Shimano Flightdeck issues... Help!

SteK

I'm setting up my Ultegra 9spd levers with the Flightdeck computer I've been meaning to install for the last 6 months! Now I'm starting to think it should have stayed in the box!

I've got a 12-21 9spd block and as I'm changing through the gears the display misses the 17t (6th) sprocket, so although I'm on the 17t the computer display has jumped 2 shifts and shows I'm on the 18t (7th). Every shift up the block is then one sprocket in-front so when I get to the 21t (9th) the display already thinks I'm there.

All the other functions work fine but I'm a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to setting stuff up so I'd like it to be right - plus it messes with the cadence reading which is a bit annoying.

I had an issue with it thinking it was on the inside chainring all the time but this was remedied with a quick clean of the contact point between the button and the lever. The same tactic doesn't seem to work with this issue though

Has anyone had the same problem? Or got any thoughts on what might be wrong? I've routed through the archives but can't see anything that references this particular niggle. Cups of tea in rural West Yorkshire cafes for anyone with helpful hints!

Stephen

beetle1

Hello Stephen, i just wondered if you had actually set the computer up to correlate with your cassette/chainrings. You have to imput your cassette ratio's and chainring sizes as the computer doesnt recognise them automatically. If you dont have the instructions you can download the pdf from the european Shimano website. I have to admit ive binned mine as i think they are so temperamental but good luck

SteK

Hi, thanks for the reply,

Sorry yeah I should have mentioned that, I've input all the ratios, I spent about 2 hours and 4 cups of coffee working through the manual yesterday!

It's strange really because in my mind the gear display could only really be linked to the click up or down of the lever, so why it skips one I don't know. Again, I could understand if it was randomly skipping one here or there, perhaps put it down to a poor connection in the lever, but the same sprocket each time?

*tears hair out*

Thank you for the advice. I'm wondering if it'll be joining yours in flightdeck heaven soon....

beetle1

Well you could always peel the rubber hoods back and remove the little plastic sensor plate that attaches to the sti unit but i'm not sure it would do anything, sorry i cant be of any help. Mine really did frustrate me and i didnt really rate it anyway.

SteK

I've taken that route a couple of times! Here's what I've tried...

- Hard reset on the computer
- Re-input gear ratios (times 5!)
- Cleaned the contact points (times 2!)
- Shimmed the ribbon connector to ensure tight connection
- Used different 'bike profiles' to ensure there isn't a problem with one

I'm starting to think there's a problem with the lever. Does anyone know what a job it would be to strip it and clean it?! I can imagine it pinging into about 30 pieces and not going back together very well!!

Any other suggestions before I cry myself to sleep?!

ADIHEAD

There is a company that specialises in re-building them and I know most LBS's won't strip them. Sounds like a nightmare but if you're brave then there is an imploded diagram on Shimano's website. Would be interesting to see if it works with a different ratio cassette, do you have access to one?

SteK

I'm not sure I'm feeling that brave! I can imagine losing a spring and having to replace the levers!

Definitely a good shout - I've just tried programming the computer so it thinks it's got a different cassette, as I guess it's only as good as the info it's given (can't actually detect the sizes of the sprockets) and it still has the same problem

I don't have another 9spd cassette to try it for real, although I do have my 8spd winter bike with flightdeck levers on it, so I could give it a go on there tomorrow and see what happens. Suppose it'll diagnose whether there's a lever issue too!

Glad I've only elec-taped the wires in place and don't have to peel off my new white tape!!

redvee

An issue I had with my Flightdeck was cured by cleaning the contact points then putting some shims made from folded paper between the ribbon connector and the plastic tab that is screwed to the levers. Don't think it was a mis-shift on the computer though butr worth a try.

rdt

In line with your last post.... Do you know anyone else with a Flight Deck? Trying someone else's comp on your bike or your comp on their bike should determine whether it's a comp/programming or sensor/lever problem.

SteK

Oh well, I plugged it into my winter bikes Sora shifters and it did the same thing. I've spent 3 days tinkering about with it now and I have other pressing issues - like sleeping, eating, showering, etc - that I've been neglecting! :shock:

Thank you for the pointers guys, all much appreciated. My local Shimano service centre said they could look at it but didn't sound overly confident and said they might need my bike for days on end, so the bars are now taped and the FlightDeck is back in the box in the cupboard!

As for those cups of tea, all hints have been deemed more than worthy - so if you find yourself around Leeds drop me a PM and I'll see you at the cafe.

Thanks again,

Stephen