Won't downshift? Try this "fix" - UPDATE - caused Turn Signal failure!
Bike: 2020 Spyder RT with SE6 Problem: Intermittent won't downshift manually. Now won't shift at all manually. Diagnosis: Downshift paddle doesn't fully engage shift switch membrane. I can disassemble the LH multifunction switch assembly and shift up & down with my finger tip.
In 2018 a TSB was issued regarding this problem with Spyder's (F3 & RT)-Bulletin 2018-005. I have not read of later 2020 RT's having this issue, but thought I'd post what fixed my problem.
My issue began a couple of months ago with around 13000 miles on it. Once and again it would take 2-4 tries to manually downshift. On a 600 mile round trip Thursday and Friday, manually downshifting was almost impossible and reverse was a frustrating, multiple-attempt, interspersed with a few verbal assaults.
After learning that the LH multifunction switch assembly is $560, I set out to "McGiver it" if possible. I determined that I could manually shift with my fingertip directly on the membrane pad shown in photo 4, and that pointed to the paddle not fully engaging the microswitch on the downshift side.
I found that a common BB was a tiny bit larger than the ball bearing in the switch assembly so, by replacing the downshift ball bearing with the BB, the switch membrane was closer to the paddle mechanism. VOILA! It now shifts smoothly up & down every time! Photo 6 shows the only tools required. Hope this helps someone else.
I'll update this thread after putting some miles on it.
UPDATE 5/29/23: As is sometimes the case that alterations have unforeseen issues, I learned this morning that the turn signals don't work after this fix, and I owe it to you to point that out. Not being able to downshift manually is not acceptable to me, but not having turn signals is not acceptable either. The issue is that the turn signals use the same ball bearings as contacts for both shifting and turn signals.
Last edited by Peter Aawen; 05-29-2023 at 07:07 PM.
Reason: OP's post update ... ;-)
John B.
Current ride: 2020 Spyder RT-s Petrol Metallic Blue dark with OEM top case
John, did you replace both ball bearings with BB's or just the downshift one?? My F3-T is in the shop for a second time with shifting problems. If they tell me there's nothing wrong that they could find, as I was told recently in Houston, then I do believe that I will be delving into mine for a fix.
Al in Kazoo
Last edited by Peter Aawen; 05-29-2023 at 12:06 AM.
Reason: ' 's ;-)
All the great movements in the world began with a cup of coffee!
2018 F3-T
My mods: Can am Trailer hitch, USB and 12 volt power outlets, Gustason windshield, Bead rider seat cushion, battery harness for electric gear and battery tender, Time out trailer.
IMPORTANT: see original post for an update at the bottom. jb
Well that's sucky, fixes the shifting but disables the turn signals. Please keep us up dated if you find a work around.
Al in Kazoo
All the great movements in the world began with a cup of coffee!
2018 F3-T
My mods: Can am Trailer hitch, USB and 12 volt power outlets, Gustason windshield, Bead rider seat cushion, battery harness for electric gear and battery tender, Time out trailer.
Thanks to all. I'm embarrassed and apologize for not waiting a few days to make the original post. My elation at having the downshifting issue resolved made me want to share it with others having the issue.
I do have a couple of ideas floating around, but am going riding today with a couple of buddies, so will work on solving the turn signal issue tomorrow.
The photo below shows the assembly with the back cover removed and the micro switch pulled back. The two arrows point to the two ball bearings, the lower-right of which is the (larger) BB for downshifting. it is stuck in the housing, causing the turn signal apparatus (hidden below) to malfunction. The ball bearings must float in the housing.
I do think a solution can be found ("glass half-full") and will post again later in any regard.
I just purchased a set of these, the sizes are listed on the top lid, is there something here that might be between the bb and oem ball?
If so, I could mail you a couple if needed.
I just purchased a set of these, the sizes are listed on the top lid, is there something here that might be between the bb and oem ball?
If so, I could mail you a couple if needed.
I wonder if a straight up 4mm ball would fit and work? Amazon has this https://a.co/d/0qHnlb1
Safe Rides,
David and Sharon Goebel
Both Retired USAF Veterans
2018 Anniversary Edition RT Limited
Baja Ron ultimate swaybar. Vredestein tires, Baja Ron Front Shock Pre-load adjusters, Pedal Box, See my Spyder Garage
IBA 70020
Have you taken a look at the springs for those balls. I had shifting issues previously on my 2014 RTL and one of the springs was compressed (broken) replaced it and the issue was fixed.
I'm sorry to report that all attempts to diagnose and remedy the LH multi-function switch issue of not downshifting manually, have failed (fixing the shifting issue just transferred the problem to the turn signals) and I ordered a new Multi-function switch assembly yesterday from a local dealer (PN 710008090) at a cost of $509.99 plus tax). I will install it myself, and already have the failed switch removed.
I don't fault the local dealer for BRP's failure to address and stand behind a known fault of this multi-function switch cluster.... BMW does the same thing. The local dealer's hands are tied, leaving me to fight the battle. So, right now, I'm finalizing plans on a 3,000 mile trip beginning July 4.....to the 3-wheel rally in Deadwood; Cody WY; Chief Joseph Highway/Beartooth Pass to Red Lodge MT; down to Yellowstone; and then heading back home.
John B.
Current ride: 2020 Spyder RT-s Petrol Metallic Blue dark with OEM top case
I'm sorry to report that all attempts to diagnose and remedy the LH multi-function switch issue of not downshifting manually, have failed (fixing the shifting issue just transferred the problem to the turn signals) and I ordered a new Multi-function switch assembly yesterday from a local dealer (PN 710008090) at a cost of $509.99 plus tax). I will install it myself, and already have the failed switch removed.
I don't fault the local dealer for BRP's failure to address and stand behind a known fault of this multi-function switch cluster.... BMW does the same thing. The local dealer's hands are tied, leaving me to fight the battle. So, right now, I'm finalizing plans on a 3,000 mile trip beginning July 4.....to the 3-wheel rally in Deadwood; Cody WY; Chief Joseph Highway/Beartooth Pass to Red Lodge MT; down to Yellowstone; and then heading back home.
Ya gave it a good crack anyway. Thanks for sharing.
I'm sorry to report that all attempts to diagnose and remedy the LH multi-function switch issue of not downshifting manually, have failed (fixing the shifting issue just transferred the problem to the turn signals) and I ordered a new Multi-function switch assembly yesterday from a local dealer (PN 710008090) at a cost of $509.99 plus tax). I will install it myself, and already have the failed switch removed.
I don't fault the local dealer for BRP's failure to address and stand behind a known fault of this multi-function switch cluster.... BMW does the same thing. The local dealer's hands are tied, leaving me to fight the battle. So, right now, I'm finalizing plans on a 3,000 mile trip beginning July 4.....to the 3-wheel rally in Deadwood; Cody WY; Chief Joseph Highway/Beartooth Pass to Red Lodge MT; down to Yellowstone; and then heading back home.
Seems like an EXTREME alternative would be to remove the SE actuator & go manual somehow. How to down shift without a clutch handle, I am curious if it's actually feasible?? (**underrating is: all are Manual tranny with shift solenoid & programming added for SE**)
Last edited by Peter Aawen; 12-28-2023 at 01:27 AM.
Reason: **
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
I'm sorry to report that all attempts to diagnose and remedy the LH multi-function switch issue of not downshifting manually, have failed (fixing the shifting issue just transferred the problem to the turn signals) and I ordered a new Multi-function switch assembly yesterday from a local dealer (PN 710008090) at a cost of $509.99 plus tax). I will install it myself, and already have the failed switch removed.
I don't fault the local dealer for BRP's failure to address and stand behind a known fault of this multi-function switch cluster.... BMW does the same thing. The local dealer's hands are tied, leaving me to fight the battle. So, right now, I'm finalizing plans on a 3,000 mile trip beginning July 4.....to the 3-wheel rally in Deadwood; Cody WY; Chief Joseph Highway/Beartooth Pass to Red Lodge MT; down to Yellowstone; and then heading back home.
How did you get the instrument console lifted to get to the wiring to replace the lh module??
I'm sorry to report that all attempts to diagnose and remedy the LH multi-function switch issue of not downshifting manually, have failed (fixing the shifting issue just transferred the problem to the turn signals) and I ordered a new Multi-function switch assembly yesterday from a local dealer (PN 710008090) at a cost of $509.99 plus tax). I will install it myself, and already have the failed switch removed.
I don't fault the local dealer for BRP's failure to address and stand behind a known fault of this multi-function switch cluster.... BMW does the same thing. The local dealer's hands are tied, leaving me to fight the battle. So, right now, I'm finalizing plans on a 3,000 mile trip beginning July 4.....to the 3-wheel rally in Deadwood; Cody WY; Chief Joseph Highway/Beartooth Pass to Red Lodge MT; down to Yellowstone; and then heading back home.
BamaJohn, I think I discovered where you went wrong. The pic shows you putting the BB on the turn signal side of the switch. This pad is double sided. One side does the turn signals and the other does the shifting. You need to put the BB on the shifter side of the switch. Careful when you take the shift mechanism apart to change out the ball for the BB as there is a spring loaded detent ball that will come flying out. Fixed one today that way. I hope it holds up. Will try and do a better description later.
Seems like EXTREME alternative would be remove the SE actuator & go manual some how. How down shift without clutch handle, am curios if actually feasible. (**underrating is: all are Manual tranny with shift solenoid & programming added for SE**)
It is possible to shift up/down with my fingers pushing the little micro-switch plate inside the LH multi-switch. Removing the shift paddle assembly gains access to the micro-switch plate. (I was at a stage of knowing that replacement of the whole LH switch was imminent, and tried switching with my fingers on the micro-switch plate, just to see if it was in the switch or the paddle shifter assembly.)
John B.
Current ride: 2020 Spyder RT-s Petrol Metallic Blue dark with OEM top case
How did you get the instrument console lifted to get to the wiring to replace the lh module??
....by removing side mirrors; the black plastic "surround" behind the mirrors; the entire windshield apparatus; if I remember correctly, the next step is to remove 2 small black screws at the arms that raise the windshield & lift off the dash cover. Then remove both headlights...... it is quite a detailed job to do because the LH Multi-switch plugs in on the RH side of the Spyder... I'm sure there's a good reason for that.
Last edited by Peter Aawen; 12-28-2023 at 01:30 AM.
Reason: spyer... ;-)
John B.
Current ride: 2020 Spyder RT-s Petrol Metallic Blue dark with OEM top case