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Continuing DESS Issue?

w6ada

New member
Hi, been reading ours an hours of threads regarding the DESS and key Error problems. Is this an issue still continuing? I have a 2014 spider and it appears these issues started then. Can I be comfortable buying a brand new spider that I will not have this issue?
 
Hi, been reading ours an hours of threads regarding the DESS and key Error problems. Is this an issue still continuing? I have a 2014 spider and it appears these issues started then. Can I be comfortable buying a brand new spider that I will not have this issue?

From what I've read on the DESS issue, yes they started with the 14 model …. BRP changed them 3 times, trying to FIX it …. the last version seems to have worked ( for the most part ) …. however they still have failures at least thru 2017 model ….. as I told you in a PM , a few folks here have the BUDS program that will cancel / eliminate the DESS module..... I have not heard of a DEALER that will do it …… If your Spyder is out of warranty - the module costs around $ 135.00 ( cheapcycleparts.com ) and can be changed by most DIY'ers …. the module is located behind the frunk - bolted to the firewall just above the Battery …. it unplugs ( two ) …. As I told you ( in PM ) I then put mine under the right headlight ( the wires will reach that area ) and you will have instant access to the module and plugs...…. IF you have seen the " ORANGE " screen of death , your Module is now in failure mode and will eventually DIE, ……. Mike :ohyea:
 
New or used....

:agree: The new models sold should all have been updated. If you look into a used model always a good idea to have the dealer check the vin# and see if all updates have been made. We see very little here as of late but we only see those that post here and there are many more out there. :thumbup: I would not let this keep you from getting one...
 
Yes well I am at the screen of death. I needed a post in order to be able to PM you. Personal message come in later today. Thanks for all your help
 
Wait ... what?!?

New to the Spyder community. What is this "DESS"? And what is this "Orange Death Screen". Mine is a 2015 RTL. What's all this about please.

:dontknow::hun:

Thanks in advance!
 
New to the Spyder community. What is this "DESS"? And what is this "Orange Death Screen". Mine is a 2015 RTL. What's all this about please.

:dontknow::hun:

Thanks in advance!

Well there about 500 or so posts on this …. But read my post above #2, it tells you how to fix it , which is the most important thing ……. The DESS module is part of the BRP - KEY security system ….. If the module fails ( and they were having lots of them do so ) you won't be able to start your Spyder …. Generally , it gives a few / some …. SEMI- failures before it dies …. there is no cure other than module re-placement , If you have a warranty still in effect they will cover if not ( read above post #2 . )….. the Back History is this 10 thru 13 RT's had a different DESS module, then one of the BRP engineers decided it NEEDED fixing :gaah::roflblack: ….. well He/ She/ It broke the damn thing …. Now the DESS is a problem …. I hope they fired that SOB ……. good luck ……...PS if you get the " Orange screen of Death " ….. first move the spyder away from where you stopped ( if possible ) 20 ft should work ….. then turn the ignition switch ON - OFF 5X's in succession quickly, remove Key for about one minute, then try and start it ….. repeat as needed …. This worked for me when mine failed ( and nothing else I tried worked )
 
Huh ... the things I'm finding out about my new ride! Wow ... any other hidden gremlins I should know about before our week long trip at the end of June?!? We'd sure hate to get stranded for something simple to fix like moving the trike and turning the key 5x's.

:opps:
 
Huh ... the things I'm finding out about my new ride! Wow ... any other hidden gremlins I should know about before our week long trip at the end of June?!? We'd sure hate to get stranded for something simple to fix like moving the trike and turning the key 5x's.

:opps:

I think you misunderstood my message …… the move it and turn 5x's is NOT a FIX ….. It's a Band-Aid, just to get you somewhere else ….. Once you begin getting the DESS message , things only get worse.... It is a message that the module is going to FAIL completely at some point.....Take Heed ……………...Mike :ohyea:
 
New to the Spyder community. What is this "DESS"? And what is this "Orange Death Screen". Mine is a 2015 RTL. What's all this about please.

:dontknow::hun:

Thanks in advance!
HI,

D.E.S.S stands for Digially encoded Security System.

I have a 2014 RTS-SE 6 and I have had the D.E.S.S module replaced 2 twice in 2015 ( under the warranty,) and the Switch( in 2015) replaced once( under warranty).


I also started a thread " D.E.S.S KEY CODE AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! on 8/13/2015 Replies 736 & 149,647 Views & 30 pages long. The thread has some very helpful info. Since I have had the D.E.S.S module , I have not had the D.E.S.S error show up. Also I have 24,900 miles on my spyder. On the "Thread" I posted pictures of the Orange Screen, when you get a chance take a look at the thread.

Deanna
 
Had my 2014 RT in the dealers shop 6 weeks last Summer. They said they could not duplicate the problem (DESS Error). Module has the "latest and greatest" installed. I've had 6 more DESS errors since I got the bike back. I just wait about 15 minutes - go back and it starts up. So not a big issue any more. Now I have a "Check Engine Light" that is on all the time plus the cooling fans starts when I start the bike (cold start) and cycles on/off as I ride. Bike is otherwise okay. I don't ride it much any more.
 
Had my 2014 RT in the dealers shop 6 weeks last Summer. They said they could not duplicate the problem (DESS Error). Module has the "latest and greatest" installed. I've had 6 more DESS errors since I got the bike back. I just wait about 15 minutes - go back and it starts up. So not a big issue any more. Now I have a "Check Engine Light" that is on all the time plus the cooling fans starts when I start the bike (cold start) and cycles on/off as I ride. Bike is otherwise okay. I don't ride it much any more.

What is your D.E.S.S module part #?

Deanna
 
The current part number now being sold is 710004916. It shows it as a direct replacement for the prior 710004190
 
Got a DESS error code yesterday, I was hoping never to see this :(
Good thing is that the bike ( after a few choice words) started up again 10 seconds later. Will this be the start of a module failure ? I'm hoping not. But thanks to this thread I'm fully informed.
 
Got a DESS error code yesterday, I was hoping never to see this :(
Good thing is that the bike ( after a few choice words) started up again 10 seconds later. Will this be the start of a module failure ? I'm hoping not. But thanks to this thread I'm fully informed.

I've posted quite a bit about this issue, including fixes ….. I see you have a 2015, if under warranty they WILL fix it. ….. Yes this was a warning, the DESS doesn't ever get better - it does get worse until it finally Fails completely..... that could be 5, 10, or 15 starts from now or the next time..... The latest START procedure ( If you have the Orange screen of death :yikes: ) ….. is move the Spyder about 25 ft. away from where it is parked( if possible ) …. then turn key on - off 5 X's in succession quickly . Then try and start normally …. hopefully the screen has cleared …… If you have to buy the DESS module ( do not buy the Ignition switch - Yet ) CHEAPCYCLEPARTS.COM sells it for about $135.00 …… PM me and I'll help you re-place it …. I did this with " w6ada " …………….good luck ….. Mike :ohyea:
 
I often wonder why did they change the design of the DESS module in 2014? If it worked in 2013 and prior, why not just go back to those units? Remember the old saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."
 
Its not fixed. Have seen it on a 2018 (which we turned off). The 2014s were widespread, later bikes not so much but it still happens.

Have never seen this on a single 2013 or earlier.
 
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