How long can I ride in Limp Mode?

[ABQ_Spyderman]

Well considering I'll be saving up for a few months to get my Spyder fixed, I've started riding it around town again in Limp Mode. I just missed it too much. Yeah, I'm stuck at 3500 RPMs and 50mph top speed, but that's enough to get me from home to work and back. I'm just kind of wondering if I'm doing any more damage. But I also figure if the VCM went bad and I have to buy another anyway--then who cares? I just don't want to hurt anything else. It just pains me to see my Spyder sitting in my garage.

Thanks,
Andy

[Ga Blue Knight]

Do you know why it's in limp mode? It may be something simple and easy to correct. It could also be something like no brakes! I would not take any chances unless you know exactly what's going on.

[SpyderAnn01]

I don't know the answer but have you thought about having the update done that would let you go 60 in limp mode?

[wyliec]

I don't know the answer but have you thought about having the update done that would let you go 60 in limp mode?

I've never heard of that. Do you by chance have the service bulletin number. The next time I'm at the dealer I would like to tell him about it and double check my spyder.

[ARtraveler]

Have not heard about the 60mph limp mode either.

I don't think its a good idea to be riding in limp mode unless completely necessary. Something has made it kick in.

[billybovine]

IMO I don't see a problem with driving it. But you do have to understand ABS and Stability Control will not work.

Did you check out the used VCM on Ebay last week?

[ABQ_Spyderman]

Wow 60mph limp mode! That sounds awesome, especially in my situation. Thanks for the input. To answer a couple of questions:
1. I saw something about a VCM on EBay, but I'm worried about shelling out that cash when they're not 100% sure that is the problem. They think it could be one of several things. Apparently the VCM just doesn't go bad, but my dealer isn't convinced and if I get all the other potential things fixed first and then it is the VCM I would have burnt that $$. So my dealer said they'd work with me on parts and labor and BRP agreed to help some too. But it still won't be cheap--hence the saving. I'm hoping for February!

Thanks again for your input!

[SpyderAnn01]

I'm sorry but I don't know the bulletin number. I had the update done at Cowtown in late August

[docdoru]

I'd ride it in Limp Mode to another dealer.

[boborgera]

Well considering I'll be saving up for a few months to get my Spyder fixed, I've started riding it around town again in Limp Mode. I just missed it too much. Yeah, I'm stuck at 3500 RPMs and 50mph top speed, but that's enough to get me from home to work and back. I'm just kind of wondering if I'm doing any more damage. But I also figure if the VCM went bad and I have to buy another anyway--then who cares? I just don't want to hurt anything else. It just pains me to see my Spyder sitting in my garage.

Thanks,
Andy

I assume your out of warranty

If it is the VCM and depending on how many miles on it ,You still might be covered under the Federal emissions warranty. That warranty is longer than BRP's.

[ABQ_Spyderman]

I assume your out of warranty

If it is the VCM and depending on how many miles on it ,You still might be covered under the Federal emissions warranty. That warranty is longer than BRP's.

I've never heard of the Federal Emissions warranty. What is that? Mine is an '09 and yes, I'm out of warranty from BRP.

[billybovine]

I assume your out of warranty

If it is the VCM and depending on how many miles on it ,You still might be covered under the Federal emissions warranty. That warranty is longer than BRP's.

I'm confused, (easy to do) how would the VCM be covered by Federal Emissions Warranty. I would consider it part of the braking system and don't know how it could be tied to emissions.

[NancysToy]

I'm confused, (easy to do) how would the VCM be covered by Federal Emissions Warranty. I would consider it part of the braking system and don't know how it could be tied to emissions.

It has nothing to do with emissions. ECM, yes, but the VCM, no.

[flamingobabe]

let me ask a stupid question...Did the dealer hook your Spyder up to BUDS? and what was the outcome....have you tried to reset the computer? How many miles? What symptoms are going on ?

[RAYYOU]

Andy,
I think if I was in your shoes and I was just riding around town, I would just ride it till it crapped or I came up with the $ to fix it. This may narrow down your chances of getting the right fix the first time. Good luck and hope you get it fixed soon.

PS. Keep a trailer handy just in case.

Ray

[ABQ_Spyderman]

Ray, Flamingo--thanks. Yeah I'm just going to keep riding it around and saving up my money until I can get it fixed. Snowboarding season is almost here, so it's going to get harder to save!

Symptoms are: ABS failure, VSS failure, Suction fault, VCM fault.

BRP says the VCM isn't likely to fail and recommended step 1 is to replace the Master Cylinder. But if that doesn't work, then I'll have to replace the VCM, which is adding more $$ to the process. Whereas if I replace the VCM and that doesn't clear it, then we know it's probably the Master Cylinder. It's a calculated risk I guess. Dealer is so confident it's the VCM that they're willing to work with me if that's not the problem.

[flamingobabe]

Symptoms are: ABS failure, VSS failure, Suction fault, VCM fault.
Once I had an ABS failure...VSS failure went into Limp Mode....crazy as it is...something ( we think a screw from under seat) fell out and bent 6 sprockets on the ABS wheel...so the senor could not read it correctly...we took a hammer and chisel to fix it...so check the ABS wheel real close and make sure none are bent...you have to look real good...just a thought....

[ABQ_Spyderman]

Symptoms are: ABS failure, VSS failure, Suction fault, VCM fault.
Once I had an ABS failure...VSS failure went into Limp Mode....crazy as it is...something ( we think a screw from under seat) fell out and bent 6 sprockets on the ABS wheel...so the senor could not read it correctly...we took a hammer and chisel to fix it...so check the ABS wheel real close and make sure none are bent...you have to look real good...just a thought....

Hmmm...Guess I need to figure out where the heck the ABS wheel is!!

[NancysToy]

Hmmm...Guess I need to figure out where the heck the ABS wheel is!!

There is an ABS sensor at each wheel, and a sensor ring attached to each wheel. The early GS has two sensors in the rear. There should be an ABS gauge to set the gap, in your toolkit. A good dealer would have checked the ABS sensors and ring, but it is worth a second look.

[billybovine]

There is an ABS sensor at each wheel, and a sensor ring attached to each wheel. The early GS has two sensors in the rear. There should be an ABS gauge to set the gap, in your toolkit. A good dealer would have checked the ABS sensors and ring, but it is worth a second look.

They are easy to see and check and as Scotty said the max, min gauges are in your tool kit. I have an 09 like yours and have 2 sensors on the rear wheel. I would be very surprised if this is your problem and the dealer tech missed it, but it is possible.

[Sny]

How about swapping a known good VCM from another bike before spending the cash on a new one?

[Bob Denman]

Have you pulled up all of the active codes? (I didn't recall seeing that in here; but my eyes aresn't that great... )
It's probably not going to hurt anything by riding it; but it's also sure not helping either... What if you get jammed up in traffic and run over when the dreaded, "Orange Screen Of Death" pops up at an inopportune moment?

[SpyderDuck]

According to my dealer, my VCM failed, too... but limp home mode only let me go a staggering 20 mph. That was actually a bit dangerous, considering I was on a 70 mph interstate. I also have a 09 model.

[srherbst1]

The one time mine was in Limp Mode it was the oil pump sensor.

[ABQ_Spyderman]

According to my dealer, my VCM failed, too... but limp home mode only let me go a staggering 20 mph. That was actually a bit dangerous, considering I was on a 70 mph interstate. I also have a 09 model.

So what did you do?