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

[Deanna777]

It's been well over 10K miles since I had the original module and ignition switch replaced and no error . . . UNTIL YESTERDAY!

I made an important discovery. Your BlueTooth comms unit (in this case a Sena 20S) may and in this specific scenario does affect the system IF in close vicinity of the key.

After riding all day without a problem, was home and testing some "noise" coming from my unit. Was trying to determine if it was being caused by the SM10 (made a modification) or the iPod.
While checking the system I was leaning over the console and turned the key (20S was on) and BANG - DESS ERROR came on.
Of course I was in shock and since I was now no longer interested in my previous problem shut off the 20S, immediately tried to restart the Spyder and all was good!
Being curious, I removed the 20S from helmet turned it on, placed it on the console and turned the key.
BANG - DESS error.

I repeated this several times with the S20 off and on, and every time it was on, I got the error; every time it was off, no error.

So now to be safe, I decided to turn on the 20S - AFTER the Spyder starts.

I might add, there is NO INTERFERENCE, while sitting on the seat NORMALLY, but to be on the safe side decided to use the 20S on after starting just to reduce frustration.

Again, this was with a Sena 20S and a 2014 RT-S, I cannot state if other models of Sena or Spyder will have the same problem OR results.

AJ

I have a Sena 10S bluetooth communicator on my helmet, I have not had the DESS error show up.
I also have a 2014 RTS-SE 6 with 20,800 miles.

Deanna

 

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

Virtually all low power wireless stuff operates in the 2402 to 2480 MHz range generally referred to 2.4 GHz, including Bluetooth. Most likely the DESS operates in that range also. From what I find BT has 38 channels [I saw one mention of 70 channels] in that range and uses a technique called frequency hopping. I suspect what happened in Paladin's test is his Sena BT unit just happened to land on the same frequency as the DESS. I'm guessing, since I'm not a BT expert, that the reason Paladin was able to repeat the error was because once his BT stuff was paired there was no need to switch to a different frequency.

Paladin, if you reset your BT communication units I expect you would not repeat the DESS error because your BT stuff quite likely will have locked onto a different frequency.

Considering the number of channels used by BT and the short duration, maybe even pulsing, of the DESS RF communication, I think it was pure coincidence his BT caused the DESS, and pure coincidence if someone else can repeat it. I put my phone into BT scan mode and it did not cause a DESS error on three tries. Anything that puts out a digital signal similar to the DESS signal in the 2.4 GHz band stands the possibility of interfering with the DESS.

For an informative article about why so much stuff uses the 2.4 GHz range, known as the Industrial, Scientific, and Medical band read this.
https://www.wired.com/2010/09/wireless-explainer/

 

[rustynail51]

can hooking power supply cords such as heated clothing cords or trailer wiring harness directly to the battery give a d.e.s.s. code when neither is in use. The dealership asked these questions when trying to figure out why i continue to get the code after they replaced the d.e.s.s. module.

 

[PaladinLV]

Heated clothing should not be turned on until AFTER the engine is running due to the amount of current being drawn from battery.
So the question is would a drain on the battery cause a DESS issue? Don't think so, but I guess anything is possible.

AJ

can hooking power supply cords such as heated clothing cords or trailer wiring harness directly to the battery give a d.e.s.s. code when neither is in use. The dealership asked these questions when trying to figure out why i continue to get the code after they replaced the d.e.s.s. module.

 

[A1A]

Well I got the DESS check engine on the speedo today 1-27-17. I turned the switch off and on 3 or 4 times and got it to start. I have 18,997 miles on my 2014 RTL-SE6 spyder and this is the first DESS issue for me. I guess I'll keep riding it for a while and see if it happens again.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Well I got the DESS check engine on the speedo today 1-27-17. I turned the switch off and on 3 or 4 times and got it to start. I have 18,997 miles on my 2014 RTL-SE6 spyder and this is the first DESS issue for me. I guess I'll keep riding it for a while and see if it happens again.

The long answer is you need to do a lot of reading on this topic .... the short answer is that it's very likely to occur again and again until it finally stops working completely..... To best of my knowledge there is no fix/cure for the DESS issue .... other than replace it (or have it disconnected)...... This is such a well-known problem (1000's of them have failed) that even if your Spyder has gone out of Warranty, I'd press hard on your dealer to have BRP replace it as a GOODWILL gesture ..... If not, you can purchase the module for About $150 +/- and do it yourself .... it's not difficult .... But you do need to remove the Frunk to get to it .... it's the black box above the Battery on the firewall ..... Good Luck .... Mike :thumbup:

 

[A1A]

The long answer is you need to do a lot of reading on this topic .... the short answer is that it's very likely to occur again and again until it finally stops working completely..... To best of my knowledge there is no fix/cure for the DESS issue .... other than replace it (or have it disconnected)...... This is such a well-known problem (1000's of them have failed) that even if your Spyder has gone out of Warranty, I'd press hard on your dealer to have BRP replace it as a GOODWILL gesture ..... If not, you can purchase the module for About $150 +/- and do it yourself .... it's not difficult .... But you do need to remove the Frunk to get to it .... it's the black box above the Battery on the firewall ..... Good Luck .... Mike :thumbup:

Mike, thank you for the info my friend. Yes I read about half the DESS Thread and my eyes were starting to turn red and were burning. I just had to stop reading it. I'm still under warranty so the Dealer should address this issue for me. The display I had on the speedo said DESS and below that it showed the engine blinking, but no key image at all.
Cheers

 

[PaladinLV]

The only for sure way to fix it, is replacement of BOTH the DESS module AND you ignition switch (which will also get you a new key).

Good Luck!
AJ

Mike, thank you for the info my friend. Yes I read about half the DESS Thread and my eyes were starting to turn red and were burning. I just had to stop reading it. I'm still under warranty so the Dealer should address this issue for me. The display I had on the speedo said DESS and below that it showed the engine blinking, but no key image at all.
Cheers

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Mike, thank you for the info my friend. Yes I read about half the DESS Thread and my eyes were starting to turn red and were burning. I just had to stop reading it. I'm still under warranty so the Dealer should address this issue for me. The display I had on the speedo said DESS and below that it showed the engine blinking, but no key image at all.
Cheers

Interesting .... If you didn't get the "ORANGE SCREEN OF DEATH" or the key symbol .... you are in the early stages of DESS failure...... I had this (with complete system shut-down) it was the third time that day ... the first two were just a warning ..... the Orange Screen is the fully failed mode ...... Do not let the dealer BS you that this probably won't happen again...... The DESS module doesn't repair itself .... it needs to be replaced .... you might not be so lucky the next time it fails ...... After mine was replaced (under warranty) in Mo. when I got home, I moved the module (the wiring is long enough) to a different location (bolted it under the right headlight) .... I can now change mine without removing the frunk or any panels .... I just open the hood and voila :roflblack: .... you could suggest to the dealer or Tech to move yours to where I did...... I have had no issues since it was replaced and moved to the new location ............. Mike :thumbup:

 

[Deanna777]

can hooking power supply cords such as heated clothing cords or trailer wiring harness directly to the battery give a d.e.s.s. code when neither is in use. The dealership asked these questions when trying to figure out why i continue to get the code after they replaced the d.e.s.s. module.

I don't know the answer, someone one on this site should chime in with the answer.

Deanna

 

[Deanna777]

Mike, thank you for the info my friend. Yes I read about half the DESS Thread and my eyes were starting to turn red and were burning. I just had to stop reading it. I'm still under warranty so the Dealer should address this issue for me. The display I had on the speedo said DESS and below that it showed the engine blinking, but no key image at all.
Cheers

Yes, the dealer should take care of the issue for you, it is covered "UNDER WARRANTY". Deanna

 

[Deanna777]

The only for sure way to fix it, is replacement of BOTH the DESS module AND you ignition switch (which will also get you a new key).

Good Luck!
AJ

:agree: Deanna

 

[Deanna777]

Well I got the DESS check engine on the speedo today 1-27-17. I turned the switch off and on 3 or 4 times and got it to start. I have 18,997 miles on my 2014 RTL-SE6 spyder and this is the first DESS issue for me. I guess I'll keep riding it for a while and see if it happens again.

I had the (DESS) replaced twice (both times under Manufactures Warranty). The 2nd time they replaced the DESS module, ignition switch, keys reprogramed, new lock on the trunk. The above was replaced in Aug. 2014. Since then, I have not had the DESS code show up, and I now have 22,060 miles on the Spyder.

Keep us posted!

Deanna

 

[trikermutha]

can hooking power supply cords such as heated clothing cords or trailer wiring harness directly to the battery give a d.e.s.s. code when neither is in use. The dealership asked these questions when trying to figure out why i continue to get the code after they replaced the d.e.s.s. module.

I run heated clothing and have no issues.

When mine acted up the module was replaced and so far no more DESS messages.

 

[trikermutha]

Yes, the dealer should take care of the issue for you, it is covered "UNDER WARRANTY". Deanna

Maybe out of warranty unless it was extended??

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

can hooking power supply cords such as heated clothing cords or trailer wiring harness directly to the battery give a d.e.s.s. code when neither is in use. The dealership asked these questions when trying to figure out why i continue to get the code after they replaced the d.e.s.s. module.

From everything I know about DESS (and this is just a little more than most :roflblack ..... I have not heard of any extra electrical stuff being an issue..... The DESS module interacts with the chip in the ignition switch ..... Some here have had to get an ignition switch in conjunction with the module ..... I didn't but it isn't clear in the minds at BRP EXACTLY what causes the DESS failure...... there have been 4 different modules since 2014 ...... IMHO some engineer decided to fix a non-existent problem ..... the 2009 to 2013 didn't have a problem .... then the module was changed and BRP has problems up the WaZoo :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:.... go figure ... Mike :thumbup:

 

[Deanna777]

Maybe out of warranty unless it was extended??

It is Covered under the "Extended Warranty"( B.E.S.T). Ask your dealership.

Deanna

 

[jcthorne]

We prefer the nuclear option. Just turn DESS OFF and be done with it. Useless system that only serves to keep the owner from riding. Does not deter theft by any knowledgeable vehicle theft team. Its easily bypassed without the key present.

 

[Sweetwater]

Jcthorne... how do you bypass? Mine is 2016 F3S SE6

 

[jcthorne]

Jcthorne... how do you bypass? Mine is 2016 F3S SE6

Requires MegaTech version of BUDS. Several shops around the country offer it, including ours. Most dealers do not opt for the upgraded version that has access to the security system.

In BUDS, its a simple toggle of a setting.