fixed the head unit in place so it can't be ripped off again.

Took a test ride and was quite happy it worked. That is until I came to try and stop at the junction. The brakes work but the motor kept going. It surprisingly powerful so couldn't stop it with my feet. I jumped off and lifted up the back wheel. That seemed to stop it.

Tried it a few more times and it kept doing it. I'm around 90kg and it pushes me forwards even with the brakes on. Obviously I can't sell it in this state.

So what can I do? Any suggestions welcome.

It's a rear dropout torque sensor. I think they're quite expensive to replace (a quick Google suggests over £100). Probably not worth it on this bike. So I was wondering if I could convert it to a PAS sensor. Can't use a throttle as not legal in the UK. The main issue is I don't know if the controller will accept it. Plus the torque sensor only has one cable going to it so I can't just try plugging in a Pas in its place.

Also it doesn't have a brake cut out. And no empty connectors to plug them in. Which would be handy. Given my issues. I suppose I could replace the controller which would allow me to add pas and brake cut outs. But it'd soon become too expensive for what we'd hope to sell it for.

Photos of bike, connections and dropout torque sensor.

Thanks all.

 

[99t4]

So, it has a rear axle torque sensor, no PAS, no throttle?

Does the assist start as soon as you power on? Then it never stops? Until you power off?

 

[UnclePuncher]

So, it has a rear axle torque sensor, no PAS, no throttle?

Does the assist start as soon as you power on? Then it never stops? Until you power off?

Thanks for your reply.

Correct on the first few things. It kicks in after a short amount of pedalling. But then doesn't cut out when you stop pedalling.

I had another go with the bike and couldn't get it to kick in at all. So I suspect the bike has other gremlins. Will have another look when I'm back at work.

I'm not too familiar with rear axle torque sensors. I don't really know how they work. Could they get 'stuck' in the on position? What would be the fix? Unfortunately there is no break in the electrical cable so it's hard to get the wheel out to inspect it. Awful design. It'd take ages just fix a puncture or change the tyre. But I intend to strip it down soon and look for any potential issues.

 

[UnclePuncher]

For ref the sensor is a bit like this. Maybe not exactly but as mentioned I've not been able to get it off yet.

 

[UnclePuncher]

Presumably they just sort of bend when you start pedalling. Quite a simple design. I wonder if I could just replace the electrical part.

I'm off work for a week but I'll investigate on my return.

 

[UnclePuncher]

It looks like this is the sensor. Although I'm sure mine only has one wire to the controller. Can't figure out how that's work but I traced it through. Unless it's grounded through the bike? Or battery?

Giant PedalPlus-R Torque Sensor, 245MZWGITS-09V

Giant PedalPlus-R Torque Sensor, 245MZWGITS-09V, FREE UK Delivery, Price: £146.99. Giant replacement PedalPlus-R Torque Sensor for RS (Derailleur) - Twis

www.giantbikespares.com

 

[UnclePuncher]

I should also add I found the manual and can't seem to access the fault codes menu or any of the other 'reset' or hidden menu options. Not sure why.