Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 35
  1. #1
    Active Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    Silver Spring, MD
    Posts
    81
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default Spyder won't start

    I have a 09-RS SM5. Rode it to work this morning, was parked in the sun the whole day, got ready to head back home and the vehicle won't start. I took a video and I will see if I can post it here, but here is what happens.
    1. Inserting the key the dash lights up as usual
    2. Pressed the mode switch to turn off the scrolling message
    3. Set the red engine switch to on and the either the cluster just goes blank or all the lights start flashing and both the needles start moving up and down.

    I am using B.E.S.T now to get the vehicle towed back home, (no dealership open right now 6:30pm EST) and then will call the dealership tomorrow and go from there.

    Was wondering if anyone could help identify this problem so I am kind of well educated before I talk to the service dept at the dealership.

    Thanks.
    DS
    2016 F3T SM6 , Silver

  2. #2
    Registered Users
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Miami - Aventura FL
    Posts
    392
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Sounds like a battery prob.. Good luck..

  3. #3
    Spyderless Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    north/central n.j.
    Posts
    6,432
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Does the engine turn over at all'?? Do you hear clicking noises when you hit the start button??
    If so it's a loose battery connection ,Or your battery is shot, How old is the battery??

  4. #4
    GOS member (Girls On Spyders) kyspydergal's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    Lancaster, KY
    Posts
    113
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    I had similar issues a couple of weeks ago. Ended up getting a new battery. Problem solved.

  5. #5
    Very Active Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    Eastern North Carolina
    Posts
    6,600
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Battery.

  6. #6
    Motorbike Professor
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    Allegan, MI
    Posts
    20,514
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    First, check your battery connections (at the battery terminals inside the body, not the jump start terminals under the seat). Clean and tighten them. At temperature extremes the connections can loosen and allow oxidation between the battery and the wire terminal. Also check the rear frame ground (negative jump start terminal under the seat) for tightness. If that doesn't cure it, charge the battery then test it or have it tested...it is likely tired.

  7. #7
    Active Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    Silver Spring, MD
    Posts
    81
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    Thanks for the prompt response as always.

    There is a clicking sound at times but the vehicle won't start. I still have the sane battery which came with the vehicle, when i bought it in 09. Any idea what the dealer should charge me for putting a new one?
    2016 F3T SM6 , Silver

  8. #8
    GOS member (Girls On Spyders) kyspydergal's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    Lancaster, KY
    Posts
    113
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    Dealer wanted $30.00 to install. Since mine was
    dead I the water and I had no way of getting it to them without paying for them to come get it I decided to do it myself. It was pretty easy.

  9. #9
    Very Active Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Location
    San Diego, CA.
    Posts
    31,097
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default Let's see..!!

    Battery life varies as do the prices. Where you get your battery and the brand will dictate the cost. The installation will depend on your dealer but it is not hard to do. Yours is in the lower life span could last but only if you trust it now. Check all your connection like Scotty said...
    2012 RS sm5 , 998cc V-Twin 106hp DIY brake and park brake Classic Black

  10. #10
    Registered Users
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    Georgia
    Posts
    54
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by spyderdips View Post
    Thanks for the prompt response as always.

    There is a clicking sound at times but the vehicle won't start. I still have the sane battery which came with the vehicle, when i bought it in 09. Any idea what the dealer should charge me for putting a new one?
    I payed 139.00 for mine and I installed it

  11. #11
    Active Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    Silver Spring, MD
    Posts
    81
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default Video link



    What if I hook it up to a battery tender and see if the battery revives ?
    2016 F3T SM6 , Silver

  12. #12
    Motorbike Professor
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    Allegan, MI
    Posts
    20,514
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by spyderdips View Post
    What if I hook it up to a battery tender and see if the battery revives ?
    It's a great idea...but check and clean the connections first or it may not even charge. Battery tender will also not charge it if the battery is too low...you will have to charge a bit with a conventional charger (or by running the engine) first. There are three things you want to test on the battery...can it take a charge, can it hold a charge, and will it handle a load? A multimeter (DC voltmeter works best for testing. They are available everywhere at reasonable prices.

    1. Charge the battery and check the voltage as soon as you as you remove it from the charger. It should read over 13 volts for a topo notch battery. Anything over 12.6 is OK, but it is weak. The battery charger may have indicator lights that will indicate a full charge.
    2. Let it sit off the charger several hours to overnight. The voltage will drop, but should not be below 12.6 volts. If it is, either you have heavy parasitic losses in the vehicle electrical system or the battery won't hold a charge and should be replaced. Disconnecting the battery and testing again will tell which.
    3. You can do a crude load test by holding the throttle wide open to prevent starting, and cranking the engine. With a fully charged battery the voltage while cranking should remain above 10.0 volts. Your dealer or a battery dealer can do a proper load test.

    If the battery checks out but you still have to repeatedly charge it, the charging system may be suspect. At 4000 rpm the system should read 13-14 volts. If lower, have the charging system tested at your dealer.

  13. #13
    Very Active Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    Not Here
    Posts
    92,464
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    A four year-old battery has most likely "ran it's last race..."
    Don't try to delay the inevitable; replace it.
    2010 RT A&C, RT-L, RT-L , Orbital Blue, Cognac, Jet Black

  14. #14
    Active Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    Silver Spring, MD
    Posts
    81
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    Thanks guys for the valuable inputs. This is a first time for me so please bare with me. So I did remove the rear side panel for the first time (was really not that difficult) and could access the battery.
    Attaching two images here. The battery terminals look good, no corrosion. I hooked it up to a battery tester and it shows status as good. So looks like battery is not the issue here. Anything else that I can try?

    Thanks.
    Attached Images Attached Images
    2016 F3T SM6 , Silver

  15. #15
    SpyderLovers Sponsor BajaRon's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Greeneville, TN
    Posts
    13,641
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by spyderdips View Post
    Thanks guys for the valuable inputs. This is a first time for me so please bare with me. So I did remove the rear side panel for the first time (was really not that difficult) and could access the battery.
    Attaching two images here. The battery terminals look good, no corrosion. I hooked it up to a battery tester and it shows status as good. So looks like battery is not the issue here. Anything else that I can try?

    Thanks.
    I would still remove the battery terminals, clean the contact surfaces and re-mount them good and tight. Check your relays and make sure they are seated well. Try starting the Spyder with your tester hooked up and see what kind of voltage drop you get. Just because it reads 12 volts static doesn't mean it is a good battery.
    Shop Ph: 423-609-7588 (M-F, 8-5, Eastern Time)

    Only SLOW people have to leave on time...





  16. #16
    Registered Users
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Miami - Aventura FL
    Posts
    392
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Replace the battery dude. It is old and it will cost you less than 1 hr of labor at a reputable shop...

  17. #17
    Active Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    Silver Spring, MD
    Posts
    81
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    BajaRon and Spy+ right on the money you guys. When I try to start the vehicle, the needle drops to the red zone on the battery tester. I am thinking of replacing it myself (instead of taking it to the dealer), any tips, pointers or videos out there that will help me.
    Thanks.
    2016 F3T SM6 , Silver

  18. #18
    SpyderLovers Sponsor BajaRon's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Greeneville, TN
    Posts
    13,641
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by spyderdips View Post
    BajaRon and Spy+ right on the money you guys. When I try to start the vehicle, the needle drops to the red zone on the battery tester. I am thinking of replacing it myself (instead of taking it to the dealer), any tips, pointers or videos out there that will help me.
    Thanks.
    That is what I thought would happen. Get a good quality replacement battery and do the install yourself. You'll learn something and save money too! It's really nothing more than take out the old one and put in the new one. You can do it!
    Shop Ph: 423-609-7588 (M-F, 8-5, Eastern Time)

    Only SLOW people have to leave on time...





  19. #19
    Very Active Member SNOOPY's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    ..
    Posts
    5,233
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by spyderdips View Post
    BajaRon and Spy+ right on the money you guys. When I try to start the vehicle, the needle drops to the red zone on the battery tester. I am thinking of replacing it myself (instead of taking it to the dealer), any tips, pointers or videos out there that will help me.
    Thanks.
    Make sure all connection are clean clean clean. Connect the positive side first, make sure it is covered or not touching "anything" and then connect the ground. This helps prevent a grounding short (spark) if your wrench happens to hit something that could ground it. You can even cover the positive side w a clean dry rag til the negative side is connected if need be.

    just a safety tip if you haven't done this before.

  20. #20
    Very Active Member SNOOPY's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    ..
    Posts
    5,233
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by NancysToy View Post
    It's a great idea...but check and clean the connections first or it may not even charge. Battery tender will also not charge it if the battery is too low...you will have to charge a bit with a conventional charger (or by running the engine) first. There are three things you want to test on the battery...can it take a charge, can it hold a charge, and will it handle a load? A multimeter (DC voltmeter works best for testing. They are available everywhere at reasonable prices.

    1. Charge the battery and check the voltage as soon as you as you remove it from the charger. It should read over 13 volts for a topo notch battery. Anything over 12.6 is OK, but it is weak. The battery charger may have indicator lights that will indicate a full charge.
    2. Let it sit off the charger several hours to overnight. The voltage will drop, but should not be below 12.6 volts. If it is, either you have heavy parasitic losses in the vehicle electrical system or the battery won't hold a charge and should be replaced. Disconnecting the battery and testing again will tell which.
    3. You can do a crude load test by holding the throttle wide open to prevent starting, and cranking the engine. With a fully charged battery the voltage while cranking should remain above 10.0 volts. Your dealer or a battery dealer can do a proper load test.

    If the battery checks out but you still have to repeatedly charge it, the charging system may be suspect. At 4000 rpm the system should read 13-14 volts. If lower, have the charging system tested at your dealer.

    These are very good points.

    What is the protocol per BRP on charging or jumping the battery w the battery connected? I know as far as their Sea Doos go, they never want you charging or jumping starting a connected battery. (This "may" be because of possible fumes in a hull)

    .

  21. #21
    Very Active Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    1,004
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Bob Denman View Post
    A four year-old battery has most likely "ran it's last race..."
    Don't try to delay the inevitable; replace it.
    Ditto!

    The battery in my ZX is 6 years old and counting.............................the end is near; I fear!

  22. #22
    Registered Users
    Join Date
    May 2013
    Location
    SW MO
    Posts
    598
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Batteries are extremely variable beasts. When I sold my Harley this summer, the battery was 2 months shy of 7 years old and still going strong.

  23. #23
    Very Active Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    NE South Carolina
    Posts
    3,416
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Always use Dielectric grease on battery connections it prevents corrosion. Some batteries come with a little packet.

  24. #24
    Motorbike Professor
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    Allegan, MI
    Posts
    20,514
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by SNOOPY View Post
    These are very good points.

    What is the protocol per BRP on charging or jumping the battery w the battery connected? I know as far as their Sea Doos go, they never want you charging or jumping starting a connected battery. (This "may" be because of possible fumes in a hull)

    .
    There are jump start terminals on the Spyder for a reason. The procedures are i n your owners manual. They do not call for disconnecting the battery. I'm sure you are right about the fumes thing in watercraft.

  25. #25
    Very Active Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    1,004
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by OldCowboy View Post
    Batteries are extremely variable beasts. When I sold my Harley this summer, the battery was 2 months shy of 7 years old and still going strong.
    Man! That IS an old batt!

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •