Random codes or a real problem?

[Jeriatric]

Related in some way? Or not?

Late in the summer the '11 RTS threw a P160E code(throttle body). Only one time, without repeat, so I chalked it up to randomness. Then two days ago(and within days of having the new engine cooling vents installed) it threw a P0174(#2 cylinder lean condition) accompanied with the unrelenting check engine orange screen. Side note to P0174 - it has fresh silicone hoses.

Planning trips and the mind set of whether to do it on two or three wheels.

Had intended to take off on the Spyder for a week(6th thru the 13th)because three wheels really matched my solo plans, but the dealer is busy and can't look at it until Tuesday 12/15.

I can still go(FJR)but I was very much looking forward to being on the Spyder this time. The FJR and I did a week plus back in May(Ca, Nv, Ut, Co, Nb, & Ia). A great trip it was....even tho, if you remember? It was raining cats and dogs that month.

I'm bummed! And, I want more dependability for the $ spent. Love the Spyder....but

Update & correction to follow up post below: BRP ended up not covering this under its BEST warranty. Total cost of repair $600.00.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

If memory serves, the 10 & 11's had throttle body issue's ( maybe re-calls also ). Not all of them but more than just a few......How many miles is on yours ???..... Did you have the LIMP MODE kick in ???............Mike

[Chupaca]

Seems the throttle body has not been a problem even if it through the code back then. Having had the work done with the venting could be the computer hasn't re calibrated. I often wonder how they measure that lean situation cause if it is by heat one cylinder always runs hotter than the other. Suzuki staggard the cylinders to get more air to the rear even when water cooled. If the codes clear it would seem to be a hiccup. You could check with Lou over at pirate powersports for a check up....either way hope you have a great trip...

[MRH]

If only for peace of mind, I'd take it in if you have a good dealership or mechanic. Then decide.

You can always do what I did when I took a bike on a trip that was throwing some random codes - I replaced it while I was there!

(That was after it completely broke down and I'd had it with problems every 3000 miles.)

[finless]

Jerry, the TB may just need cleaning! It's not that hard to do except of course getting the air box out.

I have the TB service bulletin if you would like it.
Here is the link:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B9...G5FSTZ6WlRmTHc

Since you have gone this far without a TB total failure my bet is a cleaning will solve it.

FYI, per the bulletin, the TB needs to be cleaned regularly no matter what year spyder you have and if it gets gunked up, it will throw codes just like a failed TB.


Bob

[Bob Denman]

Have you ever changed those vacuum lines?
They do deteriorate, and can cause all sorts of headaches...

[finless]

Have you ever changed those vacuum lines?
They do deteriorate, and can cause all sorts of headaches...

If you read his post, he said he has and I know he has because he sent me a new set for mine

Bob

[Bob Denman]

I missed his "side note"...

I must have been looking for the word "vacuum" somewhere in the post...

[Jeriatric]

Bad wiring harness. Replaced. Total down time for repair - three weeks because of holidays.

[Peter Aawen]

Bugga!! So I take it you didn't get to do the trip on your Spyder

Good thing it's sorted now tho!

[finless]

Bad wiring harness. Replaced. Total down time for repair - three weeks because of holidays.

Did you do it or a dealer?

Bob

[Jeriatric]

Did you do it or a dealer?

Bob

B.E.S.T. warranty *See correction post #1

[finless]

B.E.S.T. warranty

I am surprised you still have extended? Mine runs out this month...

Bob

[Bob Denman]

I'm glad to hear that the source of the codes was found and fixed!

[Jeriatric]

Back story for understanding time line, and why I'm taking the time to document this problem.

We have and ride more than one bike. Annual mileage varies but generally 10K plus, each(x3 bikes). So, when something crops up that's a difficult fault to isolate, months can go bye. That's exactly what has happened here. P0174/P0171 code(s) appear, dealer troubleshoots, replaces something, clears code, and we ride until it comes back again, then repeat. And, if it's out of warranty......it generally will be be on your dime.

Sixteen months after my first post about P0174/P0171 the problem has not been resolved. Here's a list of actions to date.

Dealer visit #1
System wiring harness was replaced - $600.00 parts and labor - still under BEST when fault code(s) appeared but, wiring harness was not covered by BEST.

Dealer visit #2
Vacumn hoses replaced and zip tied - $100.00 parts and labor. Not covered by BEST (old hoses were OK but the Tupperware was off and they aren't that expensive).

Dealer visit #3
Currently waiting for Fuel pump/fuel level sending unit to be replaced. Fuel pump $500.00 labor $350.00 dollars. Because the problem began while still under BEST, BRP is supplying the fuel pump - "Good Will". Thank you BRP

The reason I'm documenting this problem is because it appears to be one of the more difficult problems to isolate. A search of the codes above will fairly well prove that point. Along with that, few people finish off a post with what corrective action resolved their P0174 or P0171 issue.

Here's a list of what can cause the P0174/P0171 codes.

CRACK IN THE THROTTLE BODY TO MANIFOLD BOOT
DEFECTIVE 02 SENSOR
PURGE VALVE
FUEL FILTER
CANISTER
VACUMN HOSES
FUEL PUMP PRESSURE TO LOW
BAD INJECTOR
THROTTLE BODY DEFECTIVE
DIRTY OR DEFECTIVE MASS AIRFLOW SENSOR



More to come - as it happens

[finless]

Your year had throttle body issues. I am surprised they have not replaced the TB yet for this.

Bob

[Jeriatric]

Your year had throttle body issues. I am surprised they have not replaced the TB yet for this.

Bob

Bob,

I mentioned that to the service manager. He asked where I got such information? Forums? Followed by, we've never replaced a throttle body(he's been there a few months) if that's what you want us to do, we'll do it(on your dime). Per him, their diagnostics will identify the problem. In support of the tech who's actually doing the troubleshooting. He is working with BRP and they together called the wiring harness(which as noted - didn't fix it). Now, after the tech took numerous wire readings(no fault found) BRP is advising tech it's likely a bad spot in the tank level sending unit.

Me, at this point I'm keeping my mouth shut, my credit card at the ready, and riding the Spyder around the block until I know it is capable of returning to LD trips.

I still love the Spyder. It's simply a fun and enjoyable platform. So, I keep the faith.

[ARtraveler]

Thank you for the updates. Please keep us informed. Not fun when the $30K machine don't work properly and the dealer does not seem to be to helpful.

I had "hot start" issues with my 2010 RTS and the dealer did a fix on the TB's. No further issues. And yes, we both know there were TB bulletins out back in 2011 and 2012.

[Jeriatric]

After having fuel pump/sending unit replaced.

First 150 miles and all was well. Picked my girlfriend up for a ride to Big Bear😊 10 miles down the road - 160 miles since bringing the Spyder home and BAM - the P0174 code strikes again. To say I'm pi..ed would be an understatement. I'm honestly at my wits end. And, it is not the techs fault. He has been moving forward in the diagnoses of this problem with BRP tech support at his side through the entire process.

This problem started 18 months ago. There have been more miles put on this Spyder going back and forth to the dealer, than there have been recreationally. By a count of probably 10.

BRP
World Class Touring Bike

My A..!

[Jeriatric]

Got a call from my dealers tow guy this morning. He would like to pick up the Spyder(in house tow vehicle). So I prepared the Spyder for the open trailer 100 mile tow and while doing so - found the windshield motor bracket cracked(not all the way through - yet). 30K of use and it has never been in the full down position(Oh the joys).

The latest round of troubleshooting - of the recurring cause of P0174, P0171 & P160E codes will begin on Tuesday. Am told there is a tech who fly's out on cases like this, but it's not feasible for him to do so in this case. So he'll be assisting by phone.

When it all started - codes and dates:

First P0174 code > Feb 01, ’15 - P0174 code


First P160E code > May 8, ’15 - P160E code

Every coded event(too many to bother with here) including these are supported by dealer repair orders, a BRP case number, and my personal notes(which I keep on each bike owned).


Dale & Peggy say

FEEL FREE AND CONFIDENT

Are you spending most of your time on the road having a good time?

I say

[Jeriatric]

I am sorry you are having so many problems with your spyder. That really sucks! If it was mine, I would have burned it by now. I commend you for sticking in there and trying to get the problems fixed. Seems like the lemon law would apply in your case, but I dont know what you need to qualify for it. I really think BRP has put way too much technology into the spyders. They are like a cadillac...way too many bells and whistles to break or malfunction. The day my 2014 RT starts giving me trouble, I am sending it down the road. I think they are getting better, especially when I compare my Dad's 2013 to my 2014. The differences are night and day. Everything from quality, to ride, to drivetrain are greatly improved in the 2014. I hope your spyder finally gets properly repaired and you get to enjoy many trouble-free miles. Its no fun when you have to fix them all the time. That is the reason I sold my Harley. I always had to either fix it before I rode, fix it while I rode, or fix it after I rode. I have a 2015 Victory magnum with under 3000 miles and I currently have the top end of the front cylinder torn apart to repair 2 collapsed hydraulic valve lash adjusters( a common problem on the victorys). Luckily its easy to work on. Just waiting for parts. Anyway, good luck my friend.

Thanks!


Very nice wrap too

[Bob Denman]

Jer,

At the risk of asking something that has been asked before: How much do you trust your Dealership's Service Department?
It seems pretty clear that what has been tried: just ain't working...
Perhaps a change of venue would make a difference.

[Jeriatric]

Jer,

At the risk of asking something that has been asked before: How much do you trust your Dealership's Service Department?
It seems pretty clear that what has been tried: just ain't working...
Perhaps a change of venue would make a difference.

Bob,

After reading this list.

Ball joints - replaced


Front wheel bearings - replaced


Radiator fitting broke during service (known problem) - replaced radiator


Water pump leaking - replaced


Fuel lines at the fuel pump all leaking at fittings(major leaking) - replaced


Shift trigger failing - replaced


For 18 months now - repeated P0174/P0171 lean fuel codes(repeated problem). Actions taken: Replaced wiring harness(did not fix), replaced good vacuum hoses with NEW vacuum hoses(did not fix), fuel pump/sending unit replaced(did not fix).To date over a $1000.00 out of pocket trying to solve the problem. Plus more 200 mile round trips to the dealer than I can remember.


Bent drive pulley(rear). No frigging idea how it could have happened - unless it was defective since new, or something happened when the dealer replaced the rear tire, one - of the last two times. The one thing I know for certain is I damn sure didn’t bend it.


Clutch replaced @ 29,500 miles 4/28/17. Started showing signs of slipping over a year ago. First replacement clutch from BRP had warped plates, finally got it right with the second clutch pack.


May 5, ’17 - preparing the Spyder to be trailered to dealers and found the windshield control bracket is cracked. 30,156 miles.


Would you say it's a dealer/tech problem?

Or a product problem?

[Bob Denman]

I'm saying that it could be a combination of contributing factors...
Eliminate the ones that you can!

[Jeriatric]

I'm saying that it could be a combination of contributing factors...
Eliminate the ones that you can!

You should run for office