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CB Trouble AGAIN -- VENT and Dealer BLACK EYE
Well @#$%^&*()_ .... the CB has GONE SOUTH AGAIN! Recall that this is the THIRD CB installed in this unit (one at purchase and two as warranty claims). On the last warranty, BRP replaced the following:
CB
Radio
Entertainment harness (all of it, front and back components)
Installed the J&M Antenna that I had already purchased (they still owe me for that; were supposed to reimburse).
All this was done with the agreement that I disconnect ALL the LEDs (mirror, HMT, and rear run / brake / turn -- I agreed and left instructions with the tech on how to properly disconnect them (pull the power bridges) -- he did this on the mirror LEDs, but not on the rear (so the HMT was still working when we picked the bike up and I pointed this out).
Now, I think we need some background on what this dealer has "done" (rather damaged on this bike) -- then you will understand why I am so ANGRY and need to VENT (I will name the dealer at the end of this post):
- First the glove box lid was scratched when the GPS was upgraded (at my request) to a Zumo 590 -- replaced under warranty
- Then the left handle bar control module went south (PTT wasn't working well, turn signal sticking) -- replaced under warranty.
- It was somewhere in this timeframe that the third CB was also installed and all but one of the LEDs unhooked (although, not properly). CB worked better than it EVER had BUT upon returning home could not open the seat to gas up. Back to the dealer, and they called about an hour later to say the latch was bent (replaced with one off the floor). Pick up bike the following morning, can't open the seat .... ummm, well, yes you can but you have to turn the key the WRONG way and I could no longer lock the steering.
- Okay, so a new key switch is ordered and I "live" with the swapped cables for a week or so (as well as not being able to lock the handle bars). Key switch and new keys (under warranty) and we are good to go.
- Realize, shortly after, that my ACS is not functioning (heated grips and horn are also toast... same fuse) -- blown compressor. Waited nearly two weeks for parts and replacement; only to be told that the fuse still blew after the compressor was replaced. Pinched wire in the heated grip circuit. Hmmm ... when did THAT happen? Oh ... that's right, the key switch was replaced (probably then).
So, now we come to the current dilemma .... CB can transmit, but cannot receive without EXTREME static. Unfortunately, I did not realize this was an issue until starting (slowly) to hook SOME of the LEDs back up. They are now ALL unplugged and still, I am saying to myself, this is a grounding issue. So this past weekend, we took ALL the Tupperware off the bike from the mirrors back and gained access to the "battery cover" under the seat. See photo below .... does that look like a properly installed ground to you? Not to me ... but, even with it hooked back up ... the CB is STILL almost pure static on receive (transmit is clear). Note that the entire rear cargo module must be removed in order to replace the compressor and, with the loose ground, I am wondering what else was not reinstalled properly (another pinched wire, but this time in the entertainment harness, perhaps?).
Here is what has me REALLY ANGRY! I took the photo below and sent it to the dealer that replaced the compressor -- first response; you hooked the LEDs back up, it's your fault. Then today he accused me of unhooking the ground ... WTF .. .are you serious!? I rather NOT calmly asked that he submit another claim to BRP and send the photo -- I am not sure he will and even if he does, I am sure he will pass along the lie that I unhooked the ground.
So ... here's the photo .....
I am beyond ANGRY, I am LIVID -- even if BRP approves yet another warranty claim on the CB (diagnosis, whatever); I am not sure I want C&S Fun Center in Henrietta Texas to touch this bike EVER again! My husband thinks I have an electrical lemon ... he may have a point.
Needed to vent and rant a bit ... do I feel better now? ... no, not really. The dealer that installed my tire cannot help (much) because they did not do the initial warranty repair. He did suggest I contact BRP directly ... though I know from posts here that they will just refer me back to the dealer. His other suggestion was BRPCare .... I think I will do that following this post (so be forewarned BRPCare, incoming ... I will try to be professional and simply state facts in my note to you, without emotion .... I feel I can vent here, not in any correspondence with you).
All the best ... thanks for listening ... constructive suggestions appreciated .... Ann
UPDATE -- Compressor / Heated / Grips Circuit Test
Just a quick update .... I pulled the fuse on the subject circuit (item 2 in my previous post) and then ran the squelch to the point where I am getting a constant RX condition (bike is NOT running at this point). The quality of the noise is still odd ... not just a hiss as before, more like a purr ... so that didn't change.
What I did next is keep the RX condition and reach behind me ... tapping on and moving the antenna. This resulted in all kinds of snapping and popping. I know very little about CBs so I am not sure what this indicates .... but, it seems that the reason I can't receive worth beans while moving is probably connected to antenna movement (it was not there before the compressor was replaced). I have reported the above to BRP and asked them to update the case.
So, all those the DO know something about CBs .... what does the snapping and popping when the antenna is "disturbed" mean?
Thank you for your response ..... all the best .... Ann
UPDATE -- Back to the Dealer that Left the Ground Loose
Sigh ..... the "former regional rep" and "BRP technician" is not familiar with the other two dealerships in close proximity. So, BRP has asked that I take the bike back to C&S Fun Center for evaluation with the BRP tech working closely with their tech. :banghead::banghead: I am not sure if he will be "on site" ... but I hope so as this really needs a fresh pair of eyes. For this machine to essentially "eat" 3 CBs speaks to something wrong buried deep within -- of course BRP will continue to blame the LEDs (they are disconnected, power bridges removed... did that today in advance of the next eval). And, since I am more convinced than ever (based on posts here and private messages), that this is a grounding issue or an impinged wire, I have to hope that new eyes (or at least new guidance) will identify and fix the problem for good.
Pretty well soured on the dealer, and just about soured on the bike ... but not the brand. I won't be surprised to see a 2017 (or perhaps 2018) model in the garage instead of this POS. I may even try out an F3 Limited, if I can get a good test drive somewhere. Of course, if I don't stay with the RT ... I may have some dynamite deals on some of the addons (7Jurock windshield, Magic Mirrors, Flag poles, and a few other things). If I trade this one in, I will simply swap some things as part of the deal (windshield and my brand new tire, for example -- I will move the Magic Mirrors myself).
Which brings to question .... has anyone put a non-BRP CB on a Spyder (either RT or F3)? If so, I am interested in details.
We shall see ... bike goes back on Wednesday morning .... for who knows how long. Wish me luck ..... Ann
Switching to Sena or Scala
Quote:
Originally Posted by
SpyderAnn01
I have heard nothing but bad things about the BRP CB. I think I would ask them to refund the cost of the system and the helmet and I'd switch to a Sena or Scala system.
Nice idea, except hubby has a CB on his Indian and our Legion Riders group also uses CBs ..... I am looking at possibly being able to use Bluetooth technology to integrate a non-BRP CB into the mix. I know J&M has a Bluetooth interface module with it's own connector (this is what hubby uses on his Indian). And it all runs through the radio .... sort of like the BRP entertainment harness ties everything together. He has lost the ability to "digitally" change the volume in his headset ... but the thumbwheel is easy to use and it is right on top of the CB. The downside is that the interface is NOT waterproof so it has to be installed in a protected area.
Thanks for the suggestion .... the CB on my 2012 was flawless .... clearly, has not been on the 2016 .... Ann