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DESS Key code again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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I am going to bet this is a software problem!

Just some of my research on this:

Prior to 2014 the Spyder used a fixed code DESS key system. That is each key has a unique ID programmed into it that cannot be changed. The chip used in these keys is a T5 chip and each chip comes with a unique ID from the chip maker. You add a keys ID to the Spyder using a master key and you can add up to 4. These keys can be cloned. What is interesting here is BRP was behind in the technology using the T5 chip. Most car makers abandon fixed chip keys in about 2006. Spyder came out in 2008... So BRP was using pretty old technology at launch of the Spyder.

Since then two other technologies came out.

Rolling code:
In basic principle - The car actually writes to the key the next code mathematically calculated by the car. This equation is different for each car. Thus the car wont start unless the key and the car matches the same code. Every time the car is started, it rolls the code and writes it to the key. The idea is to keep you from cloning the key since the clone will have the last code in it so if you use your original key the clone wont work the next time. But some have found ways to clone these keys now.

Crypto code:
The car has a encryption code (a formula) in it. Every car has a unique formula. They keys are programmed with the same encryption formula. When the key is read by the car, the encryption formula must match and then the ID of the key is decoded and provided to the car. In other words, you cannot read the ID of the key without it being decrypted using the cars unique encryption formula. Also the key is not written to by the car each time like with the rolling code so the key never changes. Because of the encryption, the ID of the key cannot be read by a key cloning device since it doesn't know the encryption to read the ID. (actually I have read some have cracked this so they can be cloned today).

Obviously BRP is using one of these technologies in the 2014 and up.

Based on this issue I am betting is it the rolling code and I bet this is a software issue not hardware.
What I think is happening is either there maybe a software glitch and the key is not getting reprogrammed it's new rolling code, or if it is, they system is not correctly keeping the new code. Thus the key and the system now have a different code. I bet there is something in the software to resolve when this happens that maybe has a time out on attempts to get the code to match. This is buggy and after a few code not matched errors, it locks you out. This is why I think some get past the DESS error and some get stuck to see a dealer.

Now I am not saying all the DESS problems are a software bug. I am sure some were hardware. But I bet a lot of the problems is a bug causing a key to no longer match the Spyder.

Time will tell but this is my theory.

Bob
 
My Ride thru the D.E.S.S. Adventure

I have a 2014 RT-Ltd
Started seeing the DESS code this summer. Only showed up once or twice a week. It always started after flipping switch back and forth a few times. Got lucky and never left me stranded. Got bike in for 3000 mile service and to fix this problem. I let them know what I had been reading about the DESS code problem and how the module seemed to be changed out most of the time. What I was told was that they were able to duplicate the problem at the shop. The tech worked on it for a long time. Ended up just changing the antenna out (I received new keys). I've had it back about 1 month so far and have not had a problem yet. But only put about 700 miles on it since it's been fixed. We had our first snow yesterday so I'm pretty sure I won't be getting much more riding in again till next summer. Just have to wait till next year and see what happens.
 
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I am going to bet this is a software problem!

Just some of my research on this:

Prior to 2014 the Spyder used a fixed code DESS key system. That is each key has a unique ID programmed into it that cannot be changed. The chip used in these keys is a T5 chip and each chip comes with a unique ID from the chip maker. You add a keys ID to the Spyder using a master key and you can add up to 4. These keys can be cloned. What is interesting here is BRP was behind in the technology using the T5 chip. Most car makers abandon fixed chip keys in about 2006. Spyder came out in 2008... So BRP was using pretty old technology at launch of the Spyder.

Since then two other technologies came out.

Rolling code:
In basic principle - The car actually writes to the key the next code mathematically calculated by the car. This equation is different for each car. Thus the car wont start unless the key and the car matches the same code. Every time the car is started, it rolls the code and writes it to the key. The idea is to keep you from cloning the key since the clone will have the last code in it so if you use your original key the clone wont work the next time. But some have found ways to clone these keys now.

Crypto code:
The car has a encryption code (a formula) in it. Every car has a unique formula. They keys are programmed with the same encryption formula. When the key is read by the car, the encryption formula must match and then the ID of the key is decoded and provided to the car. In other words, you cannot read the ID of the key without it being decrypted using the cars unique encryption formula. Also the key is not written to by the car each time like with the rolling code so the key never changes. Because of the encryption, the ID of the key cannot be read by a key cloning device since it doesn't know the encryption to read the ID. (actually I have read some have cracked this so they can be cloned today).

Obviously BRP is using one of these technologies in the 2014 and up.

Based on this issue I am betting is it the rolling code and I bet this is a software issue not hardware.
What I think is happening is either there maybe a software glitch and the key is not getting reprogrammed it's new rolling code, or if it is, they system is not correctly keeping the new code. Thus the key and the system now have a different code. I bet there is something in the software to resolve when this happens that maybe has a time out on attempts to get the code to match. This is buggy and after a few code not matched errors, it locks you out. This is why I think some get past the DESS error and some get stuck to see a dealer.

Now I am not saying all the DESS problems are a software bug. I am sure some were hardware. But I bet a lot of the problems is a bug causing a key to no longer match the Spyder.

Time will tell but this is my theory.

Bob

Bob, I had both keys reprogrammed the 2nd time that I got the D.E.S.S key code, and my can-am dealership replaced the D.E.S.S module, and the switch. Deanna
 
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Bob, I had both keys reprogrammed the 2nd time that I got the D.E.S.S key code, and my can-am dealership replaced the D.E.S.S module, and the switch. Deanna


As I said, I was not claiming ALL the issues are software. Glad that took care of you.
But as you have seen even people that have had what you had done, had problems again. This is why I think there is more than one problem going on here. Yes some hardware issue but I also think there are some software issues too. This is probably why BRP is having a hard time getting this resolved.

Ended up just changing the antenna out (I received new keys).

As I showed above from the service manual. For 2014/15 the antenna cannot be replaced and thus why you got new keys as they had to replace the entire switch.

Why BRP went this way requiring the switch to be change I will never understand.

Bob
 
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Wow!!! This is all a bit scary!! I will be replacing my DESS Module and ignition next Friday. I have a 2012 RS SM5. I hope I don't have the same problem.....
 
I have a 2014 RT-Ltd
Started seeing the DESS code this summer. Only showed up once or twice a week. It always started after flipping switch back and forth a few times. Got lucky and never left me stranded. Got bike in for 3000 mile service and to fix this problem. I let them know what I had been reading about the DESS code problem and how the module seemed to be changed out most of the time. What I was told was that they were able to duplicate the problem at the shop. The tech worked on it for a long time. Ended up just changing the antenna out (I received new keys). I've had it back about 1 month so far and have not had a problem yet. But only put about 700 miles on it since it's been fixed. We had our first snow yesterday so I'm pretty sure I wont be getting much more riding in again till next summer. Just have to wait till next year and see what happens.

If you get the D.E.S.S. error again, take a photo, and take the pic to your can-am dealership, and have your can-am dealership open up a case with BRP. The D.E.S.S. module is covered under warranty. Do you have any warranty left on your Spyder? Get your keys reprogrammed, and get your switch replaced. When you get a chance read post # 1. Keep us posted what happens.

Deanna
 
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Wow!!! This is all a bit scary!! I will be replacing my DESS Module and ignition next Friday. I have a 2012 RS SM5. I hope I don't have the same problem.....

I had a 2012 RT-SE5 and I did not get the D.E.S.S. error. BRP must get this problem fixed. Have your can-am dealership open up a case with BRP.

Take a picture of the D.E.S.S error and show it to your can-am dealership. Keep this thread going. Deanna
 
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Part Number Update

Hot off the press. BRP has updated their on-line manuals for 2016. They now show 710004916 as the DESS module for 2016 RT's. The ignition switch remains 710004277 as it was for 2015 models. However, the news is that BRP now shows the previous DESS modules for earlier years as unavailable -- 710004190 for 2014's and 710004241 for 2015's -- both unavailable.

Here's the good part: ProCaliber now shows the 2016 DESS module #710004916 as the upgraded replacement for prior year 2014 and 2015 RT's. It replaces the "unavailable" 710004190 (upgraded from 710003595 quite a while ago) and 710004241. The ignition switch remains 710004413 for 2014 (upgraded from 710003598 quite some time ago); 710004277 for 2015. Bottom line:

DESS Modules:
710004916 for all 1330 RT's -- 2014, 2015, 2016

Ignition Switch:
710004413 for 2014 RT's
710004277 for 2015 and 2016 RT's

Let's hope with this new 2016 DESS 4916 they got it right.
 
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Thanks for the up-date and for those who are not aware : if you register on the PROCALIBER.COM site (for free) all the posted parts prices are discounted.........:yes: :yes: :yes: :yes:........and shipped for free if the order is ($90.00 plus ) .......Mike :thumbup:
 
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Got my new 710004916 module today...Dealer confirmed this is the 2016 replacement...Won't know much else about the fix until spring...On a good note, the Spyder started today and I was able to ride it back to the dealer, 228 mile round trip...larryd
 
Question for Larryd

I reviewed your posts in this thread and earlier threads about your DESS problem. It sounds to me like you have your original factory-installed ignition switch. Is that correct? I'm interested because that would imply that the current BRP thinking is that the new third-generation DESS module 710004916 will correct the problem and changing to the newer ignition switch 710004413 is not needed. To me, the significance of that is that the DESS module can be changed easily once the frunk is off and requires no reprogramming of your keys. Changing the ignition switch is more involved and does require dealer reprogramming of the new keys that come with the new switch. I would like to think that they have finally resolved the problem and that changing the DESS module is all that's needed. But I don't expect BRP to come straight out and tell us that. :)
 
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I reviewed your posts in this thread and earlier threads about your DESS problem. It sounds to me like you have your original factory-installed ignition switch. Is that correct? I'm interested because that would imply that the current BRP thinking is that the new third-generation DESS module 710004916 will correct the problem and changing to the newer ignition switch 710004413 is not needed. To me, the significance of that is that the DESS module can be changed easily once the frunk is off and requires no reprogramming of your keys. Changing the ignition switch is more involved and does require dealer reprogramming of the new keys that come with the new switch. I would like to think that they have finally resolved the problem and that changing the DESS module is all that's needed. But I don't expect BRP to come straight out and tell us that. :)

Yes I have the original factory installed ignition switch with the original keys...Nothing every changed there or reprogrammed...The DESS module is very easily changed with the frunk off...

larryd
 
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Yes I have the original factory installed ignition switch with the original keys...Nothing every changed there or reprogrammed...The DESS module is very easily changed with the frunk off...
larryd

Thanks for the quick reply. Makes it an easy DIY job. Let's hope you can get some more riding in this season. Central PA shouldn't be snow-covered yet! BTW, who is your dealer there? You speak highly of them.
 
I have asked this question several times and never got a response. Since DESS errors have nothing to do with the ignition switch except for maybe possibly the antenna coil. That can be checked with a ohm meter in a couple minutes. Why is there an expectation that the ignition switch is bad and should be changed?
 
I have asked this question several times and never got a response. Since DESS errors have nothing to do with the ignition switch except for maybe possibly the antenna coil. That can be checked with a ohm meter in a couple minutes. Why is there an expectation that the ignition switch is bad and should be changed?

Maybe because some dealers have been changing out both???????....... I think Deanna777 reported they did this when her problem occurred!!!!!!........... Mike :thumbup:
 
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I have asked this question several times and never got a response. Since DESS errors have nothing to do with the ignition switch except for maybe possibly the antenna coil. That can be checked with a ohm meter in a couple minutes. Why is there an expectation that the ignition switch is bad and should be changed?

Maybe because some dealers have been changing out both???????....... I think Deanna777 reported they did this when her problem occurred!!!!!!........... Mike :thumbup:[/COLOR]

Agree, Mike. A non functioning antenna can be checked out. But if we're dealing with a situation where receiving the signal is marginal, or subject to interference, or the signal is too strong and saturating the receiver (all of which have been suggested as the "problem"), then I could imagine where a redesign of the antenna would be a possible cure, especially in conjunction with a redesigned DESS module. And BRP did go to the trouble to bring out an updated switch for 2014's, which Deanna now has, and then they redesigned it and updated it again for the '15's and '16's. Since larryd had a case open with BRP and they did not tell the dealer to change the switch but just use the latest DESS module, I am hoping that means BRP feels the switch change is not necessary. Maybe it never was necessary. Maybe the dealers were doing it just to be "safe". Maybe the changes in the redesigned switches have nothing to do with the antenna or the DESS module. All the "maybe's" we'll never get answers to.
 
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Thanks for the quick reply. Makes it an easy DIY job. Let's hope you can get some more riding in this season. Central PA shouldn't be snow-covered yet! BTW, who is your dealer there? You speak highly of them.


I deal with Kurtz Motorsports in Watsontown PA...They are a small family run business with GREAT personal service...

No snow yet, but they're saying there's a chance of flurries Sat. but then another warm up next week... A heck of blustery windy cool day today...

Where are you at in PA???
 
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