Has BRP Fixed the DESS Modules?

[ulflyer]

Talking with the Tech who installed mine yesterday, he noted that when replacing earlier modules, as he did on mine, he had to REPROGRAM both keys with BUDS otherwise the ignition wouldn't work; however, lately reprogramming the keys is no longer required. He pointed out that something had been changed but he didn't know what.

Hopefully, those of us who got DESS modules recently, and those about to get them, will not have any further failures.

Might it have been some sort of BUDS update? Time will tell.

[billybovine]

It is my understanding that 2014 and later that reprogramming was not required, after changing out the DESS, since the key code was stored in the ECM. So your tech should never had to reprogram.

[ulflyer]

[QUOTE=billybovine;1028936]It is my understanding that 2014 and later that reprogramming was not required, after changing out the DESS, since the key code was stored in the ECM. So your tech should never had to reprogram.[/QUOTE

You may well be right...I have no idea. I thought he said, but wouldn't bet any money on it, that he had tried earlier ones and they wouldn't start without the programming. There was
a whole lot of chatter going back and forth among several of us so I may not have heard it right. Maybe I just want to think they've got it figured out and things are ok now.

[Deanna777]

[QUOTE=ulflyer;1028991]

It is my understanding that 2014 and later that reprogramming was not required, after changing out the DESS, since the key code was stored in the ECM. So your tech should never had to reprogram.[/QUOTE

You may well be right...I have no idea. I thought he said, but wouldn't bet any money on it, that he had tried earlier ones and they wouldn't start without the programming. There was
a whole lot of chatter going back and forth among several of us so I may not have heard it right. Maybe I just want to think they've got it figured out and things are ok now.

Read my thread" D.E.S.S. KEY CODE" by Deanna777. My dealership had to reprogram both of my keys,( 7/17/15) and replace the D.E.S.S. module. On the above thread read post # 3, 22.

Then read" D.E.S.S. KEY CODE AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! by Deanna777. Last week the my dealership replaced the D.E.S.S. module again, and replaced ignition switch, and changed the rear trunk key lock. If you have any questions send me a pm. Deanna

[Deanna777]

It is my understanding that 2014 and later that reprogramming was not required, after changing out the DESS, since the key code was stored in the ECM. So your tech should never had to reprogram.

In 2015 I had the D.E.S.S module replaced twice( I also started a very long thread about the issues that I had with the D.E.S.S ), and the second time the dealership reprogrammed the keys, and replaced the rear trunk lock.

I have a 2014 RTS-SE6.


Deanna

[gypsy_100]

Talking with the Tech who installed mine yesterday, he noted that when replacing earlier modules, as he did on mine, he had to REPROGRAM both keys with BUDS otherwise the ignition wouldn't work; however, lately reprogramming the keys is no longer required. He pointed out that something had been changed but he didn't know what.

Prior to 2014 the DESS module did the authentication of the key and then told the ECM it was OK to start the bike. So if you changed the DESS module, you had to reprogram the keys so the new DESS module would recognize them. For 2014, that all changed. The DESS module is now just a pass-through system -- it just receives the key information from the key and passes it on to the ECM. The ECM does the authentication and then starts the bike. The 2014 manual emphasizes this strongly that no reprogramming is required when changing the DESS module. Just plug it in and everything will work.

[IGETAROUND]

Well for what it's worth; they replaced BOTH the ignition switch and the DESS module after mine had failed the second time.

I certainly hope that they got it correct as I leave for Spyderquest on 9/5, return 9/22 then take off for Houston on 10/3 for a week long conference and return back home on 10/13. Would not be a happy camper if it went down again.

[billybovine]

Well for what it's worth; they replaced BOTH the ignition switch and the DESS module after mine had failed the second time.

I certainly hope that they got it correct as I leave for Spyderquest on 9/5, return 9/22 then take off for Houston on 10/3 for a week long conference and return back home on 10/13. Would not be a happy camper if it went down again.

Replacing the ignition switch seems like a useless thing to do. Would you know why they did that?

[kbwitt]

BRP hates this as much as we do. They have been working hard with technicians find the solution. They might have it, I forgot the technology talk I was told. Mean time if you get the DESS CODE take key out completely and reinsert.
Kenn

[Dulcimertime]

Tried the method of removing key, reinserting, getting second key, still no luck.
applied ice gel pack to ignition and that cooled the unit enough that the bike restarted

[Deanna777]

BRP hates this as much as we do. They have been working hard with technicians find the solution. They might have it, I forgot the technology talk I was told. Mean time if you get the DESS CODE take key out completely and reinsert.
Kenn

Also, take a picture show your dealer. Read my thread on D.E.S.S. KEY CODE AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just went thru the process. Deanna

[gypsy_100]

Replacing the ignition switch seems like a useless thing to do. Would you know why they did that?

The antenna that receives the signal from the key is part of the ignition switch. The one hope that I have is that BRP did something with the antenna. It's part of the ignition switch. When Deanna's failed the second time, BRP said to replace the DESS module and the switch. The parts that came thru were the updated 2014 module and an ignition switch with a part number that is not yet listed. It's not the 2014 switch and not the 2015 switch. I'd like to think it's a brand new part that's not yet listed in the parts manuals. But that's just blind hope on my part. Could be they changed something else in the switch that has nothing to do with the antenna. Given that BRP is paying the bill, I'd like to think they had a reason for replacing both items. Or... they are just grasping at straws. Wish they'd tell us what is going on.

[billybovine]

The antenna that receives the signal from the key is part of the ignition switch. The one hope that I have is that BRP did something with the antenna. It's part of the ignition switch. When Deanna's failed the second time, BRP said to replace the DESS module and the switch. The parts that came thru were the updated 2014 module and an ignition switch with a part number that is not yet listed. It's not the 2014 switch and not the 2015 switch. I'd like to think it's a brand new part that's not yet listed in the parts manuals. But that's just blind hope on my part. Could be they changed something else in the switch that has nothing to do with the antenna. Given that BRP is paying the bill, I'd like to think they had a reason for replacing both items. Or... they are just grasping at straws. Wish they'd tell us what is going on.

The antenna is nothing but a coil of wire in the shape of doughnut around the barrel of the ignition switch. No resistors, capacitors, transistors, just wire. If there is continuity it should work.

[Deanna777]

Well for what it's worth; they replaced BOTH the ignition switch and the DESS module after mine had failed the second time.

I certainly hope that they got it correct as I leave for Spyderquest on 9/5, return 9/22 then take off for Houston on 10/3 for a week long conference and return back home on 10/13. Would not be a happy camper if it went down again.

That is what my dealership did changed BOTH the ignition switch and the D.E.S.S. module , this is my second time also. Good luck and I hope you don't get stranded. Deanna

[Questions]

Hi all,

I have a 2014 RTS with 4,900 miles and the darn DESS code came up. I was stranded for approx. 20 minutes. I pulled the key out and walked away and then came back to bike and it started. I called dealer today and they initially said they could not do anything unless the code was present. I said that doesn't make sense. They then asked me to continue riding it until the error happens again, then take a picture of the error code. Well someone posted a pic of the error code so I took a picture from this site and I will be dropping off my machine today to get it fixed showing them the pictures. Unbelievable !!!! This is a huge problem and it seems no one cares to much about it. Plus they are telling me its 3-5 days to even get a new module in. There goes another week of no riding.

Bumblebee

[Bob Denman]

I'd tell them, " You've got the proof... order the parts, and I'll bring in the bike when they arrive."

[Deanna777]

Hi all,

I have a 2014 RTS with 4,900 miles and the darn DESS code came up. I was stranded for approx. 20 minutes. I pulled the key out and walked away and then came back to bike and it started. I called dealer today and they initially said they could not do anything unless the code was present. I said that doesn't make sense. They then asked me to continue riding it until the error happens again, then take a picture of the error code. Well someone posted a pic of the error code so I took a picture from this site and I will be dropping off my machine today to get it fixed showing them the pictures. Unbelievable !!!! This is a huge problem and it seems no one cares to much about it. Plus they are telling me its 3-5 days to even get a new module in. There goes another week of no riding.

Bumblebee

I( Deanna777) was the person that took a picture of the D.E.S.S. key code that I got on my 2014RTS-SE6. Also, I started a thread "D.E.S.S. KEY CODE ON A 2014RTS-SE6" & "D.E.S.S. KEY CODE AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!"

The first time that I got the D.E.S.S. key code error, my dealer had the D.E.S.S. module @ their dealership in 2 days.

Then the 2nd time that I got the D.E.S.S. key code, my dealership had the D.E.S.S. module & Ignition Switch in 2 days. ( I took my spyder on Aug. 28th.) I would ask your dealership to order the parts( may be have the parts overnighted) and contact you when the parts come in. Then you won't be down for a week with no riding. Keep us posted. Deanna

[Jheck]

Hi all,

I have a 2014 RTS with 4,900 miles and the darn DESS code came up. I was stranded for approx. 20 minutes. I pulled the key out and walked away and then came back to bike and it started. I called dealer today and they initially said they could not do anything unless the code was present. I said that doesn't make sense. They then asked me to continue riding it until the error happens again, then take a picture of the error code. Well someone posted a pic of the error code so I took a picture from this site and I will be dropping off my machine today to get it fixed showing them the pictures. Unbelievable !!!! This is a huge problem and it seems no one cares to much about it. Plus they are telling me its 3-5 days to even get a new module in. There goes another week of no riding.

Bumblebee

I’ve got a 2014 RTS also. Had the DESS system problem at about 5 or 6,000 mile the dealer replaced the Module and no problems since. Nearing 24000 miles. The extended warranty has just run out so I’m going to find someone with a buds system that can just shut it off.
Someone offered to do that a couple years ago, but I was reluctant to do it with the warranty still in effect. Didn’t want to give them any excuse not to cover me if I needed it.
If anyone is capable of doing this near the central New York area, I’ll pay ya what you need.

[Deanna777]

Talking with the Tech who installed mine yesterday, he noted that when replacing earlier modules, as he did on mine, he had to REPROGRAM both keys with BUDS otherwise the ignition wouldn't work; however, lately reprogramming the keys is no longer required. He pointed out that something had been changed but he didn't know what.

Hopefully, those of us who got DESS modules recently, and those about to get them, will not have any further failures.

Might it have been some sort of BUDS update? Time will tell.

The first time that I get the D.E.S.S. key code, my dealership REPROGRAMED both keys and replaced the D.E.S.S. module on (7/17/2015). Last week Friday I had the D.E.S.S module and the ignition Switch replaced( they also changed the rear trunk key lock, and changed the keys to fit the new ignition switch)
Also, read my thread" D.E.S.S. KEY CODE AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and read post # 1 the 3rd paragraph. Deanna

[ulflyer]

Richie: I hope I haven led you astray about the antenna thing. The thread you referred to above were about older bikes and far as I know those problems have been fixed. I only meant that the "loose wire" hanging down might be the antenna....but honestly I have no idea how newer ones are configured. If what you have is indeed the antenna, it doesn't connect to anything; it transmits a signal to the DESS. I'm guessing you have other problems with your ignition. Hopefully someone who knows about these things will chime in and give you better advice.

[Lew L]

I think ( just my @ cents here) that the DESS problems have do do with a faulty " little black box" that is not made by Can Am. Once they got it right ( from an off site manufacture) the DESS problems seemed to have stopped. I have replaced the original ( 2014)with a later one part # 710004916. The old one was made In India and was # 710004190. Haven't had the DESS signal of death in years and feel confident to take my anywhere.
Lew L

[PaladinLV]

Lew
The problem with the 2014 & a few 2015s, dealt with signal saturation.
BRP was never able to pin-point the problem.
Some of those that had their Module replaced with the updated version (2015) still had problems and in most cases replacing the ignition cylinder corrected it.
Some people like me were fortunate enough to have the dealer replace both at the same time.
Yet some never experienced the problem at all and some just needed the module. I cannot remember anyone just having the cylinder replaced.
One definitive fact was once the problem appears, it typical goes down hill by becoming more frequent and more difficult to clear.
By 2016, it seems the problem all but disappeared.
I have always recommended anyone with a 2014 TRY to get both units replaced as THAT solution is the only one that always seemed to work.
My problems started at about 5500 miles and was replaced 3 months later. So from @ 8000 to until today no problem, but still hold my breath every time I turn the key.

AJ

[Deanna777]

I think ( just my @ cents here) that the DESS problems have do do with a faulty " little black box" that is not made by Can Am. Once they got it right ( from an off site manufacture) the DESS problems seemed to have stopped. I have replaced the original ( 2014)with a later one part # 710004916. The old one was made In India and was # 710004190. Haven't had the DESS signal of death in years and feel confident to take my anywhere.
Lew L

LewL:
In 2015 I started a very long thread about the DESS module and the issues/problems that I had.


Since than I have not had the DESS signal of death in years. I also have the part # 710004190.
I also take/ride my spyder any where.


Deanna

[trikermutha]

DESS Bulletin

[PaladinLV]

Kind of like closing the gate after all the horse got out!

AJM