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GS-911, diagnostics for the people (r)
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January 2025 GS-911 software and firmware available! Details at https://www.hexgs911.com/news/january-2025-software-and-firmware-updates/
Recent posts
#41
GS-911 / Re: Why was the minimum voltag...
Last post by WayneC - April 15, 2026, 11:11:54 AMQuote from: karlh on April 15, 2026, 12:20:52 AM
From your reply it appears the 12.5 volt requirement is driven by the complexity of the latest models. My 2007 ST never had a problem with lower threshholds. Hex should make the operating threshhold model-dependant.
As I stated in th OP's other thread, the minimum voltage can be set by BMW in the ECU firmware so it is best to ensure 14v regardless of the model, BMW specify 1v on the cars & 13.5v for the bikes in the Dealer System
#42
GS-911 / Re: Why was the minimum voltag...
Last post by karlh - April 15, 2026, 12:20:52 AMFrom your reply it appears the 12.5 volt requirement is driven by the complexity of the latest models. My 2007 ST never had a problem with lower threshholds. Hex should make the operating threshhold model-dependant.
#43
GS-911 / Re: Why was the minimum voltag...
Last post by botus - April 14, 2026, 12:01:56 PMas various elements of the bike's systems do stuff the volts jump about - bike batteries are pathetic low capacity things - BMW dealer tools have high current posh "power supply" devices that hold the voltage right up there - the ISTA stuff has a 15 Volt minimum threshold for programming - below that things don't behave and the tool isn't meant to even operate
the newer bikes really need high volts, for the suspension especially - I'm surprised a CTEK charger I'm using mostly manages to hold the bike at 14.2V...
if you are dropping below 12.5 V expect things to go wrong - I doubt Hex increased the volt demand for the tool to operate - but its perfectly reasonable, if the system needs it, their tool needs to respect it - the idea is to service the bike not to introduce software issues
the newer bikes really need high volts, for the suspension especially - I'm surprised a CTEK charger I'm using mostly manages to hold the bike at 14.2V...
if you are dropping below 12.5 V expect things to go wrong - I doubt Hex increased the volt demand for the tool to operate - but its perfectly reasonable, if the system needs it, their tool needs to respect it - the idea is to service the bike not to introduce software issues
#44
GS-911 / Re: Why was the minimum voltag...
Last post by Skim - April 12, 2026, 12:19:20 PMI'm no expert at this. Just wondering, considering the changes that can be made to displays and other settings on the newer bikes... I would assume it's of critical importance to maintain good voltage to ensure update coding is not interrupted/corrupted. Even on my 2010 parraffin model, maintaining correct voltage is a bit of a PITA but learned to live with it now.
#45
GS-911 / Re: Why was the minimum voltag...
Last post by JCtx - April 12, 2026, 07:31:26 AMI took a different approach: I spent $180 on a LiFePO4 battery (and specialized charger), in part to solve the GS-911 issue, especially if I need to use it on the road. But my point was why increase the minimum voltage required to begin with, when it wasn't a problem before. Seems stupid having to either buy a new lithium battery, new charger, or both, for something that was never a problem. Seems crazy, so just want to know why it was done, if not too much to ask.
Anyway, I already asked that question via the link provided above, since that guy didn't want me to post here, so I won't come back. If they lower the voltage again, great. If not, then it is what it is. Take care.
Anyway, I already asked that question via the link provided above, since that guy didn't want me to post here, so I won't come back. If they lower the voltage again, great. If not, then it is what it is. Take care.
#46
GS-911 / Re: Why was the minimum voltag...
Last post by Borgia - April 12, 2026, 06:24:18 AMMaintaining a minimum voltage when performing diagnostics must be a fairly common thing as there are battery chargers having a specific "power supply" mode just for that purpose. My Optimate 7 has this mode.
#47
GS-911 / Re: Why was the minimum voltag...
Last post by JCtx - April 12, 2026, 04:59:54 AMWhat explanations??? I haven't seen any. On my other thread, I asked about issues with a lithium battery, and just mentioned a reason to buy it is because I couldn't use the GS-911 anymore with it. But I'm asking here why the voltage was increased, since nobody has ever reported a voltage issue on the BMW forums I follow.
But guess will ask at that link, and see what happens. But if there are any explanations here, I'd love to read them.
But guess will ask at that link, and see what happens. But if there are any explanations here, I'd love to read them.
#48
GS-911 / Re: Why was the minimum voltag...
Last post by WayneC - April 12, 2026, 03:21:18 AMQuote from: JCtx on April 11, 2026, 05:00:04 AM
Just saw a video of a transmission calibration with a GS-911 where the threshold was 12.0V (software version 2502.3). Just like me, the guy had his battery fully charged, and after also hooking up a charger, his voltage dropped to 12.4V almost immediately as well. The difference is he could do everything. With 12.5V, it aborts everything. So why did you guys increase it, and by that much??? Never had an issue with the GS-911 for about 3 years with the lower voltage. Don't even remember what it was the minimum, but it was never triggered. Now I can't do squat with an AGM battery, PLUS a charger.
Hopefully it can be reverted back to 12.0V. Or at least 12.3V, which should be fine with a charger connected. Please let us know. Thank you.
It would be best to lodge a support ticket with Hexcode https://www.hexgs911.com/contact-us/ as the explanations of the reasons for maintaining voltage have not satisfied you & continuing to post on the forum will not ewsolve anything
#49
GS-911 / Why was the minimum voltage in...
Last post by JCtx - April 11, 2026, 05:00:04 AMJust saw a video of a transmission calibration with a GS-911 where the threshold was 12.0V (software version 2502.3). Just like me, the guy had his battery fully charged, and after also hooking up a charger, his voltage dropped to 12.4V almost immediately as well. The difference is he could do everything. With 12.5V, it aborts everything. So why did you guys increase it, and by that much??? Never had an issue with the GS-911 for about 3 years with the lower voltage. Don't even remember what it was the minimum, but it was never triggered. Now I can't do squat with an AGM battery, PLUS a charger.
Hopefully it can be reverted back to 12.0V. Or at least 12.3V, which should be fine with a charger connected. Please let us know. Thank you.
Hopefully it can be reverted back to 12.0V. Or at least 12.3V, which should be fine with a charger connected. Please let us know. Thank you.
#50
GS-911 Wifi / Re: "Ignition is not ON" error...
Last post by botus - April 10, 2026, 09:57:43 AMdoes the bike start ride and have all functions (lights indicators, cluster etc.) ?
something is very strange if above works but the tool can't show the ignition switch status - what condition is the bike? - is it std, low miles and good condition ?
if its playing up on the bike and the tool - two wear items might not be helping - ignition switches can wear - not the key, the switch beneath, and these days a main module the ZFE are starting to fail due to ageing - but these would likely present as real vehicle faults
ZFE's on cars these days are often referred too as body control modules - and really control lots of axillary functions like lights and systems (rather than brakes, transmission or engine control)
something is very strange if above works but the tool can't show the ignition switch status - what condition is the bike? - is it std, low miles and good condition ?
if its playing up on the bike and the tool - two wear items might not be helping - ignition switches can wear - not the key, the switch beneath, and these days a main module the ZFE are starting to fail due to ageing - but these would likely present as real vehicle faults
ZFE's on cars these days are often referred too as body control modules - and really control lots of axillary functions like lights and systems (rather than brakes, transmission or engine control)