Update firmware on a Shimano STEPS system with an SC-E5000 or SC-E5003 display
With an SC-E5003 you update from E-TUBE Project on your phone. With an SC-E5000 (no Bluetooth) firmware updates are dealer work over the wired SM-PCE02 interface.
Step by step
- Charge the battery above 50 %.
- SC-E5003: connect in E-TUBE Project, open [Firmware update], run the updates for every unit that shows a newer version. Keep the phone close; a drive-unit update takes 5-15 minutes.
- Switch the bike off and on afterwards and re-check units, language and clock.
- SC-E5000: book a dealer visit. They update all units over the cable in about 20 minutes.
Tip: Error E051 after an update means one unit is on a mismatched version. Re-run the update for the remaining units.
Can't find it?
App says 'update at dealer' for a unit: some components can only be flashed over the wired connection regardless of display.
Frequently asked
Do I need firmware updates at all?
Only if you have a specific problem (error codes, assist behaviour) or the app insists. A working bike does not need updating for its own sake.
Does an update change the speed limit?
No.
Update failed and the display is blank.
Switch off, wait, switch on and retry. If it stays blank, a dealer can recover it by cable.
Manuals and video
Videos found on YouTube and checked automatically; they are other people's work, not ours.
- Shimano Firmware Updates Really Are So Simple! Electric Mountain Bike Network
- Unlock your Shimano EP801 e-bike’s full potential with the Race firmware update. Turn it up to 11! Mountain Bike Rider
Other Shimano STEPS SC-E5000 / SC-E5003 guides
Shimano SC-E5000: switch mph to km/hShimano SC-E5000: change display languageShimano SC-E5000: reset trip distanceShimano SC-E5000: wheel size (dealer / E-TUBE only)Shimano SC-E5000 / E5003: connect to E-TUBEShimano SC-E5000: walk assistShimano SC-E5000: lights on/off
Still stuck? Take a photo of the display and show it to a local e-bike workshop. Bring the bike's system name (e.g. Bosch Performance Line CX) and the exact code; that saves diagnostic time and money.