Segway I2 goes dead, error E042

[robbie303]

My 3 months old I2 now has below problem:
At random moment (approx. every 10 minutes), it gives the stick movement, it shuts down and displays E042 with a wrench symbol.
When this has happened, I'll have to wait for 5 minutes or so, and then it will be able to start up again. (for 5 minutes, when I try to start it, it only displays E042 with a wrench symbol)

3 weeks ago, I've contacted both my dealer in The Netherlands and Segway US and explained them the above problem.
Both were even not able to tell me what is the meaning of E042 and moreover: have not gotten back to me for more then 3 weeks now.

Conclusion:
Segway support is not what one would expect.

[sholloway]

Do you know who you spoke with at Segway? I would be astounded if they couldn't give you the meaning of the error code immediately. They made the codes up, they have the descriptions. There could be some chance they had a temp in there to help with calls or something that didn't know what to do but I'd say it would be worth another call to 866.4SEGWAY to check it out. They absolutely have the descriptions to the error codes.

[robbie303]

I don't have any name or case number anymore.
But indeed, I must give them another call (although they said they would get back to me). It might also be the case that they don't get back to me because I'm an international customer, who hasn't bought the Segway from Segway US, but from a dealer in The Netherlands.

When I reported the problems with my Segway I2 to the lady from Segway US, I was very persistent in getting to know what exactly is the meaning of Error E042. And after a lot of pushing from my side, the lady eventaul responded that 'it could be anything'.. That might very well be true, but I'm sure there should be more info about Error E042.

Why doesn't Segway publish a list of all error's ?

[sholloway]

I asked that question and they said right now they want everyone to call in and report the error so they can "track" which errors are happening. If they published the list then many people may not call in and report, or ask about, problems that did not stop the machine for working. It is a way to know more about the frequency of the errors. I believe eventually they were going to put a section on the website where you type in an error code and you get back a meaningful description. The other thing they were working on was translating the descriptions from "meaningful to engineers" to "meaningful to owners". We'll see. Good luck on your next call.

[franswak]

Did you buy your machine from an Official Dealer in Netherland or did you buy your machine from a non official dealer ?

[gbrandwood]

I asked that question and they said right now they want everyone to call in and report the error so they can "track" which errors are happening. If they published the list then many people may not call in and report, or ask about, problems that did not stop the machine for working. It is a way to know more about the frequency of the errors. I believe eventually they were going to put a section on the website where you type in an error code and you get back a meaningful description. The other thing they were working on was translating the descriptions from "meaningful to engineers" to "meaningful to owners". We'll see. Good luck on your next call.Well, I think that is a terrible approach. It would only work if the telephone numbers were answered 24x7, and everyone who answered actually had the information, which, it seems like from this thread, and other threads, is not always the case.

An online system would allow INC to track and record the same information that the phone system could. I.e., if people search for a code, then INC know people are having the problem. It strikes me the online system would be much more effective and allow people to get most of the answers they need ASAP. It would also free up the phone lines for other uses, and save us international customers a lot of bother. It might cost some time and money to setup (not much) but would benefit both customers and dealers to have that info. A worthy investment if you ask me (not that you did!).

[robbie303]

I just received a call from the official dealer where I bought my Segway.
They said that error E042 indeed can be anything ranging from a bad contact to whatever.
Segway US will ship me a new base system. (A Segway without the gearboxes, wheels, batteries, mats and steer)
That would be cool.

Since I'm an electronic engineer, I know how difficult it can be to find the source of an error when the error takes places ramdomly and sparcely.
So, with giving me a new base system, I think that's a very good solution for the both of us.

I'll keep you guys posted on how the base-system swap works out!

[SEGsby]

Glad someone took care of your issue. Please let us know how it goes. :)

SEGsby

...
I'll keep you guys posted on how the base-system swap works out!