2012 RS check engine/transmission light.

[blacklightning]

The check engine light came on, followed by a message to check transmission. Bike now will good up in gears, but will not downshift. What could be wrong? It has the SE transmission. Could oil level be the problem, and if BRP oil is not an option right now, what bike oil can I get from advance auto to try?

 

[Brettssunshine]

Check your oil. I used the correct weight motorcycle oil from the local auto zone.

 

[blacklightning]

Check your oil. I used the correct weight motorcycle oil from the local auto zone.

What weight should I be using?

 

[blacklightning]

OK, I called my local dealer and he said to get either a synthetic blend, or full synthetic. I purchased the oil and started the bike to bring it up to operating temp. No lights, and everything shifted like it should:dontknow:. I checked the oil, and it appeared to be on the low side. So, I added a little less than 1/2 qt. Seems fine. Tomorrow the temps are going to be in the 70's, so I will take it out for a test drive.
Thanks for the help and comments.

 

[Bob Denman]

If an SE-equipped Spyder is a little bit low on oil; it will often let you know about it, by not shifting correctly...
Good luck with your test ride! :thumbup:

 

[Chupaca]

That will do it....

Low oil, especially in the SE models, will make the shifting work in funny ways. I use the XPS blend from BRP but you can get other oils like Amsoil and others. As long as they meet the spec's in your manual they will work fine. Make sure you check your oil level about every 500 miles though I just check it after a long ryde and top it off. These big V-twins do use oil....:thumbup:

 

[Dan-Am]

After you are sure the oil level is correct....

... if it happens again, pull the code BEFORE YOU SHUT IT OFF. Post the code here and members will identify the problem. There are instructions on the forum how to pull the code if you are unsure. Some RS models have experienced shifter switch failures which requires a replacement switch.

 

[blacklightning]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I rode from the Raleigh, NC area, to Carolina Beach, NC on Saturday. It was a total of about 300 miles. Never had anymore trouble. I will keep an eye on the oil level from this moment on.

Keith

 

[blacklightning]

Well, I got ready to take the bike out again today, and got the check engine light, and check transmission message. I removed the key, and tried again after 10 minutes and everything was fine. I am not sure what is going on, but this has happened twice. I plan on taking it to the dealer in the next week or so to see if there is a serious problem.

 

[GOZFST]

How long has it been since the oil and filters have been changed?

 

[Rob Rodriguez]

My guess is your paddle shifter is going bad. The exact same thigh happened to my 2012 RS and it was the paddle shifter. I rode the bike like 1200 with the issue. Pull the code yourself or take it to a dealer to pull the code. That will tell you whats wrong.

The paddle shifter going bad is a known issue on the 2012.Its easy to fix really, just replace the paddle.

 

[blacklightning]

How long has it been since the oil and filters have been changed?

They were both changed only about 5-600 miles ago.

 

[blacklightning]

My guess is your paddle shifter is going bad. The exact same thigh happened to my 2012 RS and it was the paddle shifter. I rode the bike like 1200 with the issue. Pull the code yourself or take it to a dealer to pull the code. That will tell you whats wrong.

The paddle shifter going bad is a known issue on the 2012.Its easy to fix really, just replace the paddle.

Thanks,
I just downloaded the spyder codes app. Now I guess I just need to wait until it does it again and try to pull the code. If it is the paddle shifter going bad, is it something that an experienced person (like myself) should tackle, or should I let a dealer handle it? What type of cost would I be looking at? I am really starting to like this RS, but after having a drama free 2014 RT for 2 years, this has me concerned. How lackly would it be that this issue would have me stranded? Whenever it has happened, it usually corrects itself after about 10 minutes. My RT had the DESS error for about a year, and I got accustomed to it, but was never afraid of being stranded. Not knowing the RS, I am a little worried.

 

[blacklightning]

Today I had an appointment to have my 2012 RSS looked at. It would shift up (most times), but would refuse to shift down until after it had run for about 15-20 minutes. I had checked the oil level, and tried to pull the codes using the spyder codes app. After the initial 15-20 minutes, it would be fine the rest of the day. Well they put the bike on the computer and checked everything over after pulling the fault codes. Seems like the culprit might be that the previous owner changed oil, but did not change the transmission filter (a common thing since body work has to come off to do it). They changed this item out and test rode the bike. They are pretty sure this fixed the issue but said if it continued, call them and they would change out the only other possible item (switch at shifter). They explained everything to me and I was very happy with their expert service. I just wanted to say that I do not like or trust taking my car, truck, spyder to any dealership, but these guys have always treated me as a first class customer, even though I have never purchased a new or used bike from them.
BTW, this was Sports Durst in Durham (Formerly Triangle Cycles). I may be cursing them at a later date, but for the past 2+ years, they have been on point with my 2014 RT, and I hope to continue this relationship with them on my 2012 RSS.

 

[Bob Denman]

I'm glad to hear that they think that they've found and fixed the problem.
Here's to hoping that they are 100% correct! :cheers:

 

[blacklightning]

I'm glad to hear that they think that they've found and fixed the problem.
Here's to hoping that they are 100% correct! :cheers:

Well Bob, they were not quite 100% right. I tried the bike this morning, and got the same situation (shifts up, but not down). I called the dealership and they said they would order the switch and getting it installed next week.

 

[Ron2andia]

Good luck hope that fixes your problem.

 

[ingramwc]

I hope your problem is fixed by now. My transmission was shifting strangely, I checked the oil, it was way low!! Added AMSOIL 10W-40 motorcycle oil (full synthetic), works great, tranny shifts smoothly and shifts are very positive especially at WOT!!!!! Love the result!!!!:thumbup::thumbup:

 

[blacklightning]

After having the diagnosis and filter replaced Thursday, I got a chance to give my spyder a try Friday morning. Unfortunately the filter change did not take care of my problem. The item that they had hoped would not be the case (shift sylinoid) is in fact the problem. He stated that the filter change was necessary, but did not fix the problem. This puts things into a new price category. Seems like we are looking at about $850 for the replacement piece, and labor. He was able to give me a small discount on the cost of the piece, but it still stings. They are ordering the piece today, and they will let me know when it arrives. I will update you on how things go from there.
For the people in the know, does this sound correct, and is the pricing about right? He was able to give me a 10% discount on the $600+ part, but it still seems a little steep. I guess things are just expensive for these bikes.

 

[blacklightning]

Just talked to the dealer again. They are going to make room so that I can leave the bike overnight so they can see first hand the issue with early morning start ups. I hope this can be done and over with in a little while. Guess my dreams of getting this over with for under $500 is shot:sour:.
Again, if anyone has had this issue, or know someone who has, please chime in. They say that it is not the switch on the handle bar for sure, because it only does it when it is first started, not any other time.