LIMP MODE

[sawtooth]

Two weeks ago I was finishing up about a 2 hour ride going up and over a 8 mi. hill. On desent about half way down "limp mode" showed up on the screen and the temp guage bottomed out to the cold side. I made it home since I only had a couple of miles left. At this point I was due for the 600 mile service so when I took it to the dealer I told him about the "limp mod" issue and the temp reading . I also told him that the negative extended battery terminal was only snug and needed tighting. When I picked up the spyder after service the dealer said the loose bat. terminal was the cause of the limp mode and temp problem.
Well I was coming home today from a ride on the same route at the same exact place and once again got the "limp mode" with the temp guage pegged cold. I pulled over shut the unit down pulled the key and walked away for a few minutes......came back and it started up and showed a normal temp reading with out the LimpMode showing, I didn't have time when I got home to check for fault codes or the bat terminal but I will do that tomorrow. Anyone have any thoughts on this issue? Could the thermostat be sticking open? BTW there is a ambiant temp delta coming up and over that hill.
I'm riding a 2012 rt-s sm.

[Bandit]

Make SURE that you're NOT touching the brake pedal!! Had that happen to me on our 2011 RT-S. Had the dealer adjust the brake & haven't had any further problem with it. Turned out that there was NO tolerence on the Brake pedal at that time. Simple adjustment did the trick. Hope this helps. Bandit

[Mr. White]

As said, riding the brake will put you in limp mode. Happened to me with 200 miles on BR1....Now pay attention to right foot and have not had it since....

[Bob Denman]

The readout on the temperature gauge crashing makes me think of a loose connection...
But don't follow me; I'm lost too!

[ARtraveler]

My not to mechanical guess is also loose battery terminal or riding the brake a bit down the 8 mile hill. Let the tranny be your brake on the long stuff if you not doing that.

Oil level checked. When is not level, a low oil level will show up sometimes.

Also mentioned--check the error codes in case it is a mechanical glitch.

[NancysToy]

What are your fluid levels. Check your brake fluid and coolant levels. Beyond that, time for the dealer to try again.

[sawtooth]

Thanks for all the suggestions it's always nice to know where to go for help. You folks are the best and full of spyder knowledge.
So I checked the fluid levels and battery terminals..... they all checked ok and I don't ride or touch the brake pedal while cruzing. (learned that by riding ATV's for years) So tomorrow I will ride again toward my dealer and see if I can repeat the problem.

[Dudley]

OK, I will go out in left field here. How many times have you ridden this road before this happened? If this is your first 2 times, could it be a radio/electronic signal being put out by something in the area? If this issue never happens anywhere else, I would just correct (as you have done), ride and enjoy.

[sawtooth]

Well I went for a ride today headed north 2 up outside temp about 50. About 5 miles into the ride I noted the temp guage moving from just below mid range to finally settling out at just above dead cold. I'm cruzing about 55 MPH in 4th gear (I have a 2012 rt se) Slowly very slowly the temp starts to climb to just below mid range of the guage. Now while cruzing thru speed zones in 2nd gear at about 4.5 rpm the temp climbs to the three quarter mark ....after resuming to 55mph the temp quickly drops to just above dead cold again and then slowly returns to just below mid guage.
QUESTION: Is this normal to have such a slow reacting thermostat or do I need to see my dealer.The unit only has 800 miles on it.
The good news it didn't go into the limp mode again. However I think if it were a little colder it might have.
Thanks again for all you advice.

[Lamonster]

This is not normal, you got something going on. As Scotty said, time to go back to the dealer.

[GeoffCee]

About 5 miles into the ride I noted the temp guage moving from just below mid range to finally settling out at just above dead cold. I'm cruzing about 55 MPH in 4th gear (I have a 2012 rt se) Slowly very slowly the temp starts to climb to just below mid range of the guage. Now while cruzing thru speed zones in 2nd gear at about 4.5 rpm the temp climbs to the three quarter mark ....after resuming to 55mph the temp quickly drops to just above dead cold again and then slowly returns to just below mid guage.

Dead cold? Well, one thing's for sure, your gauge isn't showing the temperature of your engine. While your engine is running, burning fuel and producing heat your temperature gauge appears to be on a wild trip of its own.

Could be the gauge, the transponder, or the wiring. Needs fixing though, it's dragging your attention away from the important business of safely riding your trike.

[StanProff]

This is not normal, you got something going on. As Scotty said, time to go back to the dealer.

You don't sleep much do you? I've wonder how you get so much done