Green, Transportation

How to Reset E-Bike Battery BMS in 6 Easy Steps

Olivia Bolt
·
May 18, 2023
Revive your e-Bike’s performance with a BMS and get back to smooth, consistent rides.
Power up your e-bike’s performance with a well-functioning battery management
system (BMS). In this guide, we will not only explain what a BMS does but also show
you how to reset an eBike battery BMS to ensure optimal performance and longer
battery life. So, gear up and join us to know how BMS works in eBike batteries.
Do E-Bike Batteries Have BMS?
To know how to reset e-Bike battery BMS, the first thing to know is whether e-Bike
batteries have BMS or not.
Yes, e-Bike batteries typically have a Battery Management System (BMS) integrated
into their design. The primary purpose of the Battery Management System (BMS) is
to ensure consistent and uniform performance of each battery cell within the
battery pack. Instead of allowing individual variations in cell behavior, the BMS works to
maintain a balanced and harmonized operation across all cells. This uniformity is crucial
for achieving a consistent and reliable performance of the e-Bike’s motor.

Additionally, the BMS plays a vital role in prolonging the battery’s lifespan. Without a
functioning BMS, individual cells can be subjected to overcharging, which may lead to
hazardous situations such as explosions. Conversely, cells can also be drained
excessively, rendering them unable to recharge and accelerating their overall
deterioration. If an eBike battery fails prematurely or exhibits poor performance, a faulty
BMS is often the underlying cause. In fact, a malfunctioning BMS is one of the most
common reasons for decreased performance and failures in eBike batteries.

How to Reset E-Bike Battery BMS

E-Bike battery BMS can be reset internally as well as externally. Let us first see how to
reset the eBike battery BMS externally.

Step 1: Get the Tools

Gather the necessary tools and equipment, including a voltmeter or multimeter, wire
cutters, soldering iron, and safety gloves.
Step 2: Procure Materials
Now, collect the required materials such as electrical tape, red and black electrical wire,
and a DC Barrel Jack Receptacle.
Step 3: Create an Adaptor
After finding the above-mentioned materials, construct an adapter by soldering the red
wire to the positive terminal (+) and the black wire to the negative terminal (-) of the DC
receptacle.
Step 4: Plug Battery Charger into Adapter
It is of utmost importance to ensure the wires of the adapter are not touching and verify
the correct connections using a voltmeter. The red wire should be connected to the red
pin and the black wire to the black pin, resulting in a positive reading on the voltmeter.
The wires may be connected to the wrong terminals if the reading is negative.
Step 5: Insert Wires of Adapter into Correct Terminals
After this, you need to connect the adapter wires to the appropriate terminals on the
discharge port. The red wire should be attached to the positive terminal, and the black
wire to the negative terminal.

Step 6: Reset the BMS

Finally, initiate the BMS reset by plugging the battery charger into the adapter. Once the
charger’s red light indicates that the battery is charging, hold the wires in place for at
least 15 seconds to ensure a successful BMS reset.
Also Read: Can E-Bike Fat Tires be Offset by a Fat Battery?
The internal process of resetting an eBike battery BMS goes as follows.
Step 1: Open the Battery Enclosure
To begin, utilize your screwdrivers to remove the screws securing the top cap of the
battery. This will grant you access to the internal components, including the BMS,
battery cells, and connecting wires.

Step 2: Partially Extract the BMS Chip

The BMS and battery cells are situated deep within the battery case. To facilitate your
work, carefully slide them out partially, exposing the BMS for closer inspection. Take
care not to forcefully tug on any wires or cells, as a gentle movement should be
sufficient.
Step 3: Resetting the BMS
Direct your attention to the BMS, which is connected to several wires in the form of a
harness. Follow these steps:
 Disconnect the wire harness from the BMS.
 Ensure that your charger is powered on and then plug it into the battery.
 Reattach the wire harness to the BMS.
 Safely reseal all components within the battery case, just as they were before.
Finally, test the battery’s functionality to verify if it has been reset successfully. Confirm
that it can charge and discharge by connecting it to the charger and returning it to the e-
bike.
Also See: How to Reduce Electric Bike Fire Risk?
How Does BMS Work in EBike Battery?

After being acquainted with how to reset the eBike battery BMS, now let us see the
working of BMS in the eBike battery.
Battery Management Systems (BMS) are electronic control circuits designed to
monitor and regulate the charging and discharging processes of batteries. They
are responsible for overseeing various battery parameters, such as battery type
identification, voltage levels, temperature, capacity, state of charge, power
consumption, remaining operating time, charging cycles, and other relevant
characteristics. The BMS continuously observes and manages these aspects to ensure
optimal battery performance and safety.

This is an overview of how a BMS works –

The Battery Management System (BMS) fulfills three primary functions –
1. Protection
The BMS safeguards the battery pack by preventing overcharging (excessive cell
voltages) and over-discharging (low cell voltages). It achieves this by continuously
monitoring each cell within the battery pack and determining safe current levels for
charging and discharging. The calculated current limits are then communicated to the
battery charger (as the source) and the load devices (such as motor controllers or
power inverters) to ensure they operate within these safe limits.
2. State of Charge (SOC) Calculation
It determines the State of Charge, which represents the amount of energy remaining
in the battery. It tracks the energy flow in and out of the battery pack and monitors cell
voltages to estimate the remaining battery power. This SOC value serves as a fuel
gauge, providing an indication of the remaining capacity within the battery pack.

3. Health and Safety Monitoring

The BMS continuously monitors the health and safety of the battery pack. It actively
detects and addresses potential issues such as shorts, loose connections, wire
insulation breakdowns, and weak or defective battery cells. By identifying these
anomalies, the BMS ensures the overall safety and reliability of the battery pack. If any
issues are detected, appropriate actions can be taken, such as replacing faulty cells or
addressing wiring problems.

These functions collectively contribute to extending the battery pack’s lifespan,

accurately assessing its remaining capacity, and maintaining its optimal performance
and safety levels.
In addition to the primary functions, the BMS also performs secondary functions –
1. Cell Balancing
The BMS actively balances the cells within the battery pack by redistributing excess
energy from cells that are overcharged to those with lower charge levels. This balancing
process ensures that all cells operate at similar voltage levels, maximizing the usable
energy capacity of the battery pack and preventing the weakest cell from limiting overall
performance.

2. Temperature Monitoring and Control

It monitors the temperature of the battery pack and employs temperature regulation
mechanisms. It may control a battery fan to maintain optimal operating temperatures.
Constant monitoring of the fan’s output ensures its proper functionality and efficient
cooling of the battery pack.
Also Read: Tearing Down Misconceptions: Most Common Electric Vehicle Tire Myths
Busted
3. Communication and Data Sharing
It provides real-time information and data to other devices, including motor
controllers, chargers, displays, and data loggers. It accomplishes this through various
communication methods such as CANBUS, and digital outputs. This allows for
seamless integration and exchange of critical information between the BMS and other
components or systems.

4. Error Codes and Diagnostic Information

The BMS stores error codes and comprehensive diagnostic information related to
the battery pack. This data serves as a valuable resource for troubleshooting and
resolving any issues that may arise with the battery pack.
These secondary functions of the BMS contribute to cell balancing, temperature
regulation, data communication, and diagnostic capabilities, further enhancing the
overall performance, reliability, and safety of the battery pack.
Now that you know do eBike batteries have BMS and how to reset eBike battery BMS,
you can take charge of your battery’s performance and ensure that it operates properly.
Remember to always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and safety precautions when
handling your eBike battery. With a properly functioning BMS, you can enjoy a
smoother, more efficient ride on your e-bike for many miles to come.