"Check Key" Msg on display - Any ideas as to what might be wrong?

[Outporter]

2021 Spyder RTL

Started the bike and went for a ride, about 20 km, got home; stopped the bike; and within a few minutes tried to start it again to move it and got "Check Key" msg on the display, nothing worked, and I couldn't start it again. Checked the battery voltage and it was down to around 12.5 volts. Put it on the charger for a while and tried again; everything came up properly (no "Check Key" msg) and the bike started fine. Also, no fault codes. Suspected battery was not holding charge, so I replaced it with new one, same problem with new one. Both batteries work the same way, when fully charged everything works as it should; but after riding for a while and stopping, I get the "Check Key" error and it won't start. After recharging both batteries, everything works fine again on both. When the bike is running, both batteries read about 14.5 volts.
Any ideas as to what might be wrong?

 

[Jetfixer]

Have you installed your key into any kind of a metal key holder? If so, it could be causing interference with the DESS antenna. Try just the plain key by itself...

 

[Snakeyes]

I get a check key message every few weeks. I turn the key off and wait a couple of seconds and it does go away. I would love to find someone who could disable the DESS - so I don't get stranded that one time that it won't start.

 

[smokiescfi]

I installed an iPhone holder with a strong magnetic charger on my handlebars. If it is turned on when I attempt to start it will interfere with the key signal. Turn the charger off and the check key message goes away immediately.

 

[KX5062]

I get a check key message every few weeks. I turn the key off and wait a couple of seconds and it does go away. I would love to find someone who could disable the DESS - so I don't get stranded that one time that it won't start.

I remember years ago there was a thread posted about how to disable the DESS antenna, so maybe some diligent searching will give you the results you're asking for.

 

[JKMSPYDER]

For anyone that gets a “Check Key” message I would highly recommend that you get the DESS disabled by someone who has BUDS, such as a dealer willing to do it, or an independent shop. You may eventually get stranded. Also, replacing the DESS module is very expensive. Better to have it disabled than to have it cause problems.