Specialized Turbo troubleshooting: Levo, Vado, Como and Creo

This page is for Specialized Turbo e-bikes, such as the Turbo Levo, Kenevo, Vado, Como and Creo. These bikes use a Specialized motor and battery with a Turbo Connect Unit (TCU), a MasterMind display or a TCD-w control, and they connect to Specialized's apps (the Mission Control app and the Specialized app). See also our systems overview.

Before you start

• Know your control. The TCU turns the system on and off, changes assist mode and shows charge on ten LEDs, and it runs on a coin cell (Specialized Turbo system page). Other Turbo bikes use a MasterMind display or a TCD-w control.
• Find your serial number. Your retailer will ask for it. Specialized says it is in the app under Bike Status, then More Info, or on the underside of the bottom bracket (Specialized Bike Status help).
• Get your manual. Specialized points riders to the Turbo bike manuals for general advice on display messages (Specialized MasterMind messages).

Common problems and what to check

An error shows on the display

• Start with a restart: switch the bike off and on again and see if the message clears (Specialized diagnostics guide).
• Specialized splits messages into two kinds. A component error may point to a faulty part, but not always. A "not found" or "no" message usually means a lost connection, often from a loose or damaged connector or cable (Specialized MasterMind messages).
• If the same message comes back after a restart, take the bike to an Authorized Specialized Retailer.
• On a TCU bike, see the code list below. See also e-bike error codes.

Motor error, or assist is erratic

• A faulty speed sensor setup triggers a motor error, and Specialized notes that even a missing spoke magnet can do it (Specialized diagnostics guide, MasterMind messages).
• Check the magnet is still on the wheel and lined up with the sensor. See align speed sensor magnet.
• More steps: motor cuts out and no pedal assist.

The bike switched itself off

• The Turbo system shuts down after 15 minutes with no rider input (Specialized Turbo system page). Switch it back on.
• If it won't come back, see e-bike won't turn on.

Range Extender error

• Make sure the Range Extender plug is pushed fully into the charge port and locked, and check the plug for water (Specialized TCU messages).
• If the error stays, see your retailer.

Range has dropped

• Specialized's battery warranty covers at least 75% capacity after 300 charge cycles or two years, whichever comes first (Specialized Bike Status help). If your battery seems far below that, ask your retailer to check it.
• See battery drains fast and e-bike battery care.

Using the app to diagnose

Specialized's Bike Status screen shows whether the system is Healthy, has an Update Available or has an Event Detected, with a red dot on the Bikes screen when something needs a look (Specialized Bike Status help).

1. Tap Event Detected to open the Event Log. Each entry shows the part (battery, display or motor), a severity, a date and an error code.
2. Follow the steps listed for the event. Specialized says powering the bike off and on clears many errors.
3. Read the severity. Notices are for information. Warnings mean you can still ride, though performance may be affected. Permanent Failures usually need a retailer.
4. On bikes with a MasterMind display, TCU or TCD-w, you can upload an Advanced Diagnostic. Keep the bike on, the phone close and the internet connected. It takes about 30 seconds. Then contact your retailer with the serial number.

Error codes

On the TCU, error codes work like a check engine light and don't give detail. Specialized lists these (Specialized Turbo system page, TCU messages):

• 1: battery error
• 2: battery not found
• 3: motor error
• 4: motor not found
• 5: battery and motor error. Contact your retailer.
• 6: TCU coin cell low. Replace the CR1620 coin cell in the TCU.

For codes 1 to 4, restart the system, and if the same code returns, take the bike to a retailer. MasterMind and TCD-w messages differ, so use the app's Event Log for those.

Firmware and updates

The app tells you when a part's firmware is out of date while you are connected to the bike. Specialized says updates are done by a retailer (Specialized Bike Status help). The TCU bike's micro USB port is for authorized retailers and service centers only (Turbo system page).

Official help

• Specialized app: Bike Status
• Turbo system overview, TCU codes
• Specialized's older help pages for TCU messages and MasterMind messages are no longer maintained but still load.

Videos

When to get a pro

• Any message that returns after a restart, a Permanent Failure, or code 5.
• Firmware updates, which retailers perform.
• Damaged connectors or cables, and anything inside the motor or battery.

Sources

• Bike Status, Specialized app support
• Turbo system, Turbo Kenevo support, Specialized
• TCU error messages, Specialized
• MasterMind TCD error messages, Specialized
• Turbo bikes diagnostics guide, Specialized

Stuck after these checks? Find a shop near you.