Stranded by DESS Check Key - any fix besides towing?

[ThreeWheels]

This is the first time I have heard of this problem on 2020+ models. I sure hope its not a sign of things to come. I think I will turn off my DESS for peace of mind.

I'd like to do the same. Where can you do this ?

[old Timer]

If you are anywhere remotely near the Lamonster Garage, I would suggest that you pay them a visit.

[trikermutha]

This is the first I have heard of the newer models having the DESS issue.

If its not the module try the antenna. This was what the bulletin stated on my model RT. Ignition is not the problem. Or at least thats what the Bulletin stated.

Warranty should be able to take care of the cost.

[thereverend]

If you're anywhere near West Monroe LA, I can do it, I have the BUDS with MegaTech License, I have deactivated mine on my 2015 RT.

[gkamer]

Is it possible to eliminate the DESS, A simple non chipped key would be perfect.

PM sent

[EdMat]

I hardly ever use my chipped key. Getting ole DESS turned off has been great.

[gkamer]

I hardly ever use my chipped key. Getting ole DESS turned off has been great.

I haven't run into that problem yet, but you can be sure the first time it rears it's ugly head I'll be ordering the BUDS system and 1 month Megatech license and turning that puppy off.

[Deanna777]

This is the first time I have heard of this problem on 2020+ models. I sure hope its not a sign of things to come. I think I will turn off my DESS for peace of mind.

I agree with you. I haven't heard anything either on the 2020 + spyder models.


Also, if anyone has a newer spyder that still has the warranty, and if you get the D.E.S.S. error have your can-am dealership open up a case with BRP and run it thru the warranty. The D.E.S.S module, switch, antenna is covered under the warranty.
Deanna

[Jcrozzb]

2020 RTL the dess and ant was replaced a case was set up dealer said bring it in thanks

[PaladinLV]

If the DESS module was replaced and you are still experiencing the problem.
Tell your dealer to check with what BRP has stated WHAT the problem is.
REPLACE the ANTENNA on the ignition switch body!

AJ

[2dogs]

.......
Except for the DESS module itself, the cause of the error is RF overload/saturation or simply put TO MUCH signal received by the antenna.

This can and occasionally does cause problems with smart phones connected to wifi using 2.4GHz. Meaning if you phone has WiFi On and connected to a network on 2.4GHz AND you place this phone in the vicinity of the ignition switch/key you MAY experience a problem even in good properly working systems.
.....

OH DAM! I didn't know about that. My phone mount is between the handlebars just below the key switch on my RT 2014. I have no clue what GHz it has or even what a GHz is, but I do have wifi on my phone. I've put my phone in the holder many times when wifi was on and then turned it off when turning on Bluetooth for my FOBOs. Have never had a DESS issue (knock on wood) and don"t ever want one. Thanks for the heads up "AJ".

[2dogs]

If the DESS module was replaced and you are still experiencing the problem.
Tell your dealer to check with what BRP has stated WHAT the problem is.
REPLACE the ANTENNA on the ignition switch body!

AJ

Do you know if the new 5g phones well cause a greater problem?

[Briorick]

.......
Except for the DESS module itself, the cause of the error is RF overload/saturation or simply put TO MUCH signal received by the antenna.

This can and occasionally does cause problems with smart phones connected to wifi using 2.4GHz. Meaning if you phone has WiFi On and connected to a network on 2.4GHz AND you place this phone in the vicinity of the ignition switch/key you MAY experience a problem even in good properly working systems.
.....

OH DAM! I didn't know about that. My phone mount is between the handlebars just below the key switch on my RT 2014. I have no clue what GHz it has or even what a GHz is, but I do have wifi on my phone. I've put my phone in the holder many times when wifi was on and then turned it off when turning on Bluetooth for my FOBOs. Have never had a DESS issue (knock on wood) and don"t ever want one. Thanks for the heads up "AJ".

My sentiments exactly, 2dogs! Holy Crap, to say the least!

Got my curiosity up after reading your and AJ's posting / comments. I looked at the Tech Specs online for my smart phone and the Wi-Fi connections for my phone are 2.4GHZ and 5GHZ. That's an eye opener because I too have my phone mounted in the same position as yours. I don't often have the wi-fi connected, but you can bet it'll never be on from here on out.


A huge THANK YOU to AJ for posting this info.

[FrogmanDave]

Do you know if the new 5g phones well cause a greater problem?

5G has nothing to do with 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz wifi. 5G is the technology the phone network works on. 5 GHz wifi should not interfere with the DESS system.

[trikermutha]

I had nothing on my handlebars and the DES message came on. Will see what happens this year since I put the new antenna on last year but never really drove the Spyder.

[trikermutha]

2020 RTL the dess and ant was replaced a case was set up dealer said bring it in thanks

So you had the Module and the Antenna replaced now??

[2dogs]

5G has nothing to do with 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz wifi. 5G is the technology the phone network works on. 5 GHz wifi should not interfere with the DESS system.

"Should" seems to be the perfect word to use at this time. In my research, I've found that no one really knows. As time passes more and more people will be gravitating to 5G and even faster speeds. Right now the airlines are not really sure they like it. If I read it correctly, 5G should/may be less detrimental to our DESS system than 2.4G. However, the close proximity of our phones to the DESS poses a good question. Time it seems will only tell. For now I'll just try and make sure the wifi is turned off on my phone before placing it on my spyder.

[FrogmanDave]

"Should" seems to be the perfect word to use at this time. In my research, I've found that no one really knows. As time passes more and more people will be gravitating to 5G and even faster speeds. Right now the airlines are not really sure they like it. If I read it correctly, 5G should/may be less detrimental to our DESS system than 2.4G. However, the close proximity of our phones to the DESS poses a good question. Time it seems will only tell. For now I'll just try and make sure the wifi is turned off on my phone before placing it on my spyder.

As I stated above, a 5G phone network has absolutely nothing to do with a 5GHz wifi signal. Two totally different technologies. The names may be similar but that is where the similarity ends.

[Peter Aawen]

5G has nothing to do with 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz wifi. 5G is the technology the phone network works on. 5 GHz wifi should not interfere with the DESS system.

As I stated above, a 5G phone network has absolutely nothing to do with a 5GHz wifi signal. Two totally different technologies. The names may be similar but that is where the similarity ends.

Just like 2G, 3G, & 4G referred to the 2nd, 3rd, & 4th Generations respectively of mobile/cell phone technology, the 5G bit in 5G phone service actually refers to the FIFTH (5th) GENERATION of the applicable telephone technology, & not specifically to the frequency that it uses. It's just the number followed by a 'G' that confuses....

[2dogs]

As I stated above, a 5G phone network has absolutely nothing to do with a 5GHz wifi signal. Two totally different technologies. The names may be similar but that is where the similarity ends.

Thanks, Dave. I'll try digesting that. Understanding similarities that have nothing in common with one another is at best..................confusing.

[PaladinLV]

If your phone is lying near the ignition switch a problem can occur.
I cannot remember if it's the Bluetooth or Wireless but I believe it to be the 2.4GHz wireless.
Now when I say near, I mean like lying in the space right next to the switch. Resting it on the toggle switches or mounted on the handle bars will NOT effect a Properly Operating DESS system.

AJ

[PaladinLV]

Guys, ALL of THIS has been covered in great detail Under Deanna's Thread YEARS AGO!
All the tech, all the answers, all the questions.

If you get a DESS failure, the Shop needs to take the following repairs, in the following order PER the BRP Service Bulletin.

1. Replace Antenna!!!
If that does NOT fix the problem
2. Replace DESS Module.

BRP took years to figure this out as they first started with just DESS, moved to replacing BOTH (both meaning module and ENTIRE ignition switch), then finally sometime in 2016 realized that in the majority of cases, the antenna was the problem.

I believe it was antenna LENGTH and just a little difference made a HUGE difference, but since they also upgraded the DESS in 2015 they may have found a double problem since the antenna replacement did not become the priority repair until late in 2016.

The system works like an airplane transponder.
Signal sent from DESS thru antenna to chip in key.
Key chip trips and sends code back to DESS via the same antenna.
As stated earlier, a bad antenna becomes saturated by DESS signal thereby, not triggering chip in key.
Your windshield Toll Passes like the ones used in places like NY, NJ, MA, CA, elsewhere work the same way.

AJ

[Jcrozzb]

Hi J,
Still under warrantee??? Get the dealer to open a case with BRP while giving you a loaner. New bikes shouldn't have this problem and if they do the dealer and BRP really needs to take care of it promptly. Poor customer service doesn't sit well with the buying public-----

My DESS problem occurred out of warrantee ( but not by much). Replaced the DESS module myself and no more problems since.

Lew L

Thanks still have 4 years left this is my second dess

[Jcrozzb]

Happened again towed after 8000 miles I have read and appreciate all suggestions is any one fixed the check key error while on the road

[trikermutha]

Never did hear if the antenna was replaced or not.