Transient DESS error message

[Fat Baxter]

My turn in the DESS circus. I have a 2014 RT-S (that seems to be a common theme in many of the DESS threads I've read!) with 32K miles.

About 2 weeks ago I went to start my 2014 RT-S and the screen said "DESS" in orange letters across the bottom of the screen. No "bad key" icon, just the letters "DESS." I had read about removing the key, walking away, and waiting 15 minutes. But I figured what the heck, so I removed the key, waited a few heartbeats, then reinserted the key and turned it. No error, and the bike started just fine. Grabbed the other key just in case and went for a long ride.

Two days ago after leaving the gym, I put the key in and again got "DESS." And again, I removed and reinserted the key, and things seemed OK. Got home fine.

This morning when I got to the gym, just as I was about to turn off the ignition, I got a little orange icon that looks like the Spyder when viewed from above. It's not in the owner's manual; don't know what it means. But I shut the bike off, then successfully restarted it and the icon hasn't reappeared. Got home OK later.

Didn't think to take any pictures....drat!

So, .... is my DESS module dying? I have to take the bike in soon anyway for an oil change, so I figure I can have the dealer look into it then.

[Chupaca]

i would have it checked or replaced if it is one of the ones they were replacing. Starts that way and usually gets worse. The other symbol is probably the
VSS and would make it suspicious as to the battery connections and or condition as multiple warnings that go away is a sign of that....Have dealer check vin for the DESS.....

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

with Gene …. the two events are separate check the Battery for VSS issue ….. The entire " got to have a picture etc. " is a MYTH … every event that any Spyder has …. is on-file in the computer …. and Should be available to see using BUDDS …. I have read ALL 700+ posts about the DESS issue, I experienced a Failure myself …. once the issue starts it only gets worse until final failure …. The recommended method of clearing the CODE ( temporarily ) is/was to turn the key on/off 5 times quickly …. that worked for me …. The fix costs about $135.00 for the new ( type ) module ( cheapcycleparts.com )…. If you can remove your FRUNK, you can re-place the module in 5 min. …. it is just above your battery to the left ( as face it ) …. two bolts hold it to the firewall (?) and two plugs …. After my event I moved my DESS module ( there is enough OEM cable to do this ) and bolted it under my right headlight, … I haven't had any issues in 30,000 miles ….. PM me if you need any more info …...…….. PS, I would try and get a FREE one from BRP, as a courtesy thing ……. 100's & 100's of failures , there should have been a Mandatory Re-call …… good luck ….. Mike ...….PPS - there was a lot of talk about the " ignition switch " being part of the problem & about 5% where ALSO changed …. I would just do the Module ( if you are the paying ) ( if BRP pays get both done ) ….

[Ex-Rocket]

You would think that BRP would of by now found what the problem is with the DESS errors that I think started with the 2014's. Well while on a police escorted ride at the Spyders on the Bayou rally a either 2018 RT had the dreaded DESS error and had to be towed back to town. Why is this still happening????

[LeftCoast]

My 15 RTL was doing the same thing. Replaced in Jan under BEST Warranty

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

You would think that BRP would of by now found what the problem is with the DESS errors that I think started with the 2014's. Well while on a police escorted ride at the Spyders on the Bayou rally a either 2018 RT had the dreaded DESS error and had to be towed back to town. Why is this still happening????

Well that's interesting about a 2018 model …... this is the first one of that year that I've heard about …. BRP was baffled about the cause for failures.... they changed the design Four times ……. I thought they finally got it solved, I've had no issue since mine was re-placed ( under Warranty ). I don't know if BRP had multiple suppliers of the Module or not … The failure rate isn't 100% … I think it's about 20% - way to high even at 20%..... It's too bad BRP is very closed mouth about their issues …… Mike

[Deanna777]

My turn in the DESS circus. I have a 2014 RT-S (that seems to be a common theme in many of the DESS threads I've read!) with 32K miles.

About 2 weeks ago I went to start my 2014 RT-S and the screen said "DESS" in orange letters across the bottom of the screen. No "bad key" icon, just the letters "DESS." I had read about removing the key, walking away, and waiting 15 minutes. But I figured what the heck, so I removed the key, waited a few heartbeats, then reinserted the key and turned it. No error, and the bike started just fine. Grabbed the other key just in case and went for a long ride.

Two days ago after leaving the gym, I put the key in and again got "DESS." And again, I removed and reinserted the key, and things seemed OK. Got home fine.

This morning when I got to the gym, just as I was about to turn off the ignition, I got a little orange icon that looks like the Spyder when viewed from above. It's not in the owner's manual; don't know what it means. But I shut the bike off, then successfully restarted it and the icon hasn't reappeared. Got home OK later.

Didn't think to take any pictures....drat!

So, .... is my DESS module dying? I have to take the bike in soon anyway for an oil change, so I figure I can have the dealer look into it then.

Definitely have your dealer look at the DESS module. If your D.E.S.S module needs replacing be sure your dealership OPENS UP A CASE WITH BRP. If you can have your dealership replace the DESS module under warranty. Have your dealership replace the D.E.S.S module, so you don't get stranded.

Post the DESS Module part #.

**** I also started a Thread On 8/13/2015 titled D.E.S.S. KEY CODE AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! with some helpful suggestions/ ideas. I had my D.E.S.S. module ( replaced twice, and the switch replaced once both were under the WARRANTY).****

Good luck!
Deanna

[Deanna777]

You would think that BRP would of by now found what the problem is with the DESS errors that I think started with the 2014's. Well while on a police escorted ride at the Spyders on the Bayou rally a either 2018 RT had the dreaded DESS error and had to be towed back to town. Why is this still happening????

I haven't heard of any of the 2018 RT spyders having the DESS error. I don't know why this is still happening. Yes, the DESS errors did start with the 2014's , I started a thread" D.E.S.S. KEY CODE AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!! on 8/13/15, it has 734 replies,and 147,737 Views and 30 pages long, with suggestions/ideas and What to do when it happens. I have a 2014RTS-SE6 and I had the D.E.S.S. module replaced twice, and the switch replaced once. Also they reprogramed the keys. They were covered under the manufactures warranty, they were replaced at a very low mileages.

Deanna

[Fat Baxter]

Definitely have your dealer look at the DESS module. If your D.E.S.S module needs replacing be sure your dealership OPENS UP A CASE WITH BRP. If you can have your dealership replace the DESS module under warranty. Have your dealership replace the D.E.S.S module, so you don't get stranded.
Deanna

Unfortunately, my BEST warranty expired last September. The quote to extend it for a fifth year was a tad under $600, so I passed. Oh, well, you roll the dice.....

BTW, that "little orange icon that looks like the Spyder" was not the VSS warning light. It was an icon that appeared in the lower part of the multifunction display.

[Deanna777]

Unfortunately, my BEST warranty expired last September. The quote to extend it for a fifth year was a tad under $600, so I passed. Oh, well, you roll the dice.....

BTW, that "little orange icon that looks like the Spyder" was not the VSS warning light. It was an icon that appeared in the lower part of the multifunction display.

Good luck with your D.E.S.S. module, and the " little orange icon that looks like the Spyder". Keep up posted on the D.E.S.S. and little orange icon that looks like the spyder.

Deanna

[jcthorne]

Unfortunately, my BEST warranty expired last September. The quote to extend it for a fifth year was a tad under $600, so I passed. Oh, well, you roll the dice.....

BTW, that "little orange icon that looks like the Spyder" was not the VSS warning light. It was an icon that appeared in the lower part of the multifunction display.

If you ever head Houston way, I'd be glad to disable the DESS errors for you permanently.

[Ex-Rocket]

I may have my facts wrong about the model year of the Spyder that was having the DESS/ Key error on Spyder on the Bayou. But I do remember the owner stated that it was only a few months ago that he bought the bike. It might of been a 2017 RTL. Either way you would of thought that after 3 years of this problem that BRP would of corrected this issue.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

If you ever head Houston way, I'd be glad to disable the DESS errors for you permanently.

……………… are you going to … SPYDERFEST … this year , I'd Gladly pay to have this done to my 14 RT ….. Thanks …. Mike

[jcthorne]

……………… are you going to … SPYDERFEST … this year , I'd Gladly pay to have this done to my 14 RT ….. Thanks …. Mike

Sorry no. I was at Spyders on the Bayou and did a few there. Will be in Durango in a couple weeks and again week of July 4th. Headed to NYC and Boston, Maine and Quebec area late August on a 3 week group bike trip.

[LeftCoast]

I was't too concerned while I was just riding around town near home when I would randomly get the message but when I took my one trip up Highway 1 and got the message the second morning that freaked me out. It got to the point where when my brother and I stopped at overlooks etc I wouldn't even shut the bike off. It was always the first thing on my mind when we started the day too.

Glad not to have that worry hanging over my head anymore.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Sorry no. I was at Spyders on the Bayou and did a few there. Will be in Durango in a couple weeks and again week of July 4th. Headed to NYC and Boston, Maine and Quebec area late August on a 3 week group bike trip.

Well glad to hear about your trip , I hope you have great weather...… . Well if you stop by my house ( coming or going ) and BY-PASS my DESS module …. I'll give you ( & friends ) a night's lodging …. and I'll throw in dinner ……. RSVP ……. Mike

[jcthorne]

We will be staying two nights in Woodstock Vermont at a B&B. You would be welcome to come by one evening and I could do it. I'll have my laptop with me.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

We will be staying two nights in Woodstock Vermont at a B&B. You would be welcome to come by one evening and I could do it. I'll have my laptop with me.

… Great … that's about 70 miles south of me on Rt 100 , great riding road …. lots of new/recent pavement In Aug. a nice evening ride ….. I do have 4 spare bedrooms and more than a few folks here can tell you - I know my way around the Kitchen ....But it's your call ….. Mike ...… PS I do ALL my own work on the Spyder so I have the tools / jacks etc. for service ? maintenance work if you need that …..

[jcthorne]

… Great … that's about 70 miles south of me on Rt 100 , great riding road …. lots of new/recent pavement In Aug. a nice evening ride ….. I do have 4 spare bedrooms and more than a few folks here can tell you - I know my way around the Kitchen ....But it's your call ….. Mike ...… PS I do ALL my own work on the Spyder so I have the tools / jacks etc. for service ? maintenance work if you need that …..

Appreciate the offer and if anything comes up along the way, may very well ask your assistance. I'll get back with you on specifics when the time gets closer.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Appreciate the offer and if anything comes up along the way, may very well ask your assistance. I'll get back with you on specifics when the time gets closer.

…………… After Woodstock what routes / roads are you planning on using and what is your next destination … I know VT. and the upper parts of NH ….. Mike

[jcthorne]

We are spending a day touring around the Woodstock area, covered bridges and such. When we leave, headed to Bar Harbor Maine then on up to Qubec. We will be arriving in VT from Boston.