SHIMANO STEPS error and warning codes · SHIMANO STEPS

W256 Error on SHIMANO STEPS

What it means + how to fix it From the brand

Quick answer

W256 on the SHIMANO STEPS (EP8, EP6, E8000, E7000, E6100, E5000 and others) means “The power was turned OFF due to the temperature exceeding the guaranteed operating range..” Most likely cause: a battery that's too hot or too cold, or a battery fault. Try this first: bring the battery to room temperature.

Try this first

Free, and each takes under 5 minutes.

Bring the battery to room temperature
Turn it off and on again
Reseat the battery

Code meanings vary by brand. The same number can mean different things on different displays and controllers. Check your bike's manual to confirm.

About the SHIMANO STEPS (EP8, EP6, E8000, E7000, E6100, E5000 and others)

From Shimano's official Error & Warning Code page on si.shimano.com, checked October 23, 2026. It is one list for all SHIMANO STEPS systems, not split by model. source
Shimano's EP801 / EP600 manual and its special battery and parts manual send riders to this page for error codes. source
The SC-E6100 cycle computer manual also points to this list. An "E" code shown on the entire screen means the product may have malfunctioned. A "W" code means it may have a temporary problem. source
Shimano also lists 5-digit codes (like E01010 or W10000), but says they are only used in E-TUBE PROJECT Professional, the dealer software. They don't show on the bike, so they are not listed here. source
Codes can differ between E-TUBE PROJECT Professional and your cycle computer or app. Older displays may show only some of these codes. source

In plain English

The battery's temperature reading is out of range or faulty. Let the battery reach room temperature first. If the code stays, the battery needs a shop check.

Step-by-step checklist

Work from the top. Steps go from free and easy to shop jobs. Switch the bike off before touching any connector. Tick each step as you go. Your progress is saved on this device.

1Bring the battery to room temperatureFree If the bike has been in hot sun or freezing cold, bring the battery indoors to a cool, safe spot for an hour, then try again. Don't charge a hot battery.
2Turn it off and on againFree Switch the display off, wait 30 seconds, then switch it back on. If the code clears, note what you were doing when it appeared, in case it comes back.
3Reseat the batteryFree Switch off and slide or lift the battery out of its mount. Wipe any dirt off the metal contacts on the battery and the mount, then put it back until it clicks and locks.
4Have the battery testedShop job A shop can test the battery and its protection circuit and tell you if it needs replacing. Never open the battery pack yourself.

Parts you might need

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Only buy a part if the free steps didn't fix it. Always match the voltage and connector type to your bike.

Replacement e-bike battery
Only if a shop confirms your battery is worn out or faulty. Must match voltage, mount and connector.
Match your bike's model first. Ask a shop if unsure.

Still not fixed?

Pages to try next:

When it's time for a shop: if you've worked through every step and the problem is still there, take the bike to an e-bike shop. Bring your notes on when it happens, plus the code.