2008 and 2009 GS DPS VSS fault

[torquehound]

My 2009 and my wife's 2008 both have started throwing a DPS VSS fault when on longer rides. It normally seems to happen when we are headed back home from where ever we go. Any ideas? I have been unable to get any real feel for what is causing it. It clears each time when I pull the key so I am never stranded, but when it pops the code, the steering goes into massive oversteer and it is quite an experience to say the least. It happened yesterday while passing a semi at 80 mph on the interstate with a large truck right behind me. Engine goes into full decel and I had to get back around the semi with the other truck up my rear. That scared the crap out of me to say the least. I can't get it into dealer for at least a week. Just looking for any input as to what it might be. TIA

 

[Texmac1011]

Your models had a DPS recall in September 2010. Were yours replaced?

September 7, 2010
Dear Can-Am Roadster Owner,
This notice is being sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, the Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Act and other applicable laws. Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. and BRP US Inc. (“BRP“) have decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall of all Can-Am Roadster.

What is the potential problem?

This defect relates to the DPS system in your vehicle. A situation may occur where you may need to exert a force greater than expected to initiate the turning of the steering handlebar of your vehicle in order to correct its trajectory. At this increased level of force the handlebar may be turned more than you had intended. If this occurs you may steer your vehicle out of lane which increases the possibility of a crash with other traffic or of a drive off the road.

 

[Chupaca]

Interesting..!!

scary no doubt. :yikes:The DPS is the biggest drain on your electrical system. Make sure you have good solid connections at the battery ground and dps unit. The puzzeling part would be that you are both experiencing this now. I have had VSS fault on certain turns where then computer thinks I'm going over..:dontknow:

 

[torquehound]

Your models had a DPS recall in September 2010. Were yours replaced?

September 7, 2010
Dear Can-Am Roadster Owner,
This notice is being sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, the Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Act and other applicable laws. Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. and BRP US Inc. (“BRP“) have decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall of all Can-Am Roadster.

What is the potential problem?

This defect relates to the DPS system in your vehicle. A situation may occur where you may need to exert a force greater than expected to initiate the turning of the steering handlebar of your vehicle in order to correct its trajectory. At this increased level of force the handlebar may be turned more than you had intended. If this occurs you may steer your vehicle out of lane which increases the possibility of a crash with other traffic or of a drive off the road.

I know hers was replaced prior to purchase, I do not know about mine. I believe so as I know the shop well and they would do all of it.

 

[torquehound]

scary no doubt. :yikes:The DPS is the biggest drain on your electrical system. Make sure you have good solid connections at the battery ground and dps unit. The puzzeling part would be that you are both experiencing this now. I have had VSS fault on certain turns where then computer thinks I'm going over..:dontknow:

Once, both bikes did it at the same moment. That was really odd.

 

[loisk]

nanny - invisible hand

It's not the nanny is it, that feels like a big hand is stopping me going further forward, bit scary until I knew what was coming and allowed for it - and it could explain why it happened to 2 bikes at the same point of the road... but may not explain the codes though ... :dontknow:

 

[torquehound]

It's not the nanny is it, that feels like a big hand is stopping me going further forward, bit scary until I knew what was coming and allowed for it - and it could explain why it happened to 2 bikes at the same point of the road... but may not explain the codes though ... :dontknow:

I have had the nanny kick in without the major code and limp issue. This is flashing lights with scrolling messages and having to pull the key for a bit to get it to reset.

 

[Tx web rider]

gs

my 09 GS did a similar thing early on after i started riding it but mine come to find out it didn't like the led brake light bulbs i put in
mine would do the same thing after around 30-35 miles

had it happen while passing like you did i turned the key off them turned it back on and the bike fired back up on its own immediately with the codes cleared and got out of the way

in an emergency if you cant safely shut down you can just switch the key off and on as long as you have sufficient momentum for the transmission to keep spinning the motor and yes mine is an SE5

 

[r1100rider]

my 09 GS did a similar thing early on after i started riding it but mine come to find out it didn't like the led brake light bulbs i put in
mine would do the same thing after around 30-35 miles

had it happen while passing like you did i turned the key off them turned it back on and the bike fired back up on its own immediately with the codes cleared and got out of the way

in an emergency if you cant safely shut down you can just switch the key off and on as long as you have sufficient momentum for the transmission to keep spinning the motor and yes mine is an SE5

Didn't ever try the key trick good to know as others have said the battery and electrical are all very closely tied into the control system and stupid as it is a bulb or less can do this check battery

 

[torquehound]

my 09 GS did a similar thing early on after i started riding it but mine come to find out it didn't like the led brake light bulbs i put in
mine would do the same thing after around 30-35 miles

had it happen while passing like you did i turned the key off them turned it back on and the bike fired back up on its own immediately with the codes cleared and got out of the way

in an emergency if you cant safely shut down you can just switch the key off and on as long as you have sufficient momentum for the transmission to keep spinning the motor and yes mine is an SE5

I have high output LEDs in the front fender lights and rear brake tail lamps. My tail/brake lights are 25w LEDs. That is 5 more than the stock. It certainly couldn't read them as out. Heck, I never got a message or errors when the oem burned out. The wattage on the front is comparable to stock as well just way brighter. I know I read on here somewhere about LEDs doing this, but I figured with the wattage mine are pushing the system wouldn't be able to tell the difference.

 

[torquehound]

It looks like it just might be the LED taillights! Not sure yet how much it has cost me to find this out.

 

[Ben Burped]

What brand LED lights ?

What brand are the suspected LEDs ? Are they professionally made or is it a DIY product ?

 

[torquehound]

What brand are the suspected LEDs ? Are they professionally made or is it a DIY product ?

I don't remember brand. Professionally made yes. They have 5 5w Samsung LEDS per bulb. Supposed to be CanBus error free.

 

[torquehound]

Put incandescent bulbs back in and rode for hundred plus miles today. No error codes. Stupid that something so trivial could cause so many issues and/or nearly cost you your life because of it. Glad problem is solved though.:banghead: