Bum signal lights

[max continuous]

I got my 2008 sm5 in for the DPS and other updates. Ran like a dream except the signal lights became intermittent.
Now I don't know about you folks but I don't want a Spyder coming off warranty with an intermittent electrical problem.
The tech ordered the handlebar switch and replaced that....not to tell anyone how to do their job but....'cmon there is 1 moving part in there. It either makes contact or it doesn't. Needless to say it wasn't the problem. Bike is still in the shop (over two weeks) and they have ordered an new instrument cluster for it. Is this making sense to anyone? I know the can bus system is pretty funky on the Spyder and deeply integrated so maybe this will fix it?
Any thoughts appreciated
Max

[NancysToy]

Yes, it makes sense. The Spyder controls are digital, and are acted on by the computer in the cluster or other modules. Be patient, they will get it taken care of.

[wyliec]

I got my 2008 sm5 in for the DPS and other updates. Ran like a dream except the signal lights became intermittent.
Now I don't know about you folks but I don't want a Spyder coming off warranty with an intermittent electrical problem.
The tech ordered the handlebar switch and replaced that....not to tell anyone how to do their job but....'cmon there is 1 moving part in there. It either makes contact or it doesn't. Needless to say it wasn't the problem. Bike is still in the shop (over two weeks) and they have ordered an new instrument cluster for it. Is this making sense to anyone? I know the can bus system is pretty funky on the Spyder and deeply integrated so maybe this will fix it?
Any thoughts appreciated
Max

This may be completely different from your problem. I have some ESI mods for the front fender tip lights and also the rear of the front fender. Those lights on the left side were intermittent. Long story short; the posi-tap had been twisted so tight that it cut through some of the strands of wire. This caused a higher resistance/wire heating and those turn signals would go from blinking normal to not blinking.

[max continuous]

Thanks for the replies. Yeah I know Scotty...she's an odd duck electrically and I guess that makes sense.
And wyliec, they did do a thorough trace of the harness and rechecked all the connectors and added dialetric grease. I thought like you, maybe something got pinched when they did the DPS.
Don't get me wrong guys I'm not knocking my shop. They are doing what they can but it's still frustrating to take my trailer for a 400 km. drive and not have spydie back in the barn. The $50.00 deductible I paid for the warranty kinda irked me as well. (computer can't pay it back to me)
Thanks for the info I think they may be on to something.
Max

[SpyderWolf]

Best of luck, and let us know if this resolves the issue for you. Of course, with the new cluster your mileage will be set back to 0.

[max continuous]

Best of luck, and let us know if this resolves the issue for you. Of course, with the new cluster your mileage will be set back to 0.

I suppose so. you would think with it being digital they could pop the numbers in there.
Not a biggie ..it's only got 6000 km. on it anyway.
Max

[mike3069]

Of course, with the new cluster your mileage will be set back to 0.

I suppose so. you would think with it being digital they could pop the numbers in there.Max

It is possible to "pop the numbers in there". They need to to have both the new and the old dash available for BUDS and there is a very specific procedure that must be followed to accomplish this. But it CAN be done.

[NancysToy]

It is possible to "pop the numbers in there". They need to to have both the new and the old dash available for BUDS and there is a very specific procedure that must be followed to accomplish this. But it CAN be done.

What is your source for this information? It is opposite everything that has been reported by both dealers and owners, and it is not shown in the shop manual.

[boborgera]

I believe the problem is legal, not technical.
The mileage count could be changed by BUDS but it is not part of what a dealer can do.

Imagine giving dealers the power to punch in any mileage number they wanted.

If I'm not mistaken (and I often am) it is illegal in a lot of jurisdictions to change mileage numbers. Even when you buy a used Speedo from the boneyard they are required to give you a certificate indicating the miles.

What a field day a dealer can have, if they had control over the odometer

[NancysToy]

I believe the problem is legal, not technical.
The mileage count could be changed by BUDS but it is not part of what a dealer can do.

Imagine giving dealers the power to punch in any mileage number they wanted.

If I'm not mistaken (and I often am) it is illegal in a lot of jurisdictions to change mileage numbers. Even when you buy a used Speedo from the boneyard they are required to give you a certificate indicating the miles.

The laws were created to prevent such shenanigans.

[lightman02]

I got my 2008 sm5 in for the DPS and other updates. Ran like a dream except the signal lights became intermittent.
Now I don't know about you folks but I don't want a Spyder coming off warranty with an intermittent electrical problem.
The tech ordered the handlebar switch and replaced that....not to tell anyone how to do their job but....'cmon there is 1 moving part in there. It either makes contact or it doesn't. Needless to say it wasn't the problem. Bike is still in the shop (over two weeks) and they have ordered an new instrument cluster for it. Is this making sense to anyone? I know the can bus system is pretty funky on the Spyder and deeply integrated so maybe this will fix it?
Any thoughts appreciated
Max

I don't understand what you mean by intermittent?? Do you mean you couldn't sometimes turn them on and sometimes they don't respond at all? Or do you mean they would turn on but not stay on?? I don't see the instrument cluster being the issue at all and sounds like to me they are just guessing. I would think they should also check to make sure they have calibrated the angle / yaw sensor propery and connected everyting properly when they did the DPS swap. The computer uses this information to cancel the signal when u make a turn. Wondering if not calibrating or connecting things properly is causing the issue. But I will look at the diagram to be sure the cluster is not actually generating the signal.

[Blue Star]

Best of luck, and let us know if this resolves the issue for you. Of course, with the new cluster your mileage will be set back to 0.

And then your warranty would start all over again

[NancysToy]

And then your warranty would start all over again

...except that the warranty is by time, and mileage is unlimited.

[GeoffCee]

...except that the warranty is by time, and mileage is unlimited.

HA, ha, ha! I can hear "Doh" from here and I'm very far away!

[lightman02]

I don't understand what you mean by intermittent?? Do you mean you couldn't sometimes turn them on and sometimes they don't respond at all? Or do you mean they would turn on but not stay on?? I don't see the instrument cluster being the issue at all and sounds like to me they are just guessing. I would think they should also check to make sure they have calibrated the angle / yaw sensor propery and connected everyting properly when they did the DPS swap. The computer uses this information to cancel the signal when u make a turn. Wondering if not calibrating or connecting things properly is causing the issue. But I will look at the diagram to be sure the cluster is not actually generating the signal.

Well I was wrong, Nancy was right, the cluster is actually producing the turn signal. First time I've seen that, so hopedully replacing the cluster will solve your issue. Otherwise I suspect a faulty wire or loose connection. Good luck!!

[max continuous]

First let me thank you all for the responses and ideas and for not making the usual jokes about "intermittent signal lights". "Are they working? yes...no..yes..no...yes..no..yes...no!
Well I managed to sneak away today and pick up the bike. And the winner is........THE CLUSTER!
To quote my tech from my bill...."Found that if cluster connector is held to the side it will work and if it is held to other side it will fail every time. Checked with new cluster." "Determined to be damage in cluster between pins and chip board". "Replaced cluster and programmed replacement to unit. Test function, O.K."
Works for me! $50.00 deductible on BEST and DONE! Kudos again to Martin Motor Sports of Edmonton Alberta even with the initial OOPS! on diagnosis.
Ryde safe
Max

[max continuous]

Well I was wrong, Nancy was right, the cluster is actually producing the turn signal. First time I've seen that, so hopedully replacing the cluster will solve your issue. Otherwise I suspect a faulty wire or loose connection. Good luck!!

Well I think you can be forgiven! Darned things run on electricity/fuel/air/spark (different electricity) and Voo Doo!
Thanks for your input,
Max

[max continuous]

Oh..By the way. Oddly enough the mileage was reset with the new cluster but the Hrs. on the engine remained accurate.
Max

[spyryder]

Oh..By the way. Oddly enough the mileage was reset with the new cluster but the Hrs. on the engine remained accurate.
Max

Your ECM keeps track of the hours.

[max continuous]

Sigh...Why couldn't the world just have been happy with a Chevy 350 cu engine and a Rochester Quadrajet.
Now that made sense!!
I could fix that with an American Dime (thinner than Canadian) and my Moms good serving spoon!
Max

[lightman02]

Oh..By the way. Oddly enough the mileage was reset with the new cluster but the Hrs. on the engine remained accurate.
Max

Try these guys, you never know, they may be able to do it, it won't be free but if it bothers you it may be able to be done.

http://www.powls-speedometer.com/AboutUs/Default.aspx

[max continuous]

Thanks for the info but ya know??......can't be bothered. BRP knows the mileage and I just have to "carry the 6000" in my head for my service interval.
All is good and if the monsoons in central Alberta stop I may yet get to ride!
Trust me...100 mm in 24 hrs. is a lot!
'cmon..get your rulers out..it's not that hard!
Darned metric! They even made French mandatory in school here!
Max