Has anyone had to replace their VCM?

[ABQ_Spyderman]

I just got back from the dealer and they're telling me I need to replace my VCM. $2,700 parts & labor. Just wondering if anyone has been down this road. At that price I'll be parking my Spyder until late Spring while I save up. Which is a crying shame considering it's prime riding season in Albuquerque right now.

Of note: They contacted Can-Am and were told we could try replacing the master cylinder first. That could potentially fix it. But that's $800 and my shop is telling me they really don't think that will do anything and it's just going to blow $800 before I spend $2,700 on the VCM replacement.

Any words of advice out there?

Thanks as always.

--Andy

[IGETAROUND]

Well I would be googling the heck out of salvage sites looking for a used one. There was just a post on the forum within the last 48 hours of a Spyder that looks like it might be totaled. Check with the major insurance co's about the possibility of salvage parts. JMO

[Jeriatric]

According to the service manual - A VCM failure is "not likely to occur". There are loads of things the service manual suggests checking before making a final determination it is bad. Wish I could cut and paste it all, but can't. Perhaps someone else can. I'm in no way saying it was not properly diagnosed by your dealer. But? That's a lot of dough. Good luck.

[kinggeek]

According to the service manual - A VCM failure is "not likely to occur". There are loads of things the service manual suggests checking before making a final determination it is bad. Wish I could cut and paste it all, but can't. Perhaps someone else can. I'm in no way saying it was not properly diagnosed by your dealer. But? That's a lot of dough. Good luck.

From the manual:

VCM Troubleshooting
A VCM failure is not likely to occur. These modules have proven to be very reliable. Prior to replacing a suspected VCM, take the following into account.

The problem can be related to a hydraulic function, check the following:
- Brake fluid level
- Brake line leaking, bent or pinched
- Brake caliper
- Master cyl inder (including piston rod position).

The problem can be re lated to an electric function, check the following:
- Fault codes
- VCM electrical connector. Refer to WIRING HARNESS AND CONNECTORS subsection for detailed information on the VCM connector
- Wiring harness condition.
NOTE: If pins or terminals are not clean, check VCM ha rness connector seal condit io n and ensure connector mechanism properly locks connector seal against VCM.

Try disconnecting and reconnecting the VCM connector to see if it "cures" the problem.

As a final test. try a new VCM without disconnecting brake lines from the old VCM. Proceed as follows:

IMPORTANT: Disconnecting brake lines would require the system bleeding.
1. Connect VCM connector to a new VCM.
2. Turn ignition switch ON. NOTE: It is normal that some fault codes appear at this time.
3. If problem persists. the trouble is elsewhere.
4. If problem is now solved, the VCM in the vehicle is faulty. Install the new VCM in the vehicle.

Hope it works out not to be the VCM. Hope this helps.

[Jeriatric]

Warning Always disconnect the battery prior to disconnecting VCM connector.

Just in case you decide to check anything yourself.

[ABQ_Spyderman]

Just wanted to say thanks for the responses. I'll run these by my service guy and see what he has to say.
Thanks again!

--Andy

[captblack]

Are you trying to convince Becky that the $2700 would make a better down payment on a new ST?

[ABQ_Spyderman]

Are you trying to convince Becky that the $2700 would make a better down payment on a new ST?

That would be nice! Lol
However--I have to pay off my RS first!!

[billybovine]

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/CAN-AM-SPYDER...ht_1130wt_1397

[ABQ_Spyderman]

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/CAN-AM-SPYDER...ht_1130wt_1397

Brother I wish! I need the VCM not the ABS. But thank you man! Good lookin out!!

[spyryder]

Brother I wish! I need the VCM not the ABS. But thank you man! Good lookin out!!

The VCM and ABS pump are one and the same:

vcm.jpg

[iridenow]

I just got back from the dealer and they're telling me I need to replace my VCM. $2,700 parts & labor. Just wondering if anyone has been down this road. At that price I'll be parking my Spyder until late Spring while I save up. Which is a crying shame considering it's prime riding season in Albuquerque right now.

Of note: They contacted Can-Am and were told we could try replacing the master cylinder first. That could potentially fix it. But that's $800 and my shop is telling me they really don't think that will do anything and it's just going to blow $800 before I spend $2,700 on the VCM replacement.

Any words of advice out there?

Thanks as always.

--Andy

Assuming it did go bad, would it not be covered by warranty or extended warranty?

[Peter Aawen]

This thread/discussion was waaaay back in 2012, and ABQ spiderman hasn't been on the boards here since mid 2014.... not sure you'll hear from him now.... Others might know about the warranty/ext warranty thing for newer Spyders, but I'm pretty sure his RS is well out of ANY warranty by now!