Shimano STEPS error W240: Drive Unit Abnormality Detected
The display shows W240 when the drive unit itself reports an internal abnormality that the system cannot correct on its own. Motor assistance is cut off while the warning stays active, so the bike effectively rolls as an unassisted bicycle until the fault clears. Speed and cadence readings fed from the drive unit may also drop to zero during the warning.
| Drive system | Shimano STEPS (E5000, E6100, E7000, E8000, EP6, EP801) |
| Severity | Warning |
| Keep riding? | Ride with caution |
| Typical cost | Dealer diagnostic fees run about €30 to €60, in-warranty drive unit replacement is covered, and out-of-warranty drive unit replacements typically land between €400 and €900 depending on the STEPS model fitted. |
Likely causes
- Loose or corroded connector between the drive unit, battery, or display harness
- Moisture or water ingress inside the motor housing or its connectors
- Internal hall sensor or torque sensor failure inside the drive unit
- Firmware mismatch after a recent component or display update
- Motor overheating after prolonged heavy load or steep climbing
- Impact damage to the motor casing or motor cable from a crash
How to fix Shimano STEPS error W240
- Switch the system off using the battery power button, wait ten seconds, then power it on again.
- Confirm the battery is fully seated on the mount and shows a healthy state of charge.
- Inspect the motor cable and connectors at the down tube for dirt, corrosion, or a loose fit, and reseat or clean if needed.
- Check for available firmware updates via the Shimano E-Tube app or ask the dealer to run E-Tube Project on the bike.
- Let the bike cool down for 20 to 30 minutes if it was climbing or hauling a load just before the warning appeared.
- If W240 returns after a clean restart, stop using assist and contact the place of purchase for an authorised diagnostic.
Warranty: An internal drive unit fault within the typical two-year Shimano warranty is normally treated as a genuine component failure and replaced at no cost, while water ingress, crash damage, and worn consumables are excluded.
Typical cost: Dealer diagnostic fees run about €30 to €60, in-warranty drive unit replacement is covered, and out-of-warranty drive unit replacements typically land between €400 and €900 depending on the STEPS model fitted.
Frequently asked
Can I reset shimano error W240?
Yes. Press and hold the battery power button until the system fully shuts down, wait about ten seconds, then press it again to power the system on. If W240 reappears immediately, the fault is persistent and the dealer needs to run an E-Tube diagnostic.
Is it safe to keep riding with this code?
Motor assistance will be cut off, so the bike can be ridden home unassisted using leg power. Avoid steep climbs and heavy loads until the drive unit is checked, because the cutout can re-engage without warning under load.
What does the repair usually cost or is it covered under warranty?
Under the two-year Shimano warranty an internal drive unit fault is normally replaced at no cost apart from any dealer labour fee. Out of warranty, expect €400 to €900 for the drive unit plus one to two hours of labour at €50 to €80 per hour.
Related Shimano STEPS codes
Manuals and video
Official source: si.shimano.com
Not an official Shimano STEPS document. Compiled from workshop experience and public service information; details can differ per system version and bike brand.