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Does the engine fault code stay in the computer?

Dirt_Dad

New member
Last month I had the RS SM5 repaired after it went into limp mode. The code was P0505 for the idle air Control Valve. 30 days and 1,000 miles later it is once again intermittently going into limp mode with the same code. Since it is intermitten I can't be confident I will get it to the shop and have it be in limp mode when I arrive. Does the code stay in the system even if the Spyder is currently not showing check engine?
 
I believe all codes get recorded, not sure how many it wil hold. Simple things like dead bulbs included, they see things like this or issues you aren't aware of that aren't limp mode worthy or not even set off anything on your dash. During the troubleshooting/repair, the tech may clear it several times to test the system for operation until the problem is fixed. At the time of maintenance completion the code should be cleared by the tech via BUDS.
 
Thanks, good to know. I did not want to take it all the way to the dealer only to find out they could not find anything.

I do hope these trips to a dealer for mechanical issues end soon. 3 times in 7 months since new is not a good track record.
 
The fault codes only show on your display when they are active, but the previously occured codes stay in the computer until the tech clears them with BUDS. The fact that you have the fault code again means it is a new occurance. Your tech has some detective work to do.
 
CODES

Scotty, i've had two different dealers check for multiple codes that were showing on my 08 RS SM-5 and on both occasins they told me "no codes" in the computer. On one of those visits I brought my spyder in less than 12 hrs. after occurance....so what gives...Mike....thanks....:thumbup:
 
Scotty, i've had two different dealers check for multiple codes that were showing on my 08 RS SM-5 and on both occasins they told me "no codes" in the computer. On one of those visits I brought my spyder in less than 12 hrs. after occurance....so what gives...Mike....thanks....:thumbup:
A few owners have reported this, and it has driven their techs a bit nuts. I don't know whether it is a problem recording the fault, or stray noise on the CANBus causing a false code to be displayed. I do believe these things deserve further investigation...perhaps with the experts from BRP involved. I would recommend taking a picture of the displayed codes next time, if you are having this kind of problem. Keep in mind that warning messages and fault codes are not the same. The Spyder can display warning messages, check engine light, or limp mode, without experiencing a fault or recording a code. In those the cause needs to be investigated to see if it was a bonafide warning, or a sensor miscalibration or malfunction. Please also keep in mind that a problem in some systems on the Spyder will easily cause multiple, cascading warnings from related or dependent systems, as will a loose relay or low battery voltage.
 
I think the BRP MM mentions false codes and/or nuisance codes(as Boeing and others call them) are a reality and if taken to the shop, nothing may be found. Boeing and others have and do investigate, yet we still have them...so don't hold your breath unless your into that sorta thing or have halitosis.
 
Standard automotive behavior

In automotive systems, fault codes (DTC's - Diagnostic Trouble codes) are dynamic. That is to say if the reason for the code 'sorts itself out', the DTC is erased. This is no different than your car. If you drive around with your gas cap loose, you will get a check engine light because that is an environmental issue (leaking fumes). Tighten the gas cap and it will go out - saves people going to the garage every time they forget to tighten the cap.
(that's a hint in case your check engine comes on - check cap first, dealer will gladly charge you to tighten the gas cap ;))
 
In automotive systems, fault codes (DTC's - Diagnostic Trouble codes) are dynamic. That is to say if the reason for the code 'sorts itself out', the DTC is erased. This is no different than your car. If you drive around with your gas cap loose, you will get a check engine light because that is an environmental issue (leaking fumes). Tighten the gas cap and it will go out - saves people going to the garage every time they forget to tighten the cap.
(that's a hint in case your check engine comes on - check cap first, dealer will gladly charge you to tighten the gas cap ;))
That is not completely accurate. A warning message, such as your loose gas cap example, will disappear, either when the fault clears or when the vehicle is turned off and restarted with a clear code. An actual fault code is likely to be stored as an "occured fault", however. If something like a low oil pressure fault happens on your Spyder, it will trigger the limp home mode, and possibly a warning message on the display. If you display the faults on the screen, it will show as an alphanumerical code if it is still active. If it is no longer active, it will not show on the display, but it is not erased. It is stored in the memory, and is accessible through BUDS, until the tech erases it, or the memory gets full and it is shifted out of the occured fault register. Most vehicles have similar fault registers. :)
 
Got the call from the dealer today. They did see the P0505 code in buds and took apart the idle air unit he installed last month. Found no problems with it. He did notice that the throttle body was out of sync. He adjusted that, took it for a ride and it seemed fine. I find it incredibly hard to believe an out of sync throttle body would cause it to go into limp mode.

The Spyder went into limp mode after a 3 hour ride, then 35 minute break. It came out after going a mile, stopping turning off the bike, waiting 30 seconds then restarting. We stopped for gas once after that and it did not go into limp mode. The next morning, stuck the key in it and back in limp mode. Did not start it, until a few hours later and it did not go into limp. Also did not go into limp when riding it back to the dealership.

The fact that they did not see it actually in limp mode before or after the TBS sync does not give me much confidence it's been corrected. The guy I spoke with did not know if this would be covered under warranty or not. I could see that one going either way.
 
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