Caution! Potential I-167 Malfunction

[Florida Ever-Glides]

I have three older I-167 units that are showing a strange behavior. After normal riding for about 1/2 the charge the machines will suddenly go into a 'flat face' mode slowing to about 1mph. When you come to a complete stop the happy face appears but for only a short distance where it slows back down again. Does anyone else have these symptoms?

I have switched batteries, control bars, and control bar bases to no avail. When I realized it was in the base unit I decided to Call Segway Tech Support. They had not seen this before, especially three units having the same symptoms. They called me back this morning to explain the strange behavior.

They said that it was in the BSA (Balance Sensor Assembly). That in some 'older' units the BSA does not cool sufficiently when used in a warmer climate and the batteries are hot. This can cause the BSA to go into a 'hibernation type' mode. I was told that if I simply shut the machine down and cool it off sufficiently (10-15 minutes) it should be ok. No need to replace the BSA (a $1,300.00 replacement). Note: the batteries are not the cause of the fault.

I also noticed that on one of my units early on that it only happened in the summer where the high temperture/humidity affected the BSA easier. During the mild/cool winter months the machines show no symptoms.

I thought that I should post this information because I had never heard of this issue before. They said that newer models have been updated so this won't happen.

My units are almost three years old an just started showing the symptoms within the last few months. So, for all of you who have units 2+ years old, if this happens to your unit you don't have to panic. Relax and let it cool down for a few... The I-167's are getting old and just need to sit and rest a little...

[TedS]

Tom,
Thanks for the information. I have an early model I167. Does the Seg just bring you down with no warning to 1 mph as you are riding?

From INC's answer it sounds like something ages and affects the ability of the BSA to cool. I guess after another 2 to 3 years we will find out if the update contains an effective anti-aging incredient for the BSA.

[yosgof]

Tom,

Thanks for the info.

Since you started talking to INC about this could you please try and get from them an affirmative statement with respect to this problem not affecting I180?

Perhaps you can ask them for the highest serial number possibly affected by this phenomenon.

The climate here is very similar (if not warmer) than Florida therefore I am very interested in this.

[Desert_Seg]

Two weeks ago we had a p series shut down in a very similar fashion. Since we are now regularly in the 110 range (sometimes higher) this might be the reason!

Oy Vey!

Steven

[Scotty]

Ever since I upgraded to 14.0 software, when I unplug and takeoff in cooler weather it starts ok but shortly it will slow down to approx 4 mph then in a few seconds it will go back to 12 and not do it again until I recharge. I am wondering if I will have more problems this winter with it.

[Florida Ever-Glides]

It does 'suddenly slow' to 1mph but not enough to through you off. This happens only to older units but I have no other info.

I think Segway is faced dealing with design/operation imperfections every day. The same goes with most other manufacturers. Some problems are 'time tested' and the HT is only in its third year of sales....

[Brooster]

Boy, between this thread and the one that says we should no longer keep our NiMH batteries plugged in all the time, I don't know what to think.

I've recently had my software upgraded to 14.1, but I don't have the new batteries and haven't even had the chance to test my Seg since the upgrade.

I kinda just moved from Chicago to Connecticut, and there are more important things to do, like unpacking boxes (which goes on for weeks) and trying to make a home out of a place.

Anyway ... it's a bit unsettling. So my NiMH batteries might get fried by leaving them plugged in (like we were told to do), and my new software might cause my machine to slow to a crawl for no reason.

Great, just what I needed to hear. <not LOL>

God forbid someone from Segway might actually post here and explain the realities of the situation.

[Florida Ever-Glides]

Brooster,

I just confirmed with the folks at Segway, you should always keep the NiMH batteries plugged-in between uses. Onboard or off-board it doesn't matter...

[Brooster]

Thanks Tom, appreciate it Sir.

[macgeek]

Sorry, but I have kept a set of NImH's on a external charger for about 7 months (they were about 6 mnths old, when I bought my lions) and they where toast when I recently tried to use them (safety shutdowns consistantly after they go < 3 bars) I am conditioning them, to see if there is any imrovement.
BUT Theres more to these batteries then just leave it plugged in

Jonathan

[joelkfla]

This sounds like what my i167 was doing when it was new 2 years ago. I sent it back to the factory, and their diagnostics found nothing wrong. Then, just before they were about to return it to me, the lady I was dealing with on the phone persuaded a service engineer to take it out on an extended test ride, and -- voila! -- the problem was apparent.

I got a replacement unit shipped to me. The service rep said they were keeping my original unit for further analysis. I never heard back what the problem was.

I was convinced it was somehow heat related, because the problem occurred more quickly on hot days.