Shimano STEPS and EP8, EP6, EP5 troubleshooting and error codes

This page is for riders of any bike brand that uses a Shimano drive: SHIMANO STEPS (E5000, E6100, E7000, E8000) and the newer SHIMANO E-BIKE SYSTEMS drives such as EP8 (EP800 and EP801), EP6 (EP600) and EP5 (EP500). It covers safe checks, Shimano's warning and error codes, the E-TUBE PROJECT app and when a dealer is needed. For the bigger picture see our systems overview.

Before you start

• Find your drive unit and display model. They are printed on the parts and listed in your bike's paperwork. Shimano publishes user's manuals, such as the EP8, EP6 and EP5 user's manual and the E8000 user's manual.
• Install E-TUBE PROJECT Cyclist on your phone. It needs a Shimano ID and a bike with a Bluetooth LE wireless unit, and it shows an error code with its likely cause and a fix (E-TUBE PROJECT Cyclist).
• Switch off and remove the battery before checking contacts or cleaning.

Common problems and what to check

Won't turn on or the display is blank

• Charge the battery. A brand new battery can ship in a deep sleep state. Shimano says charging it, powering on the display or connecting E-TUBE PROJECT wakes it (Shimano E-BIKE FAQ).
• If the display shows nothing after fitting, clean the bracket and terminal contacts.
• After time in the cold, Shimano's E8000 manual suggests turning the system on with the battery's power button.
• A low built-in battery can stop the bike starting. Ride with the main battery fitted or charge it (E-TUBE PROJECT Cyclist FAQ).
• More steps: e-bike won't turn on and display blank or flickering.

Battery won't charge

• Unplug and replug the charger, check the charging adapter is secure, and wipe the terminals clean.
• A charger LED that goes off can simply mean the battery is full.
• If the battery or charger is too hot to touch, stop charging and let it cool. If it is deformed or stays hot, take it to a dealer.
• For storage, Shimano suggests removing the battery and keeping it at about 70 percent charge somewhere cool, dry and indoors (FAQ above).
• See battery won't charge and e-bike battery care.

No assist, or assist drops out

• Remove the battery from its mount and refit it after a few seconds.
• Check the assist mode is not set to OFF and that you are pedaling. Assist fades out near 25 km/h (20 mph in some regions), which is normal.
• If you just changed settings in the app, disconnect it. Shimano says leaving the bike connected can stop assist or shifting from working.
• W013 means torque sensor setup did not finish. Turn the power off, then on again with your feet off the pedals.
• W010 means the drive unit is hot. Stop using assist until it cools.
• W967 in E-TUBE RIDE means the E-BIKE system lock is on. Disengage it.
• More steps: motor cuts out and no pedal assist.

Beeps, lights and wrong speed readings

• Three short beeps mean a warning or error. Two short beeps mean a wrong switch or a blocked operation.
• A wrench icon means maintenance is due. Book a dealer service.
• If speed or distance looks wrong, check tire pressure and the display settings in E-TUBE PROJECT Cyclist. W011 can mean the speed sensor magnet has moved or come off.

Noises

• A little crank or chainring play is normal, Shimano says. A new sound after shifting, or a bottom bracket that has moved, needs a dealer. See e-bike noises.

Error codes

Shimano splits codes into two kinds. A W code is a warning that may clear on its own. An E code is an error: turn the power off or remove the battery, turn it back on, and if it stays, contact your shop (SC-E7000 manual). Use E-TUBE PROJECT Cyclist or Shimano's online error lookup for the current list, since codes differ by drive unit and display. These come from the E8000 user's manual unless noted.

• W010: drive unit hotter than normal.
• W011: speed cannot be detected.
• W013: torque sensor setup did not complete.
• W020: battery outside its temperature range.
• W032: an electronic derailleur is fitted where a mechanical one is expected.
• E010: system error. Power cycle with the battery button.
• E013: drive unit firmware problem. See a dealer.
• E014: speed sensor may be in the wrong position. See a dealer.
• E020: battery to drive unit communication error. Check that cable is connected.
• W967: system lock is on (FAQ).
• E295 and E299: tampering detected, then Safe Mode, which only Shimano or an authorized distributor can clear (EP8, EP6 and EP5 manual).

See also our error codes page.

Official help

• Shimano E-BIKE systems FAQ
• E-TUBE PROJECT Cyclist FAQ: connection, error and firmware help.
• EP801, EP600 and EP500 dealer's manual: for shops, but useful to see what is dealer work.

Videos

When to get a pro

• Any E code that returns after a power cycle, or a W code that will not clear.
• Firmware that will not update over Bluetooth on some units. Shimano says certain parts need E-TUBE PROJECT Professional and a PC link device, which shops have.
• Frame mounting bolts, bottom bracket movement, shifting unit adjustment and battery mount problems.
• Safe Mode after tampering.

Sources

• Shimano E-BIKE FAQ, bike.shimano.com
• E-TUBE PROJECT Cyclist, bike.shimano.com
• E-TUBE PROJECT Cyclist FAQ, bike.shimano.com
• E8000 user's manual, si.shimano.com
• EP8, EP6 and EP5 user's manual, si.shimano.com
• SC-E7000 manual, si.shimano.com
• EP801, EP600 and EP500 dealer's manual, si.shimano.com
• E-TUBE PROJECT App from version 4.0: SHIMANO, youtube.com
• Shimano Steps eMTB Firmware Update: E-TUBE Project, iOS & Android App, youtube.com

Stuck after these checks? Find a shop near you.