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What is a VSS fault?
2022 RT-L, aprox. 11k miles, put in to service May 16 of this year and has had the 3k mile run through.
This shows up for about 5 seconds occasionally, under the following conditions. After riding for at least a half hour and perhaps stopping for a stretch and shutting the engine off. The engine hesitates momentarily as if the battery were a little weak, (don't think so as it's new) or the ignition was advanced a little. Only hesitates for a moment and always starts and the fault banner disappears also.
Do I need to worry about this one or just forget it?
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The VSS is your braking system. Including all the wheel, brake pressure and pedal travel sensors. When the system finds an issue with any of these components it will throw a code. Usually nothing serious. But you don't want to discover how serious it is the hard way. It could be anything from air in the system to some component failing or a bad sensor. You need to plug it into BUDS and find out what the problem is and get it addressed.
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Ozzie Ozzie Ozzie
VSS = Vehicle Stabilty System, and it responds to feedback from all the Braking, Traction Control, Yaw, & Wheel Rotation Sensors, plus probably a few I've forgotten (damned Forgettory working overtime again! )
Seeing the Spyder Symbol with the squiggly lines behind it is what you'd normally see if it kicks in, and that's usually not a major issue; occasionally flashing on momentarily as you lift a front wheel or spin the back wheel and get a few moments of different wheel rotation speed; or maybe as you lean a little too much &/or brake hard while pushing into or swinging wide on a corner; or when anything else triggers a momentary response from the Nanny before she brings it all back under control. However, it seems to me that the 2020 & newer Spyders are having an increased number of actual 'fault' issues with the VSS, often requiring multiple sensor resets... I don't know if it's due to failures of the sensors themselves; poor connections between the sensor/s and the various computers involved; or just poor initial sensor/parameter set-up, either at the factory or during initial assembly at the dealers.
Regardless of the cause, there's more and more of this sort of VSS fault being reported on the newer Spyders; and the usual/eventual 'fix' ends up being either a bunch of sensor/set-up recalibration, or the replacement of a bunch of sensors followed by that recalibration. There's a few threads here discussing this, particularly regarding the newer models of Spyder - it might pay to do a search and some reading, then follow it up with your nearest reliable dealer with competent techs (yeah, I know - 'reliable' and 'competent' being the rarely found but critical words! ) And DO NOT whatever you do ignore an ongoing VSS Fault!
Those momentary flashes that go away, fine, they're just the Nanny stepping in to make sure you behave & remain safe... but a fault that doesn't go away is telling you that YOU AREN'T SAFE and you need to get things fixed PDQ!
2013 RT Ltd Pearl White
Ryde More, Worry Less!
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Very Active Member
You mention a new battery, how is it’s charge? And good clean tight connections?? Star washers?
Additionally, you can check the wheels, namely the slotted discs, hopefully there's no bent /missing fingers...
Rear: 6E1B30E1-DE09-4772-A1B6-843C17921641.jpeg
Front: 21873ED2-799A-4BCB-8C98-EDD9E77A50B4.jpeg
Sometimes mud/dirt can fill in gaps & confuse the sensor
Last edited by Peter Aawen; 10-04-2023 at 01:46 AM.
Reason: Fixed attach display ;-)
2013 STL SE5 BLACK CURRANT
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minispyder dash toy
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Earlier this year when my 22RTL was new, it exhibited the VSS warning on start-up at times. It seemed to be caused by low voltage while starting. As soon as the engine started, it would disappear. An overnight charge on an automatic charger resolved the issue. Since the weather got warm and the Spyder gets ridden several times a week, I've had no issues. With 11k miles since May, your Spyder seems to get ridden more than enough to keep the battery charged. You may need to have the battery load tested to be sure it's not faulty.
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Very Active Member
Originally Posted by JSRT
Earlier this year when my 22RTL was new, it exhibited the VSS warning on start-up at times. It seemed to be caused by low voltage while starting. As soon as the engine started, it would disappear. An overnight charge on an automatic charger resolved the issue. Since the weather got warm and the Spyder gets ridden several times a week, I've had no issues. With 11k miles since May, your Spyder seems to get ridden more than enough to keep the battery charged. You may need to have the battery load tested to be sure it's not faulty.
When I start my 14 RT all the " warning icon " appear ...... this is to let kno0w they are working .... then they all dis-appear .... this may be why you see the VSS at start-up ....Mike
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There is a service bulletin for 2020+ RT's for hard start issues. Requires an update to the ECM. If your battery is a little weak and barley turning the motor over enough to start this could cause the VSS warning. Check with your dealer about the Hard Start ECM update that my be all you need.
2021 Spyder RT Limited (Sea-To-Sky)
2022 Ryker Rally
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Thanks all. It sounds like I may have a issue with hot starting which is causing the momentary showing of the "VSS FAULT". That is the only times I have seen the issue.
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Ozzie Ozzie Ozzie
2013 RT Ltd Pearl White
Ryde More, Worry Less!
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Very Active Member
VSS will also show if the passenger seat sensor isn't connected, or has a loose connection. At least that's the case on pre-2020 models.
2014 Copper RTS
Tri-Axis bars, CB, BajaRon sway bar & shock adjusters, SpyderPop's Bumpskid, NBV peg brackets, LED headlights and modulator, Wolo trumpet air horns, trailer hitch, custom trailer harness, high mount turn signals, Custom Dynamics brake light, LED turn signal lights on mirrors, LED strip light for a dash light, garage door opener, LED lights in frunk, trunk, and saddlebags, RAM mounts and cradles for tablet (for GPS) and phone (for music), and Smooth Spyder belt tensioner.
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Peter. My riding is both short and long (1 hour plus). I haven't been able to pinpoint whether it is after, let say 1/2 hour or longer stints in the saddle. But it DOES only happen when the engine hesitates, as mentioned earlier. I don't use a battery tender as I ride it at least multiple times a week and often at least once per week for one hour going to a breakfast. Perhaps that is not enough but it always fires right off when cold.
The bike is now put to bed for the winter as we have migrated down to Apache Junction AZ for the winter. I will be on my 2016 RTL for the next 6 months. Thanks for all the suggestions and help. When I get back, I will put it on a tender and see if that makes the booboo go away.
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Very Active Member
My buddies wife's 2022 F3S does the same thing when he first cranks it. It is mainly due to a slow start, but after a ride it is all better. My 2016 F3L special series has started to do it if not ridden at least once per week. But I still have the original battery, so I am expecting to have to replace it any day. Hoping it will hold out until the spring.
2021 RTL , brake pedal from "Web Boards" chalk white
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Very Active Member
Originally Posted by fulltimer
Peter. My riding is both short and long (1 hour plus). I haven't been able to pinpoint whether it is after, let say 1/2 hour or longer stints in the saddle. But it DOES only happen when the engine hesitates, as mentioned earlier. I don't use a battery tender as I ride it at least multiple times a week and often at least once per week for one hour going to a breakfast. Perhaps that is not enough but it always fires right off when cold.
The bike is now put to bed for the winter as we have migrated down to Apache Junction AZ for the winter. I will be on my 2016 RTL for the next 6 months. Thanks for all the suggestions and help. When I get back, I will put it on a tender and see if that makes the booboo go away.
Fulltimer are you telling me you leave your poor spyder up north for 6 months and are in Apache junction for the beautiful weather from November till May? Rent a small Uhaul trailer and take that thing with you. I’m guessing storage of trailer is not an option for you so rent one. Then rent a uhaul and take it back with you. My dad is in mesa same months as you and he puts close to 12-15k in 6 months down there! You are in some beautiful riding areas on southern Arizona and New Mexico my friend! There are some awesome breakfast and ice cream shops within 4 hours of you! Excuses my dad says to me for taking a day ride
“Born to Ride......Ride to Live....MOATER ON !
“Current ride: 2017 RT Limited”
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Active Member
What you said below is exactly what happened to me! Turned a corner quickly lifted the front left tire a little and instantly pulled a VSS fault and went into limp mode!
Originally Posted by Peter Aawen
..... Seeing the Spyder Symbol with the squiggly lines behind it is what you'd normally see if it kicks in, and that's usually not a major issue; occasionally flashing on momentarily as you lift a front wheel or spin the back wheel and get a few moments of different wheel rotation speed; or maybe as you lean a little too much &/or brake hard while pushing into or swinging wide on a corner; or when anything else triggers a momentary response from the Nanny before she brings it all back under control. .....
Last edited by Peter Aawen; 10-28-2023 at 10:36 AM.
Reason: Fixed quote display ;-)
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Active Member
I have a 2012 RTS SE5 with more than 36 thousand miles on her and was getting VSS and DPS faults I replaced the battery and the faults when away but when making a turn it feels different what do I do to fix my problem?
2012 RTS SE5
SpyderPops BumpSkid Guard
PowerSportsWraps Phoenix Bird
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Lamonster IPS
PowerSportsWraps RT Dash Kit Woodgrain
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Shortee Antenna
Knight Riderz Light Bar Blue
Front and Back Spyder Decal
Volt Meter
Digital Clock
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Lamonster LED Headlights and Fog Lights
LED Tip Lights
LED Light Strips for Front Fenders
LED Light Strips for Left and Right Turn Signal
Third Brake Light for Rear
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Very Active Member
Originally Posted by telespec
I have a 2012 RTS SE5 with more than 36 thousand miles on her and was getting VSS and DPS faults I replaced the battery and the faults when away but when making a turn it feels different what do I do to fix my problem?
Buy a new Spyder!
Seriously, check to see if there are any stored fault codes. I don't think faults based on insufficient power, or intermittent momentary failures get stored, which would be the faults you saw previously. If you are not getting any DPS faults then as far as I know there is nothing wrong and you have no way to "fix" the problem. Are you sure the different feeling isn't the result of the DPS working properly compared to when you saw the faults come up? The DPS faults you saw previously surely indicated that the DPS was not functioning correctly, most likely due to the battery not having enough oomph to satisfy the DPS demand.
The newer Spyders have easier steering from what owners have said here.
2014 Copper RTS
Tri-Axis bars, CB, BajaRon sway bar & shock adjusters, SpyderPop's Bumpskid, NBV peg brackets, LED headlights and modulator, Wolo trumpet air horns, trailer hitch, custom trailer harness, high mount turn signals, Custom Dynamics brake light, LED turn signal lights on mirrors, LED strip light for a dash light, garage door opener, LED lights in frunk, trunk, and saddlebags, RAM mounts and cradles for tablet (for GPS) and phone (for music), and Smooth Spyder belt tensioner.
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Active Member
I was able to turn more easily before I changed the battery.
I thought of trading it in, it might be time.
Last edited by Peter Aawen; 11-04-2023 at 05:44 PM.
2012 RTS SE5
SpyderPops BumpSkid Guard
PowerSportsWraps Phoenix Bird
GloRyder Lights for Front Wheels with Remote
Lamonster IPS
PowerSportsWraps RT Dash Kit Woodgrain
Custom Dynamics Chrome License Plate Frame
Shortee Antenna
Knight Riderz Light Bar Blue
Front and Back Spyder Decal
Volt Meter
Digital Clock
Wolo Bad Boy Horn
Lamonster LED Headlights and Fog Lights
LED Tip Lights
LED Light Strips for Front Fenders
LED Light Strips for Left and Right Turn Signal
Third Brake Light for Rear
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Wife has a 2020 Spyder RTL that got the VSS Fault code and went away and never came back after plugging the battery into a charger for the nite.
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Very Active Member
Originally Posted by telespec
I was able to turn more easily before I changed the battery.
What battery did you install, and did you make sure it was fully charged before you took your Spyder for a spin? I'm thinking that maybe your battery doesn't provide the full amount of instantaneous current called for by the DPS, but adequate enough to not cause a DPS fault code.
2014 Copper RTS
Tri-Axis bars, CB, BajaRon sway bar & shock adjusters, SpyderPop's Bumpskid, NBV peg brackets, LED headlights and modulator, Wolo trumpet air horns, trailer hitch, custom trailer harness, high mount turn signals, Custom Dynamics brake light, LED turn signal lights on mirrors, LED strip light for a dash light, garage door opener, LED lights in frunk, trunk, and saddlebags, RAM mounts and cradles for tablet (for GPS) and phone (for music), and Smooth Spyder belt tensioner.
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Active Member
Okay I will try the charging method and see what happens and let you all know and thanks for the help and info.
2012 RTS SE5
SpyderPops BumpSkid Guard
PowerSportsWraps Phoenix Bird
GloRyder Lights for Front Wheels with Remote
Lamonster IPS
PowerSportsWraps RT Dash Kit Woodgrain
Custom Dynamics Chrome License Plate Frame
Shortee Antenna
Knight Riderz Light Bar Blue
Front and Back Spyder Decal
Volt Meter
Digital Clock
Wolo Bad Boy Horn
Lamonster LED Headlights and Fog Lights
LED Tip Lights
LED Light Strips for Front Fenders
LED Light Strips for Left and Right Turn Signal
Third Brake Light for Rear
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Active Member
Okay after charging my battery overnight and testing my Spyder it performed flawlessly and am happy again. I will keep an eye on her and hopefully she will stay well. Thanks to ReRose and IdahoMtnSpyder for all your help with that good information that I will value for the rest of my life.
2012 RTS SE5
SpyderPops BumpSkid Guard
PowerSportsWraps Phoenix Bird
GloRyder Lights for Front Wheels with Remote
Lamonster IPS
PowerSportsWraps RT Dash Kit Woodgrain
Custom Dynamics Chrome License Plate Frame
Shortee Antenna
Knight Riderz Light Bar Blue
Front and Back Spyder Decal
Volt Meter
Digital Clock
Wolo Bad Boy Horn
Lamonster LED Headlights and Fog Lights
LED Tip Lights
LED Light Strips for Front Fenders
LED Light Strips for Left and Right Turn Signal
Third Brake Light for Rear
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Very Active Member
You're welcome!
Be aware the charging system on 998 Rotax Spyders (V-twin) is magneto based and has no excess charging current available. Don't do a number of short rides without keeping it plugged into a maintainer between rides.
Last edited by Peter Aawen; 11-05-2023 at 06:29 PM.
2014 Copper RTS
Tri-Axis bars, CB, BajaRon sway bar & shock adjusters, SpyderPop's Bumpskid, NBV peg brackets, LED headlights and modulator, Wolo trumpet air horns, trailer hitch, custom trailer harness, high mount turn signals, Custom Dynamics brake light, LED turn signal lights on mirrors, LED strip light for a dash light, garage door opener, LED lights in frunk, trunk, and saddlebags, RAM mounts and cradles for tablet (for GPS) and phone (for music), and Smooth Spyder belt tensioner.
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Active Member
Originally Posted by fulltimer
Peter. .... But it DOES only happen when the engine hesitates, as mentioned earlier. ....
My 2022 Spyder S2S has been doing the same thing since new. It only happens when the engine is still somewhat warm, when stopping 15 minutes for a coffee for example. When I press the start button the starter hesitates for a second or two as if the battery was low and then starts. During that very short second or two the VSS fault appears.
I have never worried too much about it because it starts fine all other times. It's just weird.
BTW, I do not have a dealer that I can trust to work on my Spyder, so I just live with it.
That being said, I am still interested to see if you discover anything.
Adventurer said there was a service bulletin for this. Unfortunately, not sure how I would ever get my ECM re-flashed without having to drive thousands of kilometers to get it done.
Thanks all for the input.
Last edited by Peter Aawen; 11-09-2023 at 03:44 PM.
2022 Spyder Sea to Sky Mystery Blue
2009 Suzuki Boulevard M50 SE
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