Can't find anything about "easy fix"

[hager-spider]

It probably has been posted, but I can't find if there is an easy or cheap fix for the "bad key" error code that I am getting on my 2009 RS. I have tried the remove key and take it at least 50 feet away for a while, and also disconnecting the battery for some time. If I have to, can I take the ignition and dess out, and get the key reprogrammed at a dealer? Since the bike won't start, I can't very well ride it anywhere to have it looked at. Probably going to be a problem, but wondering if anyone has had this error message and has any advice for me. Thanks

[Chupaca]

there has been a lot on the subject but not on the later models such as yours. Do you have more than one key..? have you tried them both..? do you happen to have a non chipped key you are using by mistake..? There were some folks that found button pushing combinations and other methods to get it back to working but if the dess/ignition is failing it will happen again. If you can't find it searching through this site search through google and it will find it for you.....

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

WOW - this issue has only become a problem since 2014 when they changed from the system on your Spyder to what is currently being used now .......If this a DESS module issue ..... This has worked for a temp fix - move the Spyder ( 25 ft if possible ) , remove any other electrical devices that can send a signal to the Spyder , then turn the key on-off 5 times rapidly....... Good luck , BUDS can search the computer log in the Spyder and identify the problem ........ Mike

[hager-spider]

Thanks for the information, I will try the moving the spyder 25 feet trick to see if that works. Also received a private message from the previous owner, and he said he has the spare key, and is going to send it to me. Here is hoping I get lucky!!!

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Thanks for the information, I will try the moving the spyder 25 feet trick to see if that works. Also received a private message from the previous owner, and he said he has the spare key, and is going to send it to me. Here is hoping I get lucky!!!

the 25 ft. move is just in case the area where the Spyder is stopped may have some electrical interference !!!! if it's your garage this may not be the case !!!! ...... Do the KEY on - off thing .............. and taking the key out and moving it 50 ft is a myth , the TRANSPONDER has a signal range of 1 ft. at the most ............. good luck ....Mike

[hager-spider]

Tried the 25 foot trick, with no luck. Will wait on the spare key to get here and see how that goes. Thanks for all of the information everyone!!!

[billybovine]

If you have another key somehow attached to your Spyder key. That can cause your problem.

It is very possible that the transponder chip in the key has gone bad. So getting the spare key will be your fix. That just goes to show for you or anyone else reading this. You always need to have at least 2 working keys. If you don't it could get very expensive.

It is also possible that the DESS antenna wire has become unplugged from the the DESS. Have you done any work in that area recently?

The DESS module may have gone bad. Not really a common problem. Not really that hard to replace.

Highly unlikely but possible the DESS antenna has gone bad. Can be easily tested with an ohm meter. If it has gone bad. The ignition switch needs to be replaced. That gets expensive.

[Bfromla]

The spare should work Get it cloned fast. Also note it has been found, if the key is too cold ,it will not work No need to get a torch out just up room temp.

[hager-spider]

I am rebuilding my spyder, and that may have added to my problem. I will post pictures on the site when I get it finished. I am pretty sure I will have something that nobody has seen yet (on this site, or anywhere). Just in case you are wondering why I am doing this, it is because "I CAN" . I am sure I am not the only one that can't leave anything alone when I get it. Just can't tolerate "normal".

The spare should work Get it cloned fast. Also note it has been found, if the key is too cold ,it will not work No need to get a torch out just up room temp.