RT ACCIDENT

[Desert Spyder]

Buddy of mine and his wife were involved in a single vehicle rollover TC about 4 hrs ago on their RT. They are OK but bruised. Apparently he made a left turn and was going straight when the :spyder2: violently steered to the right taking the handle bar out of the operator left hand, rolled on its side, throwing the ryder and his wife then uprighting itself. The RT DID have the recall performed apparently. This info was relayed to me by a ryder who witnessed the event from behind.

Has ANYONE had ANY problems since having the recall performed?

 

[bruiser]

Man, thats gotta be scary as h _ _ L :yikes: Hope they are going to be ok. I seem to recall someone else posting a similar problem after their DPS fix, but not as violant. Makes you think...

 

[Raptor]

I hear you Bruiser. Just when you think you can start to relax a little bit about this aspect of the machine it raises its ugly head yet again. I hope that couple will be back to normal soon.

Seems there have been a few posts recently regarding post-recall DPS issues but they appeard to be more related to actual work performed and not the unit itself. Although it's no secret that many here have gone through multiple units as well. So yes it does make you think a little bit...

 

[Motavar]

Scary stuff, I'm glad they are okay.

Not to hijack this thread but how does the DPS work? Does it have a sensor that detects which way you are turning then engages a motor to assist in the steering? If so, could those sensors be sticking?

 

[SilverSurfer]

Hang on ...

Thanks for the report. Please encourage this ryder (who I'm glad is okay along with his passenger) to post exactly what it seemed happened, as well as what happened mechanically. The report says 'made a left hand turn and was going straight' when the accident happened. So, my mind ponders ... Did the turn have anything to do with it? Was he just running straight when the RT just whipped to the right? Where did the mishap occur and what were the road conditions? This could also be a mechanic error. The last time I ever saw something as severe as this (not on a Spyder), the steering gear assembly came loose.

So respectfully (and I mean it), I kinda go back to the out-breaks of stories on Spyders burning. We never quite understand the previous history of the machine or particulars about recall activity. Again, I'd really hope we hear from this ryder.

I've got 6300 miles on my RT-S ... still have the original DPS. The DPS recall is a voluntary recall on the part of BRP/CanAm. They are not saying there's anything wrong with the original RT DPS; but have volunteered to replace the original with a better performing part (conspiracy theorists ... please stay calm). I've certianly had no problems. I'm currently No. 2 on the list for the DPS recall at my dealer in MD. Interestingly, I've been No. 2 since before Thanksgiving. As many know, the way BRP is working this is that now the dealer must do a DPS replacement, send in the old part; and BRP sends them a new one. They've not been able to get in a new DPS since their last DPS recall job in late November. I suppose that has me going 'hmm.'

 

[Marker]

Glad your friends are OK

 

[Barbary]

Glad your friends are OK

:agree:

 

[Motavar]

Thats why I posted the question on how the DPS works (does it have contact sensors?).

If the driver makes a left turn (left sensor gets pressed in) and then goes right to straighten out (right sensor gets in). Did the right sensor stick?

Then the driver will probably steer left again to make sure he/she is going straight (left sensor gets pressed in but right is still stuck so the computer says you can't have both in at the same time so we will go left and wait a sec for right side to clear?)

Computer waits a sec then detects the right sensor still activated and turns right = flip ?

 

[2WCKED]

Wow, that's scary! I'm so glad they're okay though.

I had the DPS recall done in November. Right before Thanksgiving. I hadn't had any problems but, I had my Spyder in for it's check up so they went ahead and did the DPS.
My husband and I rode down to SC a couple of days later to spend Thanksgiving with his brother and family. While down there, traveling about 55 on the freeway, my RT suddenly veered to the right. I brought it back to the left only to have it happen again about thirty seconds later. Scared the heck out of me! We stopped and called our dealership to see if they could locate a shop near where we were staying. Lucky for us there was and we took it straight there. They hooked it up to the computer and found that after replacing the DPS our shop had failed to reset some sensor. I can't remember what he called them. My husband wrote it all down but, I can't find the paper right now. The tech reset the values and so far I haven't had anymore trouble. ray: Can't help feeling a little nervous after hearing about this accident......

 

[Raptor]

Respectfully, please perform some searches here, you'll find out more than you ever wanted to know about the DPS system........

The short answer to your premise is, no, that's not how it works. There is a 'Steering Angle Sensor', which measures movement and direction, in degrees from center, and is which also an integral part of the stability and traction control systems.

Glad to hear that the couple involved were not hurt seriously.

I did just that (search that is) and was particularly interested in a thread regarding the subject that you posted on 3/2010. I feel as though in reading that thread and others that you have a good handle on the situation.

Since that thread the story has evolved, BRP has released the Gen 2 unit into the wild and so far it appears that the new unit is in fact working; the friction issue that caused the problem in the first place has been solved. My only nagging concern at this point is in regards to the software, or OS as they call it. Are there unfound bugs that still haunt the system?

The other factor that has to be considered is the dealer network's ability to correctly perform the work. BRP should be making sure that proper training is being supplied so that this most critical procedure is done right the first time, every time.

One other thing; BRPs Outlander XL ATV family has a dual-mode, rider selectable DPS. I wonder if that community is experiencing the same phenomenon? Obviously the steering and suspension geometry is different so maybe not. But these vehicles also do not have (to my knowledge) VSS, TCS, and other systems that have to inter-act and share cycles with the computer. SO if the Outlander is clear of these incidents, they should look at that.

 

[NancysToy]

To clear up the confusion about the sensors, there are two involved with the steering. There is a steering angle sensor to sense the handlebar position, and a steering torque sensor to sense the steering effort. (and direction?) The computer uses these readings, along with the vehicle speed, to determine the steering assist that is appropriate and necessary. The most common cause of a steering problem that is not related to DPS failure, is a mismatch between the zero settings of the two steering sensors, or zeroing them without properly centering the handlebars. Sensor failure or improper adjustment (via BUDS) can result in failure codes, limp mode, and/or steering irregularities. A power failure to the DPS can cause a lack of power steering. The VSS utilize inputs from the ABS wheel sensors and the yaw sensor, among other things, that also may also affect the vehicle direction. There is no way, based on the information given in this report to tell just what may have failed, been improperly installed, or otherwise have caused such an excursion. Scary stuff! Glad everyone survived! Lets hope the dealer finds a cause, and eases everyone's mind.

 

[GaryTheBadger]

The RT service manual, starting on page 513, explains how the steering works. Its a good investment, about $10 for the manual on CD from Ebay. For example, did you know the steering assist stops below 14 degrees F, works above 14F, gradually decreases as temp rises, and stops again over 185F, and that after exceeding the temp range then coming back into range, you turn off the bike for 30 seconds to reset it? (I don't know if this is true with the revised DPS)

 

[SpyderWolf]

I hope your friend and his wife will make a speedy recovery from this. Please keep us updated on their progress.

Wow, that's scary! I'm so glad they're okay though.

I had the DPS recall done in November. Right before Thanksgiving. I hadn't had any problems but, I had my Spyder in for it's check up so they went ahead and did the DPS.
My husband and I rode down to SC a couple of days later to spend Thanksgiving with his brother and family. While down there, traveling about 55 on the freeway, my RT suddenly veered to the right. I brought it back to the left only to have it happen again about thirty seconds later. Scared the heck out of me! We stopped and called our dealership to see if they could locate a shop near where we were staying. Lucky for us there was and we took it straight there. They hooked it up to the computer and found that after replacing the DPS our shop had failed to reset some sensor. I can't remember what he called them. My husband wrote it all down but, I can't find the paper right now. The tech reset the values and so far I haven't had anymore trouble. ray: Can't help feeling a little nervous after hearing about this accident......

More than likely your shop failed to reset the Steering Angle Sensor, as we have seen that problem pop up on here quite a few times before. They have to follow the exact procedure, and for whatever reason some seem to miss that step. Once it has been reset, as yours was here in SC, most people have not reported any more problems with it. I am definitely hoping this is the same for you, and you will have nothing but smooth ryding from here on out. By the way, what dealer in SC did the reset?

 

[spyderflyer]

Drop them in Ocean

I was following the couple who had the accident on the RT . They had completed a left-hand turn was going straight about 15 to 20 mph when without any notice the RT turned turned right without any notice causing the L/H tire off the ground causing the RT to turn over in the couple being thrown from the RT . I was only 15 feet behind the couple when I pulled over engine was still running in the RT was still in first gear is my personal opinion that the DPS caused this accident and BRP to should take responsibility I also believe it's about time that all SPYDER owners Sue BRP for the what they paid for the spyder and take all existing SPYDER and drop them in the middle Atlantic Ocean because they are becoming a death trap . We'll you be next ?

 

[2WCKED]

I hope your friend and his wife will make a speedy recovery from this. Please keep us updated on their progress.



More than likely your shop failed to reset the Steering Angle Sensor, as we have seen that problem pop up on here quite a few times before. They have to follow the exact procedure, and for whatever reason some seem to miss that step. Once it has been reset, as yours was here in SC, most people have not reported any more problems with it. I am definitely hoping this is the same for you, and you will have nothing but smooth ryding from here on out. By the way, what dealer in SC did the reset?

Yes, that sounds like it. The dealer was PowerSports of Greenville. They were great. It was the day after Thanksgiving and we were in and out in about an hour. :2thumbs:

 

[capt.jim]

my new DPS

I just got my new DPS installed, steers much easier than before, almost too easy. Before it used to understeer, now it seems to oversteer slightly. It seems like it would be able to dodge a pothole or something in the road much better at speed than before, seems to have more assist at higher speeds, seemed a little sluggish before. I was happy with the old DPS, but the new one is much better, I'm happy. Had both updates done, that went well also, and seems to shift much easier. They said i need to keep a closer watch on the oil level, that i was 2 quarts low, i said "i don't think so" when i got home and looked at the oil stick it was 1.5" above the full mark!

 

[SpyderWolf]

Yes, that sounds like it. The dealer was PowerSports of Greenville. They were great. It was the day after Thanksgiving and we were in and out in about an hour. :2thumbs:

Thanks for the info. That dealer is a good 3 hours away from me, and I haven't been there yet but will make it a point to stop by next time I am ryding in that area.

 

[bone crusher]

I was following the couple who had the accident on the RT . They had completed a left-hand turn was going straight about 15 to 20 mph when without any notice the RT turned turned right without any notice causing the L/H tire off the ground causing the RT to turn over in the couple being thrown from the RT . I was only 15 feet behind the couple when I pulled over engine was still running in the RT was still in first gear is my personal opinion that the DPS caused this accident and BRP to should take responsibility I also believe it's about time that all SPYDER owners Sue BRP for the what they paid for the spyder and take all existing SPYDER and drop them in the middle Atlantic Ocean because they are becoming a death trap . We'll you be next ?

Wow, you're saying the bike was going straight and then all of a sudden the bike just forcefully turned right enough to force the tire off the road?...over-riding the VSS system? I think the original GS/RS concerns with the DPS were sticking issues when going into a turn...I've never heard of the bike just forcefully turning itself off to one side...this sounds quite odd!

 

[spyderflyer]

that what happen

 

[docdoru]

I just got my new DPS installed, steers much easier than before, almost too easy. Before it used to understeer, now it seems to oversteer slightly. It seems like it would be able to dodge a pothole or something in the road much better at speed than before, seems to have more assist at higher speeds, seemed a little sluggish before. I was happy with the old DPS, but the new one is much better, I'm happy. Had both updates done, that went well also, and seems to shift much easier. They said i need to keep a closer watch on the oil level, that i was 2 quarts low, i said "i don't think so" when i got home and looked at the oil stick it was 1.5" above the full mark!

:agree: way to easy to steer at triple digit speed. :gaah: