Disappointing maiden voyage on new to us Spyder

[Dennis in Lodi]

service bulliten

When I took my 2016 F3L to the dealer he said there is a service bulletin to check a fuse box for water penetration. He also said if it fails the inspection I'm not allowed to drive it home until it is corrected. Adding insult to injury they do not stock the service bulletin parts.
If it's not warranty I would clean it out my self and seal the cover.
Dennis

 

[UtahPete]

Thanks. I did a search and found a guy with a 2013 RT with water getting into the right fuse box.
The dealer replaced it under warranty and the day the guy picked it up there was a rain shower and guess what? YEP, water in the right fuse box.
They guy never did give us the end of the story unfortunately.
After reading his post, although I haven't ridden in the rain, the bike did get caught sitting outside during a 1 hour severe downpour last week. After that I rode about 200 miles until the problems started yesterday.

Pretty sure that's your problem. Good luck.

 

[BajaRon]

My only thought is that seafoam may be a problem. It is not needed if you use proper fuel.

It's not the SeaFoam. I use it in my Spyder. I recommend it to my customers for certain issues. And I know a lot of people use SeaFoam in their Spyders with no problem.

No matter what fuel you use, you will get deposit build-up on the injectors over time. More so if you do a lot of stop & go or short trip riding. SeaFoam, used every so often, helps to keep injectors clean and producing a good spray pattern, among other things.

The worst thing that can happen using SeaFoam is nothing happens at all because it is not needed.

I'm betting the fuse box is the issue here.

 

[Wrongway]

It's not the SeaFoam. I use it in my Spyder. I recommend it to my customers for certain issues. And I know a lot of people use SeaFoam in their Spyders with no problem.

No matter what fuel you use, you will get deposit build-up on the injectors over time. More so if you do a lot of stop & go or short trip riding. SeaFoam, used every so often, helps to keep injectors clean and producing a good spray pattern, among other things.

The worst thing that can happen using SeaFoam is nothing happens at all because it is not needed.

I'm betting the fuse box is the issue here.

Just got back from the dealer and the spyder mechanic agrees with you Ron. He said the box doesn't look too bad and suggested removing the bottom bank of 3-40 amp and 1-25 amp fuses, cleaning up the contacts and installing new fuses.
I took it for a long ride after talking with him because I had the fuse box opened up all night with a fan blowing on it. After 40 miles riding it did everything that it did yesterday so no more riding until I replace the fuses. Then I'll say a prayer and go riding.

 

[UtahPete]

Just got back from the dealer and the spyder mechanic agrees with you Ron. He said the box doesn't look too bad and suggested removing the bottom bank of 3-40 amp and 1-25 amp fuses, cleaning up the contacts and installing new fuses. I took it for a long ride after talking with him because I had the fuse box opened up all night with a fan blowing on it. After 40 miles riding it did everything that it did yesterday so no more riding until I replace the fuses. Then I'll say a prayer and go riding.

As I understand it, then, you had the dealer troubleshoot it but not repair it?

I doubt that just replacing the fuses will accomplish much; given the color of the water in the fuse box (bluish?), something has corroded in there. I think it was BajaRon who suggested you may need to replace the entire fuse block at a minimum and (hopefully not) the wiring harness.

Please keep us informed as to new developments, so we can all learn from your experience. Thanks.

 

[Wrongway]

So I replaced the 3-40 amp fuses in the bottom bank. There are 3-40's and 1-25 amp.
Couldn't find a 25 amp anywhere in town so ordered from the dealer.

The result was the same, after about 40 miles it went into limp mode so I came home and washed the miserable $%#$%

I phoned the selling dealer and the warranty expired on April 30, 2018

Now I'm wondering what it cost me for the dealer to intall a new fuse box??????

Thanks again to everyone for your suggestions and advice.

regards
Greg

 

[stmike 1800]

Sorry about the length of this post but I'll keep it as short as possible
BACKGROUND:
We got rid of our 2011 Spyder RT in April because of mechanical issues. To get rid of it we traded it on a 2007 Goldwing because we've had goldwings in the past.
The 2007 Wing was great but we both really really missed 3 wheels.
Sold the Wing private and picked up a 2014 Spyder RT Limited in a private sale. Bike was taken to a reputable Spyder Dealer for a check over and safety prior to purchase.
Picked up the Spyder 9 days ago and during the 9 days rode it 400 trouble free miles.
Today was our day for a 300 mile return trip to our daughters.
Here are the codes that we got not once but several times during our ride:
C006C C003A P2159 P081E P0000
Before going into limp mode with the engine light, abs light and ??????? The bike surged once like there was a fuel blockage and then ran fine for about 5 miles. This repeated itself about 4 times and the the limp mode etc came on.
3 days ago I put a can of seafoam in the bike and filled the tank with Shell 91 octaine and rode it about 100 miles since then prior to today. My first thought was that the seafoam had possibly broken some deposits loose and the bike wasn't getting enough fuel.

Anyway, when the limp mode came on I pulled over immediately and shut the bike off and let it sit for 10 minutes. Fired it back up and engine light etc were still on. I started to proceed and the lights went off and everything seemed fine. Full power was back etc.
This repeated itselt about 4 times during the 300 mile ride.
When we got home, I went out alone and filled the bike up with regular fuel. After about 15 miles the bike went into limp mode and started to downshift all the way to first gear by itself.
Pulled over, shut off for 5 minutes. Start up and proceed and lights went out and bike ran great. This repeated itself 4 times during a 40 mile ride.
I'll take it to the dealer in the morning but man oh man is this ever discouraging. Here's a picture of the dash showing the lights. The engine light was also on so don't know why it's not in the picture.
View attachment 162855

Maybe the same bugs you have running around on your screen got into the bike .:banghead:

 

[Wrongway]

Maybe the same bugs you have running around on your screen got into the bike .:banghead:

LMAO.....MAYBE SO:cheers::cheers:

 

[youngers]

hahahha

Maybe the same bugs you have running around on your screen got into the bike .:banghead:

I know every time I see those things move I get ready to swipe it off the screen ! hey guy if you have to go that far , get the quote on the repair , then do a search on how to do it your self ( you might be able too repair a lot of the wiring just behind the fuse box ? a maybe ? I have never messed in this division of ohhhh heck , so I am just thinking if it is possible to do new connections , and crimps connections to complete the wiring with a new fuse box ? just a thought ...

 

[Easy Rider]

I’m betting on a loose battery cable because of all the different things the codes are showing.

OR the battery getting weak.....OR the charging system failed.

Side note: SeaFoam is largely snake oil and putting a whole can in with ~6 gallons of gas is WAY too much. But it should not cause any long term problem unless maybe it fouled the plugs.

 

[Wrongway]

Seafoam ain't no snake oil to me

OR the battery getting weak.....OR the charging system failed.

Side note: SeaFoam is largely snake oil and putting a whole can in with ~6 gallons of gas is WAY too much. But it should not cause any long term problem unless maybe it fouled the plugs.

When I first discovered seafoam I had a 2001 Valkyrie that was running really rough. I was worried because of the 6 carbs because there are fewer and fewer mechanics able to sync them properly.
Anyway, reading on a forum similar to this one, I kept seeing seafoam talked about so after investigating it I put a full can/bottle in the tank, filled up with premium gas and went for a ride.
Within 20 minutes the bike was running like new. Miracle in a can/bottle to me at that time and ever since that my vehicles get it twice a year.

 

[Wrongway]

Update

I dropped the sypder off at the dealer today at 4:30. Although they're fully booked until Monday, because it's electrical related they're going to put it in the shop and the tech will check it out when he can.
I used to work at a car dealership as a service advisor and I did that a lot when customers were able to leave their vehicle with us.
They were always amazed at how fast they got their vehicle back because there are always
no-shows so the vehicle gets looked after.
I'll make sure to update what happens.

 

[Easy Rider]

Miracle in a can/bottle to me at that time and ever since that my vehicles get it twice a year.

It does function as a decent fuel system cleaner.....but not really good.
Berrymans B12 Chemtool or Gumout or Techron for injectors are much better cleaners.....with actual solvents.....and are about 1/3 the inflated price of SeaFoam.

But do whatever makes you happy. Just read and follow the directions.

 

[Spyder_Cowgirl]

Warranty Expiration

Ugh! Expired April 30, 2018 ... that's just TOO close! Might your current dealer, the one doing the diagnosis, be willing to "go to bat" for you and see if a good will extenstion of BEST is possible? The only reason I suggest this is that a 2014 model should have been eligible for about a year (maybe slightly less, depending on when first sold) extension to bring the factory warranty to a full five years. Since that fluid was so badly colored it seems that this problem has existed for a while (maybe even before you bought the bike) -- corrosion that bad doesn't happen overnight and to color the liquid it had to be in that box for several weeks (IMHO). I know this was a private sale, but shame on the dealer that checked the bike out for you -- they should have informed you of the warranty status, and also should have noticed the water intrusion problem (I just think it had to be there before you bought the bike).

If it were my Spyder, I would certainly ask if there is a possibility to extend the BEST warranty under good will from BRP. If so, the place to purchase is Bert's Megamall (they are a sponsor here); best price for BEST warranty and they give Spyderlovers a discount.

Just a suggestion …. good luck with the diagnosis and repair …. Ann

 

[Wrongway]

Ugh! Expired April 30, 2018 ... that's just TOO close! Might your current dealer, the one doing the diagnosis, be willing to "go to bat" for you and see if a good will extenstion of BEST is possible? The only reason I suggest this is that a 2014 model should have been eligible for about a year (maybe slightly less, depending on when first sold) extension to bring the factory warranty to a full five years. Since that fluid was so badly colored it seems that this problem has existed for a while (maybe even before you bought the bike) -- corrosion that bad doesn't happen overnight and to color the liquid it had to be in that box for several weeks (IMHO). I know this was a private sale, but shame on the dealer that checked the bike out for you -- they should have informed you of the warranty status, and also should have noticed the water intrusion problem (I just think it had to be there before you bought the bike).

If it were my Spyder, I would certainly ask if there is a possibility to extend the BEST warranty under good will from BRP. If so, the place to purchase is Bert's Megamall (they are a sponsor here); best price for BEST warranty and they give Spyderlovers a discount.

Just a suggestion …. good luck with the diagnosis and repair …. Ann

Good suggestion. I'll talk with the dealer today and see what they're willing to do for me.

Thanks
Greg

 

[Wrongway]

Update

So I picked up my spyder at 5:30 today.
The mechanic told me that he cleaned the left side fuse box and replaced all fuses and relays.
Said that they did a good long road test with no issues.
This was very good news.
I told my wife that I was going to go for a good long ride to make sure it was good to go.

After riding a grand total of 10 miles, the bike went into limp mode and performed exactly like it did before I left it with the dealer. How the ^%$^* long was the good long road test that I was told they did???
This is supposed to be a reputable dealer.......hmmmm.
The did submit a claim to BRP to cover the issue but who knows if BRP will honor it or not.
Anyway I'll drop it off tomorrow (saturday) and they're closed on Sunday and Monday so nothing will be done until at least Tuesday.
I'm going to ask the mechanic if he tested the battery as well just to be sure that he didn't just assume it was the fuse box. Of course, in my mind it's definately the fuse box.

More to follow:::::::: someday!!!!! :banghead::banghead::banghead:

 

[Arion]

Battery connections may be tight but corrosion between the posts and clamps will create problems. And, speaking from my two-wheel experience, don't forget the negative cable connection to the Spyder chassis.

I'll second that comment. That was exactly the problem with my wife's RT - loose chassis ground. All is well now.

 

[Wrongway]

Losing faith in BRP and Dealer

So this morning I proceeded to take the spyder back to the dealer.
Had the key out of the bike all night.
Started right up but still in limp home mode and engine light etc still on.
Drove 1 block, pulled over and turned bike off. Removed key and walked away for 4 minutes.
Came back, started bike and no codes showing and not in limp home mode.
Proceeded and after 2 miles while in 5th gear at 55mph the bike started DOWNSHIFTING ON IT'S OWN.
Pulled over, turned off and removed key. Walked away and then came back and restarted. No warning lights on and no codes showing.
Proceeded and after 1 mile while in 4th gear at 45 mph the bike WENT INTO LIMP HOME MODE and started DOWNSHIFTING ON IT'S OWN agin.
Anyway, got to the dealer at 8:50 AM and explained everything to them and left bike with them.
The closed at 2PM and phoned me at 1:50 to tell me the bike would have to stay with them and they're closed until Tuesday due to Canada Day.
They told me that they only got to spend about 10 minutes on it today which I understand and find acceptable.
The SAGA continues.
The Mechanic assured me that he had already tested the battery as well as all battery connections so who knows.
This update has been provided to you by a Spyder Lover (the concept anyway) who is quickly becoming a Spyder Ex Lover.

 

[ARtraveler]

So this morning I proceeded to take the spyder back to the dealer.
Had the key out of the bike all night.
Started right up but still in limp home mode and engine light etc still on.
Drove 1 block, pulled over and turned bike off. Removed key and walked away for 4 minutes.
Came back, started bike and no codes showing and not in limp home mode.
Proceeded and after 2 miles while in 5th gear at 55mph the bike started DOWNSHIFTING ON IT'S OWN.
Pulled over, turned off and removed key. Walked away and then came back and restarted. No warning lights on and no codes showing.
Proceeded and after 1 mile while in 4th gear at 45 mph the bike WENT INTO LIMP HOME MODE and started DOWNSHIFTING ON IT'S OWN agin.
Anyway, got to the dealer at 8:50 AM and explained everything to them and left bike with them.
The closed at 2PM and phoned me at 1:50 to tell me the bike would have to stay with them and they're closed until Tuesday due to Canada Day.
They told me that they only got to spend about 10 minutes on it today which I understand and find acceptable.
The SAGE continues.
The Mechanic assured me that he had already tested the battery as well as all battery connections so who knows.
This update has been provided to you by a Spyder Lover (the concept anyway) who is quickly becoming a Spyder Ex Lover.

Thank you for the update. Give them a chance to fix it--THIS TIME. Hopefully you have a good and knowledgeable dealer. That can make or break ones love affair with the :spyder2:

 

[jstjohnz]

Off topic pic I know but just curious. Your tag line. Says 2014 RT with SE5. I thought 2014s were 6 speed.

So this morning I proceeded to take the spyder back to the dealer.
Had the key out of the bike all night.
Started right up but still in limp home mode and engine light etc still on.
Drove 1 block, pulled over and turned bike off. Removed key and walked away for 4 minutes.
Came back, started bike and no codes showing and not in limp home mode.
Proceeded and after 2 miles while in 5th gear at 55mph the bike started DOWNSHIFTING ON IT'S OWN.
Pulled over, turned off and removed key. Walked away and then came back and restarted. No warning lights on and no codes showing.
Proceeded and after 1 mile while in 4th gear at 45 mph the bike WENT INTO LIMP HOME MODE and started DOWNSHIFTING ON IT'S OWN agin.
Anyway, got to the dealer at 8:50 AM and explained everything to them and left bike with them.
The closed at 2PM and phoned me at 1:50 to tell me the bike would have to stay with them and they're closed until Tuesday due to Canada Day.
They told me that they only got to spend about 10 minutes on it today which I understand and find acceptable.
The SAGE continues.
The Mechanic assured me that he had already tested the battery as well as all battery connections so who knows.
This update has been provided to you by a Spyder Lover (the concept anyway) who is quickly becoming a Spyder Ex Lover.