Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 26
  1. #1
    Active Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2015
    Location
    West Palm Beach, FL
    Posts
    57
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default Help! Spyder not starting

    My F3S was left outside overnight and it rained. The next day I dried it off and went to start it and something "popped" and now there is no power to anything.
    I did check all the fuses and none are blown that I can tell.

    I'm at a loss. I would really like to fix this myself as the local dealer is expensive (I'm being nice)

    Worst case I would need to get it to the dealership. How can I get it on a trailer if I can't get it in neutral? SE transmission.

    Thanks
    Ron
    2015 F3-S , Can-Am Red (Orange)

  2. #2
    Very Active Member Gwolf's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2019
    Location
    Florida Swamp
    Posts
    1,935
    Spyder Garage
    2

    Default

    No sure about that year model............ look in the manual. There should be a way to shift it into neutral manually with a wrench.
    2019 F3-S , Black & Silver

  3. #3
    Very Active Member billybovine's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    Mitchell, Ontario, Canada
    Posts
    6,263
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Take a look at your battery. Sound like a loose cable connection to it. Make sure they are clean and tight.

    PS Your Spyder will roll in gear. Without power you cannot release the parking brake.

    2018 F3 LIMITED

  4. #4
    Very Active Member RICZ's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2019
    Location
    Portland, Oregon
    Posts
    2,735
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    I'm thinking that maybe water got into the switches. Try blow drying and some WD-40. The WD stands for water disbursement.
    Ours is a red, black and chrome 2017 F3 Limited. Bought new in 2/2019. The avatar is my first bike back in 1952, a Simplex Servi-Cycle. Photo taken at the Barber Museum.
    2017 F3 Limited , Red, Black & Chrome

  5. #5
    Active Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2015
    Location
    West Palm Beach, FL
    Posts
    57
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    I checked the battery and it is fine.
    I'll try the WD40 next. When you say switches, you are talking about
    2015 F3-S , Can-Am Red (Orange)

  6. #6
    Very Active Member canamjhb's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2017
    Location
    Mesa, Arid-Zone-A
    Posts
    2,942
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    I would clean out ALL your electrical switches, anything exposed to the rain. But not use WD40. While it may provide temporary relief, it leaves a residue that will attract dust and dirt which will, sooner or later, result in failed switches. Instead, use compressed air that come in a can. Commonly used for computer keyboards. If you must use a lubricant, use silicone spray as it will not attract as much gunk as WD40 does. I think I will probably be criticized by WD40 lovers. There are lots of good uses for it. Just not in electrical switches that are exposed to the elements, and I am only speaking of my own personal experience. Good luck..... Jim
    2005 Windveil Blue Premium Mustang Convertible
    2008 Honda GL1800/California Sidecar Trike, SOLD
    2014 Platinum Silver Satin Spyder RTL, SOLD
    Semper Fi


  7. #7
    Very Active Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2012
    Location
    washington state
    Posts
    3,166
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    try to jump the battery
    2012 Spyder RT SE5 Brake pedal mod

  8. #8
    Active Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Location
    Arizona
    Posts
    331
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    There is a spray QD Electronic Spray
    that cleans the electric componets and dries super fast.

  9. #9
    Very Active Member RICZ's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2019
    Location
    Portland, Oregon
    Posts
    2,735
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    Canamjhb is correct about WD-40. I was just doing the "any port in storm" thing, figuring you had some on hand.
    Another thing to try is Contact Cleaner, but I was reluctant to suggest it as it might harm plastic.
    Ours is a red, black and chrome 2017 F3 Limited. Bought new in 2/2019. The avatar is my first bike back in 1952, a Simplex Servi-Cycle. Photo taken at the Barber Museum.
    2017 F3 Limited , Red, Black & Chrome

  10. #10
    Very Active Member billybovine's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    Mitchell, Ontario, Canada
    Posts
    6,263
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    I'm not sure which switch would be bad, in this case, to spray something into but a few thoughts on my part. If any part of my Spyder did not work because it got wet. It needs new parts. They are all designed to be waterproof. Similar in design as the seadoo. All switch contacts are sealed within a rubber membrane. So if water got in. Time for a new switch. Spraying some WD40 into the switch will not cause any harm. The switch is sealed. Contact cleaner or electronics cleaner on the other hand. It will strip out any lubricant that may be present. Most of the sealed switches have a stainless steel ball bearing to press on the membrane to close the contacts. Because the lubricant is gone. It will stick to the membrane and tear it open. Then time for a new switch.

    2018 F3 LIMITED

  11. #11
    Very Active Member JP58's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    La Valle, WI
    Posts
    1,124
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    You do not need to put it in neutral to push on a trailer. The auto clutch is always released when off. If you can get the parking brake to release it will roll.
    2018 F3 Limited , Oxford Blue

  12. #12
    Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2016
    Location
    dayton ohio
    Posts
    28
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Check the shut off switch you may have hit it while drying it off.

  13. #13
    Very Active Member Bfromla's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2014
    Location
    Bossier LoUiSiAna
    Posts
    5,977
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Capt_Ron View Post
    My F3S was left outside overnight and it rained. The next day I dried it off and went to start it and something "popped" and now there is no power to anything.
    I did check all the fuses and none are blown that I can tell.

    I'm at a loss. I would really like to fix this myself as the local dealer is expensive (I'm being nice)

    Worst case I would need to get it to the dealership. How can I get it on a trailer if I can't get it in neutral? SE transmission.

    Thanks
    Ron
    Spyders can handle rain power washing, blowing water up in sensitive areas not so much. You don't mention flood so thinking there's more to it than rain good fuses charged battery with good connections did you hear an audible "POP" & from where? was the fuse boxes dry when you were checking?
    You can load on trailer or tow truck in gear, will need to release P-brake manually if can't get power. Some info by Cptjam here: https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...n-Squared-Away
    Last edited by Bfromla; 07-20-2019 at 03:32 AM. Reason: Link

    2013 STL SE5 BLACK CURRANT
    SpyderPop's: LED bumpskid
    SmoothSpyder: dualmode back rest
    T r * * LED:foam grip covers, Tricrings, FenderZ,
    brake light strips, wide vue mirrors
    Rivico SOMA modulation brake leds
    sawblade mowhalk fender accents
    minispyder dash toy
    Lid lox
    KradelLock
    Pakitrack
    GENSSI ELITE LED H4 headlights
    FLO (Frunk Lid Organizer)
    BRP fog lights, trailer hitch
    SENA 20S EVO
    2013 STL , Stock Stock Black currant

  14. #14
    Very Active Member Grandpot's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2014
    Location
    Fort Mill, SC
    Posts
    1,951
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Bfromla View Post
    Spyders can handle rain power washing, blowing water up in sensitive areas not so much. You don't mention flood so thinking there's more to it than rain good fuses charged battery with good connections did you hear an audible "POP" & from where? was the fuse boxes dry when you were checking?
    You can load on trailer or tow truck in gear, will need to release P-brake manually if can't get power. Some info by Cptjam here: https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...n-Squared-Away
    I agree with checking the fuses. I don't know about a F3, but my RTS has fuses in the frunk and under the seat. Check them all.
    2011 RTS (Sold to a very nice lady)
    1998 Honda Valkyrie
    2006 Mustang GT. Varooooom!
    US Navy Veteran
    SC Law Enforcement Boat Captain
    CNC Machine Service Technician
    President: Rolling Thunder SC1
    Member: Disabled American Veterans, Rock Hill, SC
    Member: American Legion
    Experience is recognizing the same mistake every time you make it!

  15. #15
    Active Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2016
    Location
    Huntsville Ontario
    Posts
    50
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    Never new the RT had fuses under the seat. Where are they exactly?


    2016 RT Limited SE6
    2016 RT Limited , Orbital Blue

  16. #16
    Very Active Member Grandpot's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2014
    Location
    Fort Mill, SC
    Posts
    1,951
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by BrianO View Post
    Never new the RT had fuses under the seat. Where are they exactly?
    Lift the seat. Look directly to the front of the brake reservoir. You will see a 6" X 1" black box. The cover is hinged. That's how it is on my 2011 RTS, not sure about others.
    2011 RTS (Sold to a very nice lady)
    1998 Honda Valkyrie
    2006 Mustang GT. Varooooom!
    US Navy Veteran
    SC Law Enforcement Boat Captain
    CNC Machine Service Technician
    President: Rolling Thunder SC1
    Member: Disabled American Veterans, Rock Hill, SC
    Member: American Legion
    Experience is recognizing the same mistake every time you make it!

  17. #17
    Very Active Member billybovine's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    Mitchell, Ontario, Canada
    Posts
    6,263
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by BrianO View Post
    Never new the RT had fuses under the seat. Where are they exactly?
    You do not have fuses under the seat. On your 2016RT.

    2018 F3 LIMITED

  18. #18
    Very Active Member canamjhb's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2017
    Location
    Mesa, Arid-Zone-A
    Posts
    2,942
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    The OP said something went "pop" when he tried to start it. That has me thinking the problem could be a main fuse? or something like that. I am not familiar enough with the electrical system to suggest where to look. But it looks to me like the rain caused something major to ground out.....? Jim
    2005 Windveil Blue Premium Mustang Convertible
    2008 Honda GL1800/California Sidecar Trike, SOLD
    2014 Platinum Silver Satin Spyder RTL, SOLD
    Semper Fi


  19. #19
    Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2017
    Location
    third rock from the sun
    Posts
    26
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Is it possibly a relay rather than a fuse?

  20. #20
    Active Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2017
    Location
    Emmetsburg, Iowa
    Posts
    55
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    Capt. Ron my F3 has been in the shop for a month for the classic I dunno, I see someone wants to trade their motorcycle?
    2018 F3 , Full size brake pedal Black

  21. #21
    Active Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2015
    Location
    West Palm Beach, FL
    Posts
    57
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    Thank you all for the replies. Sorry I haven't posted. Work is busy.

    There was an audible "POP" when I turned the key originally.

    I blew out the ignition switch with canned air. I checked all the fuses None are blown. The battery should be fine and the connections are solid.
    Still nothing happens when I turn the key.

    How do I check the relays? Or do I just replace them all. Is there a ""master fuse" that is not in the fuseboxes?
    I'm thinking that it may be the ignition switch itself. The "Pop" did not sound like it came from the front.

    I know if I have it towed into the dealer and have them repair the trike, it will be very expensive. How hard would it be for me to replace the ignition switch? Seems like it should be easy. Should I just try that and the relays, then submit to the Dealer's abuse? (relays would be first)

    Thank you all for your thoughts and suggestions.
    Ron
    2015 F3-S , Can-Am Red (Orange)

  22. #22
    Active Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2015
    Location
    Tacoma WA.
    Posts
    126
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    Also Caig De-Oxit. Cleans and dries with no residue, and is safe on plastics.
    2017 F3-S Daytona , Yellow and black

  23. #23
    Active Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2015
    Location
    Tacoma WA.
    Posts
    126
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by canamjhb View Post
    The OP said something went "pop" when he tried to start it. That has me thinking the problem could be a main fuse? or something like that. I am not familiar enough with the electrical system to suggest where to look. But it looks to me like the rain caused something major to ground out.....? Jim
    I'd be looking at a fried ignition switch. Not good, as when it popped it might have also taken out the anti-theft circuit or gone even to the ECU.
    2017 F3-S Daytona , Yellow and black

  24. #24
    Active Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2015
    Location
    Tacoma WA.
    Posts
    126
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by billybovine View Post
    Take a look at your battery. Sound like a loose cable connection to it. Make sure they are clean and tight.

    PS Your Spyder will roll in gear. Without power you cannot release the parking brake.
    Just curious, how would one release the brake manually in case there's no power?
    2017 F3-S Daytona , Yellow and black

  25. #25
    Very Active Member Highwayman2013's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2012
    Location
    North Las Vegas, NV
    Posts
    4,561
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Capt_Ron View Post
    My F3S was left outside overnight and it rained. The next day I dried it off and went to start it and something "popped" and now there is no power to anything.
    I did check all the fuses and none are blown that I can tell.

    I'm at a loss. I would really like to fix this myself as the local dealer is expensive (I'm being nice)

    Worst case I would need to get it to the dealership. How can I get it on a trailer if I can't get it in neutral? SE transmission.

    Thanks
    Ron
    It will roll in gear. Just release the brake.
    2016 F3 Limited
    2019 Ryker Rally
    2014 Suzuki V Strom 650
    2020 CSC TT 250
    2016 F 3 Limited , Vegas White

Posting Permissions

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