Well I got mine back

[musicarcade]

...and it's gonna go right back to the shop.

I posted on another thread that my Spyder has been in the shop for tHree weeks and I had a friend drive 60 miles to drop me off to pick it up. I had to wait another hour or so for a parking brake upgrade, got on my , drove 8 miles and it went into limp mode and the engine and VSS light came on. Before I had it trailered in for repairs I was having issues with the steering locking up- no faults or idiot light coming on; but I digress. I drove it back to the shop, the tech hooked it up to the buds again, then he took it on a test drive. He drove 18 miles then the VSS/engine light limp mode saga hit him. Another tech hooked it up while the service mgr. called BRP techs, told them the codes it was throwing and they gave some advice. So and hour later (it's now 6pm- I had been there since 11am) this tech takes it for a drive. He goes 20 miles and comes back and says the vss light only came on twice when he was going around a corner or two. It's now 7pm, dark and I have 60 miles to drive. I get the service mgr.s cell number in case it limps on me again. I drive off, and about 10 miles away I get a vss light on and feel the vss kick in as I round a turn. It is way too sensitive I think, and decide I'll inform them of that and continue. I get 40 miles from the service dept and I'm doing 50mph on a straight road =and the vss light comes on AND kicks in., Only that time I didn't know the light had come on or that the nanny kicked in because I wasn't looking down at the dash, I was looking for restaurant that I wasn't sure was open or not as I was starving since I hadn't eaten all day. At the time I thought perhaps I had hit a slick spot in the road or something. It wasn't until I made a long right turn (a turn I usually take at about 40mph) at about 35mph and the vss lit up and kicked in. And continued to kick in as I was going straight down the hiway. When the VSS kicks in and you are going straight, I guess it thinks it's slowing down an a curve, but what happens is tries to throw you (in my case) to the left, which for me on this highway is oncoming traffic . Then eventually I got the scroll "CHECK DPS"

So now I have had every experience I think you can have with the steering short of just having the ing handlebars fall off. I have had my steering slightly lock, I've had it lock big time where I had to yank it anytime I wanted to alter my course just a fraction (That happened on my 16 mile ride home from work in December) And now I have had the pleasure of feeling the activate the VSS whenever the it wants to.

This was going to be my primary mode of transportation. What a ing joke that is!

I was hoping to participate in that photo scavenger hunt that's going on here, BUT I HAVEN'T HAD A ING SPYDER TO RYDE THIS YEAR.

So here it is, another month later and I'm afraid to ryde this POS out of town because I'M AFRAID THE SAFETY FEATURES ARE TRYING TO KILL ME.
I'VE been patient. I've been polite. Now I want results.

C'MON BRP! SEND A TECH DOWN SOUTH HERE TO TRAIN SOME OF THESE OTHER TECHS TO FIX THESE MACHINES. WE ARE TIRED OF WAITING.

[bjt]

Sorry to hear all this.

[Roaddog2]

Sorry to hear all this.

+1

[Smylinacha]

cr@p that stinks. Just glad you made it back safe! Wonder if when they hook it up to the computers at shops if the Spyder can download viruses?

[NancysToy]

First thing to check would be the relays. Hope they were smart enough to do that. Sounds like you may have a bad yaw sensor, or a wiring problem. Could be a bad VCM, too. Not sure I follow the "ride it until the codes go away" approach. I feel for you, man! Keeping my fingers crossed that things improve. Meanwhile, please report it to the NHTSA. The VSS thing is a new wrinkle.....and a disturbing one.

[BajaRon]

Not good at all! This is the one that gets me though, "He goes 20 miles and comes back and says the vss light only came on twice when he was going around a corner or two" (speaking of the repair tech).

So what is up with this? In my experience, if I'm riding hard enough to get the VSS to kick in I'm sure not looking at the instrument panel for any code lights. Sounds like you actually have a VIS (Vehicle Instability System) on your Spyder.

I don't understand why dealers call owners to come and get their vehicle (Spyder or anything else) until they are SURE it is ready to go. Why do some insist on using the owner as their quality control program?

Sounds like they did some patch work hoping that would fix the problem and when it didn't they talked you into taking it before it was fixed. It isn't like more miles are going to fix the problem. It's like they just wanted to get rid of it instead of make it right.

Really sorry to hear all of this. The Spyder is just a great ride when it's right. Went for a few miles on mine today. Runs great, steers great, handles great, makes me very happy. Not trying to rub it in. Just hoping you stay on this till you can enjoy your Spyder like I enjoy mine.

[musicarcade]

cr@p that stinks. Just glad you made it back safe! Wonder if when they hook it up to the computers at shops if the Spyder can download viruses?

I'm convinced that can-am is a subsidiary of Microsoft and the Spyder is a Windows based operating system.

I've pulled off several times now & shut it down in order for it to reboot.

[musicarcade]

Not good at all! This is the one that gets me though, "He goes 20 miles and comes back and says the vss light only came on twice when he was going around a corner or two" (speaking of the repair tech).

So what is up with this? In my experience, if I'm riding hard enough to get the VSS to kick in I'm sure not looking at the instrument panel for any code lights. Sounds like you actually have a VIS (Vehicle Instability System) on your Spyder.

I don't understand why dealers call owners to come and get their vehicle (Spyder or anything else) until they are SURE it is ready to go. Why do some insist on using the owner as their quality control program?

Sounds like they did some patch work hoping that would fix the problem and when it didn't they talked you into taking it before it was fixed. It isn't like more miles are going to fix the problem. It's like they just wanted to get rid of it instead of make it right.

Really sorry to hear all of this. The Spyder is just a great ride when it's right. Went for a few miles on mine today. Runs great, steers great, handles great, makes me very happy. Not trying to rub it in. Just hoping you stay on this till you can enjoy your Spyder like I enjoy mine.

I agree 100% on all counts. I left the service dept a little after 7pm, and by that time I was nearly as anxious as them. I knew in the back of my mind that his vss remark was a rationalization, but I thought if I got out of Savannah without an issue, I *might* be able to deal with it. Obviously this was not the case and things did get worse.

When I went to TN for Spyders in the Smokies I had the time of my life and the Dragon's Tail was an absolute thrill. Those are the experiences I can't wait to return.

[SpyderWolf]

Very sorry to hear you are still having troubles like this. I was hoping to hear you got it back and everything was working great. I was also hoping that you found a good new dealer to work with. :doh:

Did they give you any indication of how long they will be keeping it this time?

[BajaRon]

I agree 100% on all counts. I left the service dept a little after 7pm, and by that time I was nearly as anxious as them. I knew in the back of my mind that his vss remark was a rationalization, but I thought if I got out of Savannah without an issue, I *might* be able to deal with it. Obviously this was not the case and things did get worse.

When I went to TN for Spyders in the Smokies I had the time of my life and the Dragon's Tail was an absolute thrill. Those are the experiences I can't wait to return.

A good dealer that has some tech people willing to make it right is the key to your problems IMHO. There is probably a healthy Spyder under that hood waiting for the right medicine to make it all better.

I really hope you can get there soon. The Dragon is sleeping now but soon the warm weather will come and he will awaken again for another season! He can never be beaten but with the right ride, he can be tamed!

[musicarcade]

Very sorry to hear you are still having troubles like this. I was hoping to hear you got it back and everything was working great. I was also hoping that you found a good new dealer to work with. :doh:

Did they give you any indication of how long they will be keeping it this time?

I didn't get home until 9. I'll be calling them and Carlo in the morning.Looks like instead of Ryding my Spyder on my b-day I'll be getting it trailered back to the shop

[musicarcade]

First thing to check would be the relays. Hope they were smart enough to do that. Sounds like you may have a bad yaw sensor, or a wiring problem. Could be a bad VCM, too. Not sure I follow the "ride it until the codes go away" approach. I feel for you, man! Keeping my fingers crossed that things improve. Meanwhile, please report it to the NHTSA. The VSS thing is a new wrinkle.....and a disturbing one.

I'm pretty sure they didn't check the relays. The whole service dept. is in their 20's and none of them own a Spyder nor really seem enthused about it. It's cool, but a pain to work on, and we gotta read thru these manuals and work on a computer was my impression. Plus they had plenty of real motorcycles to work on that they *know* they can repair.

But thanks for the suggestions on what to look at, I'll be sure to pass them on.

[SpyderWolf]

I didn't get home until 9. I'll be calling them and Carlo in the morning.Looks like instead of Ryding my Spyder on my b-day I'll be getting it trailered back to the shop

Sorry about you not having a good birthday ryde.

If the weather wasn't turning to crap this weekend, I would ryde mine to Beaufort to let you get a little fix. Hopefully they will get it right so we can meet up sometime soon and ryde together. Right now I am pushing to go to Daytona for bike week as well.

[sabunim5]

Good Luck. Keep us posted

[Firefly]

Wow--- what a bummer of a day!

I've not specifically heard of people having their VSS kick in at random times - but I don't read every post out here---- so maybe I missed some. I think someone had the idea that the Spyder 'throwing to the left' might be caused by the VSS kicking in when it shouldn't.

I believe most with 'steering issues' have been just that - steering lock-up, binding, PS turning off and on, etc.

Can you describe what happened when the VSS kicked in? I've had it happen on curves - especially when lifting a wheel. The engine would cut out and opposing brake was applied--- all happens so fast the braking part can be hard to feel. I never saw my VSS light come on as I was busy watching the road----.

So did yours apply one or the other brake? Cut the engine?

Sure sounds like something more than steering problems.

[bone crusher]

I hope they can get it fixed for you...lean on Carlo...he should be doing more for these problems...

[musicarcade]

Wow--- what a bummer of a day!

I've not specifically heard of people having their VSS kick in at random times - but I don't read every post out here---- so maybe I missed some. I think someone had the idea that the Spyder 'throwing to the left' might be caused by the VSS kicking in when it shouldn't.

I believe most with 'steering issues' have been just that - steering lock-up, binding, PS turning off and on, etc.

Can you describe what happened when the VSS kicked in? I've had it happen on curves - especially when lifting a wheel. The engine would cut out and opposing brake was applied--- all happens so fast the braking part can be hard to feel. I never saw my VSS light come on as I was busy watching the road----.

So did yours apply one or the other brake? Cut the engine?

Sure sounds like something more than steering problems.

I think this has happened to others, but perhaps their VSS light didn't come on?

The definitely veered to the left- IT applied brakes had a really weird vibration when it did it. I had felt it twice before when I was going on a turn. One of the turns was at an intersection and I had a car in front AND behind me turning, so I wasn't pushing any limit whatsoever. But I was able to see the VSS lite up and felt it. and made a mental note to that effect. The second turn it happened on I was expecting it as its's a turn I love to take- I take it at 50mph in my Subaru WRX and 40-45 on my . Last night I took it at 35mph and the VSS kicked in. ..and continued to kick in about 3 more times after I straightened out the spyder and continued down the highway. I have already put in a call to Carlo and phoned to service Dept. to come pick it up again next Tuesday.

I know the last thing they were tryingto adjust before I left was the SAS. I wasn't very impressed w/ their methodology. I'm sure they just wanted it not to go into limp mode while I was ryding 60+ miles home...

[Lamonster]

Sounds like the torque sensor and the steering angle sensor are fighting each other. Make sure they zeroed out the steering after they worked on it.

[musicarcade]

Sounds like the torque sensor and the steering angle sensor are fighting each other. Make sure they zeroed out the steering after they worked on it.

That was the last thing they did. But I still don't think (obviously?) they had gone from point A to Z to determine all was copasetic before I went on my way.

[NancysToy]

That was the last thing they did. But I still don't think (obviously?) they had gone from point A to Z to determine all was copasetic before I went on my way.

If they failed to get the steering properly centered (easy to do) they could have messed up the SAS calibration. Just another bit of ammo for you.

[SpyderWolf]

When are you supposed to be taking it back to them?

[musicarcade]

When are you supposed to be taking it back to them?

They need to bring a trailer (again) to pick it up on Tuesday. No way am I ryding back the way its acting now. BRP (Carlo approved of them trailering it the first time on BRP's dime and I assume since they didn't get it right that they will trailer it again. I put a call into Carlo today but didn't hear back.

Where do you take your for service now that HHI motorsports closed their doors?

[SpyderWolf]

I visited Polaris America in Statesboro, GA, to see what their shop is like. They have a certified mechanic for the Spyder, so that is a definite plus. They also have a decent selection of accessories as well. A new RT and plenty of shiny stuff to add to it for anyone who may be interested.

My next trip will be to Columbia, SC, as there are supposed to be 2 dealers there. Then I am going to Summerville, SC, to see what that dealership is like. I figure the more I check out, the better my odds of finding a decent one that can take good care of our Spyders.

[Way2Fast]

I still think that many of the steering problems people have experienced were caused by the VSS. How many actualy had time to look down at the dash to see a possible "message" when they are fighting to maintain control and keep the Spyder from changing lanes ? I sure didn't ! If the DPS is totally disabled and the steering still has a mind of it's own, it has to be due to something other than just a faulty DPS....wouldn't you think?

[Wheelz]

Since I'm experiencing the same probs...I'm wondering what the magnet does on the end of the DPS assembly is. I think it sits just under the SAS sensor. From reading the manual, it said that this magnet is VERY sensitive. It can not be dropped nor be placed on a steel surface. Maybe the techs sticking the magnets to the side of the lifts as they disassemble the units?

The first error to flash is the VSS (in my case)..as you can tell from the poor excelleration when that kicks on.