D.P.S. fuses pulled

[TexasTripod]

Anyone out there riding with both D.P.S. fuses pulled?? My steering needs a slight tug to the left to correct when the Spyder drifts right. I pulled both fuses and other than a little extra effort it seemed fine. Got a ride coming up this weekend that I dont want to miss. Probably wont be able to get to the shop (100 Mi. rond trip ) before then. Any input is appreciated.

[Way2Fast]

I have both fuses pulled. Granted, I didn't do much riding since pulling them, but I haven't experienced any problems with the steering since removing them. Actually I would like to remove the entire DPS assembly to be sure that I'll never have any more problems.

[bone crusher]

I have both fuses pulled. Granted, I didn't do much riding since pulling them, but I haven't experienced any problems with the steering since removing them. Actually I would like to remove the entire DPS assembly to be sure that I'll never have any more problems.

Interesting approach...take away the power steering completely...are the handlebars really 'that' hard to move if they are not power assisted? Cars used to not have power steering and people were able to use them without a problem...the bike must certainly be easier, you'd think...

This would fix the problem or any potential problem. I'm trying to figure out how there could be a DPS problem in the first place...if they followed models that have worked for a few decades now, there shouldn't be an issue...

[Firefly]

I've ridden both ways---- and it's MUCH nicer with the power steering running.

I also believe that if you have had the various updates and pull the fuses it will go into limp mode. I think some have reported that out here.

Once you're up to 35 or so you really don't notice it--- but on slower turns--- it's a BIG difference.

[Way2Fast]

For years I operated 4WD emergency vehicles off road on the Fire Island beach, often in soft sand. They didn't have power steering. Talk about being hard to steer. Turning the wheel would practically lift your butt off the seat ! Maybe that's why I don't consider the tiny Spyder difficult to steer without DPS. Hey...why spend $ on a gym membership when you can get the exercise for free

[woodz428]

Interesting approach...take away the power steering completely...are the handlebars really 'that' hard to move if they are not power assisted? Cars used to not have power steering and people were able to use them without a problem...the bike must certainly be easier, you'd think...

This would fix the problem or any potential problem. I'm trying to figure out how there could be a DPS problem in the first place...if they followed models that have worked for a few decades now, there shouldn't be an issue...

I plan on completely removing mine. Might need to put some resistance in the system to stop and fault codes from appearing. I haven't fully digested the service manual, but there appears to be a small motor assembly that likely will create some drag. That will go. I have ridden hacks on and off for the last 40 years and find it a little hard to believe that the Spyder would steer any harder than that. It'll probably steer easier, especially with the power motor removed.

[RShrimp]

I plan on completely removing mine. Might need to put some resistance in the system to stop and fault codes from appearing. I haven't fully digested the service manual, but there appears to be a small motor assembly that likely will create some drag. That will go. I have ridden hacks on and off for the last 40 years and find it a little hard to believe that the Spyder would steer any harder than that. It'll probably steer easier, especially with the power motor removed.

That was my thought as well. I was thinking of grabbing the rack from a 4 wheeler and installing in place of DPS. Some Polaris w wheelers have rack and pinion.

[TexasTripod]

Thanks guys appreciate all the info. I have not had any of the updates and have only ridden a couple of miles but it didnt go into limp mode or scroll any messages. Im going to pump up the tire pressure in the front tires and give it another try when the rain stops.

[NancysToy]

Wish it were that simple, but I think you'll find that the DPS is siamesed right in with the stability and traction control systems.....Doubt if removing it would work with the factory ECM still installed....

[Spydr in KS]

I thought there was a post where someone had steering problems, stopped and pulled the fuse, and the problems continued even with the fuse removed.

[Wheelz]

I've had both updates but still no go. I pulled my fuse to get home..didn't get the error messages anymore but the DPS does help from wearing you out. If you're highway driving and going point a to point b..then no prob..but if you are going to be in the twisties w/out DPS....you WILL be worn out by the time you take your 6th turn. You will have to use ALOT more body language to turn it and more concentration.

It looks like my dealer might be throwing parts at it again..another DPS..it's second. I can re-generate my error consistantly by breaking hard into a turn and gassing hard coming out...its drops the error all the time. "ABS failure, Check VSS, Check DPS, Limp Home Mode". I can also generate the error by turning the wheels slightly, in gear, brakes on and gently roll the throttle until the error shows. It doesn't take much.

I think its worse now AFTER the patches.

[TexasTripod]

I thought there was a post where someone had steering problems, stopped and pulled the fuse, and the problems continued even with the fuse removed.

I dont think that this person had both fuses pulled.

[sabunim5]

I thought there was a post where someone had steering problems, stopped and pulled the fuse, and the problems continued even with the fuse removed.

That was me. I only pulled the front fuse. Forgot about the rear. The steering resistance persisted, but was less. My Spyder is working fine now that BRP replaced the DPS unit. Someone posted that if you have had both updates (which I have) your Spyder won't run with both DPS fuses pulled. I'm not sure who that was.

[ataDude]

I thought there was a post where someone had steering problems, stopped and pulled the fuse, and the problems continued even with the fuse removed.

I was another... but it was only the front fuse that got pulled... and prior to the summer software updates.

.

.

[Way2Fast]

If the updates were not done, pulling both fuses doesn't give any error messages. After the updates are installed I believe a check DPS message will come on, but the bike won't go into limp mode. Will the fuse removal make the bike safer to operate.....?? I wish I knew for sure.

[RoadHammer]

I heard the same thing, pulling both fuses after latest updates will only give you a scrolling message with NO LIMP MODE.

Fuses out = no power steering which should = no power steering problem.

If the updates were not done, pulling both fuses doesn't give any error messages. After the updates are installed I believe a check DPS message will come on, but the bike won't go into limp mode. Will the fuse removal make the bike safer to operate.....?? I wish I knew for sure.

[C3517C]

I've been there too. I was on a ride with the mechanic from the dealership when I had DPS lock up. We pulled both fuses and hit the road. Sure enough, I still locked up with both fuses out. He then went a step further and disconnected the power source from the DPS motor, at the motor. Yup, it still locked. You do get a slight benefit without the power on. When you pop it out of the locked position it will not over correct as badly without the power steering pushing you. The dealer contacted BRP and they sent a guy down to test it. Sure enough they were able to recreate the problem and they did it with several defective DPS units. So use caution out there, removing the power source from the DPS unit WILL NOT guarantee you will not lock up. My new unit is working great so far, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed and saying my prayers at night.

[groundeffect]

I've been there too. I was on a ride with the mechanic from the dealership when I had DPS lock up. We pulled both fuses and hit the road. Sure enough, I still locked up with both fuses out. He then went a step further and disconnected the power source from the DPS motor, at the motor. Yup, it still locked. You do get a slight benefit without the power on. When you pop it out of the locked position it will not over correct as badly without the power steering pushing you. The dealer contacted BRP and they sent a guy down to test it. Sure enough they were able to recreate the problem and they did it with several defective DPS units. So use caution out there, removing the power source from the DPS unit WILL NOT guarantee you will not lock up. My new unit is working great so far, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed and saying my prayers at night.

This is interesting.... specifically the:

So use caution out there, removing the power source from the DPS unit WILL NOT guarantee you will not lock up.

Cheers.

[LDFIREWORKS]

what do you think since you are the spyder king

[C3517C]

OK, that was fairly funny. Now read and learn, fireworks boy.

[Lamonster]

what do you think since you are the spyder king

[Way2Fast]

I've been there too. I was on a ride with the mechanic from the dealership when I had DPS lock up. We pulled both fuses and hit the road. Sure enough, I still locked up with both fuses out. He then went a step further and disconnected the power source from the DPS motor, at the motor. Yup, it still locked. You do get a slight benefit without the power on. When you pop it out of the locked position it will not over correct as badly without the power steering pushing you. The dealer contacted BRP and they sent a guy down to test it. Sure enough they were able to recreate the problem and they did it with several defective DPS units. So use caution out there, removing the power source from the DPS unit WILL NOT guarantee you will not lock up. My new unit is working great so far, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed and saying my prayers at night.

If this is the case, then the steering problems are more mechanical than electrical. Computers are dead in the water with no juice going to them. The DPS unit could be replaced 1,000 times and there still would be no guarantee that the problems will not re-appear again. Perhaps the entire front end needs to be re designed. Something is causing it to bind and lock up. Of course, like I suggested many times before, the steering may have little to do with the problems.....because the VSS is causing them !!

[q-brrr]

Is it possible that the steering "lockup" or drift is being caused by the braking system? The bike can brake the wheels when it needs to to help with wheel lift.

[groundeffect]

Is it possible that the steering "lockup" or drift is being caused by the braking system? The bike can brake the wheels when it needs to to help with wheel lift.

Good question, but I do not think that is the case. While the Vehicle Stability System (VSS) has the ability to brake which ever wheel it deems in order to do its' best to keep all three wheels on the ground, the steering issues that I have been hearing about is to do with the turning on the steering handle bars and not the wheels themselves.

Hope that helps - others I'm sure, with more experience and thoughts will post.

Cheers and safe ryding.

[boborgera]

Is it possible that the steering "lockup" or drift is being caused by the braking system? The bike can brake the wheels when it needs to to help with wheel lift.

With my Spyder 3 things are going on
Steering lock.
Steering turning off.
And drifting.
I've ridden bikes for 40+ years hit just about any thing out there,4+4/rocks/dead animals/some were alive before i hit them.
So i can handle the steering [just me]
I'm sure the drift is one brake locking up.
I'll live with it until BRP comes up with a permanent fix.