Has BRP Fixed the DESS Modules?

[Questions]

DESS Code Problem

Hi all,

I have a 2014 RTS with 4,900 miles and the darn DESS code came up. I was stranded for approx. 20 minutes. I pulled the key out and walked away and then came back to bike and it started. I called dealer today and they initially said they could not do anything unless the code was present. I said that doesn't make sense. They then asked me to continue riding it until the error happens again, then take a picture of the error code. Well someone posted a pic of the error code so I took a picture from this site and I will be dropping off my machine today to get it fixed showing them the pictures. Unbelievable !!!! This is a huge problem and it seems no one cares to much about it. Plus they are telling me its 3-5 days to even get a new module in. There goes another week of no riding.

Bumblebee

 

[Bob Denman]

I'd tell them, " You've got the proof... order the parts, and I'll bring in the bike when they arrive." nojoke

 

[ulflyer]

Calm yourself Bumblebee, and keep on riding. Very few have
been stranded with it not ever starting. Usually it will start; flick the switch off/on rapidly, and if that don't work, pull key out, or wait a few mins. One of these techniques will likely work.

 

[Deanna777]

Hi all,

I have a 2014 RTS with 4,900 miles and the darn DESS code came up. I was stranded for approx. 20 minutes. I pulled the key out and walked away and then came back to bike and it started. I called dealer today and they initially said they could not do anything unless the code was present. I said that doesn't make sense. They then asked me to continue riding it until the error happens again, then take a picture of the error code. Well someone posted a pic of the error code so I took a picture from this site and I will be dropping off my machine today to get it fixed showing them the pictures. Unbelievable !!!! This is a huge problem and it seems no one cares to much about it. Plus they are telling me its 3-5 days to even get a new module in. There goes another week of no riding.

Bumblebee

I( Deanna777) was the person that took a picture of the D.E.S.S. key code that I got on my 2014RTS-SE6. Also, I started a thread "D.E.S.S. KEY CODE ON A 2014RTS-SE6" & "D.E.S.S. KEY CODE AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!"

The first time that I got the D.E.S.S. key code error, my dealer had the D.E.S.S. module @ their dealership in 2 days.

Then the 2nd time that I got the D.E.S.S. key code, my dealership had the D.E.S.S. module & Ignition Switch in 2 days. ( I took my spyder on Aug. 28th.) I would ask your dealership to order the parts( may be have the parts overnighted) and contact you when the parts come in. Then you won't be down for a week with no riding. Keep us posted. Deanna

 

[GeorgiaBill]

Calm yourself Bumblebee, and keep on riding. Very few have
been stranded with it not ever starting. Usually it will start; flick the switch off/on rapidly, and if that don't work, pull key out, or wait a few mins. One of these techniques will likely work.

I am so pleased to hear this. I just got my Spyder and have been reluctant to venture beyond the AAA towing distance.

 

[RichieRich007]

Does this antenna hookup to anyting? Because I'm having problems and I lefted it up and the whole thing came off plus antenna wire so what does it connect to.

 

[ulflyer]

Richie: I hope I haven led you astray about the antenna thing. The thread you referred to above were about older bikes and far as I know those problems have been fixed. I only meant that the "loose wire" hanging down might be the antenna....but honestly I have no idea how newer ones are configured. If what you have is indeed the antenna, it doesn't connect to anything; it transmits a signal to the DESS. I'm guessing you have other problems with your ignition. Hopefully someone who knows about these things will chime in and give you better advice.

 

[Lew L]

I think ( just my @ cents here) that the DESS problems have do do with a faulty " little black box" that is not made by Can Am. Once they got it right ( from an off site manufacture) the DESS problems seemed to have stopped. I have replaced the original ( 2014)with a later one part # 710004916. The old one was made In India and was # 710004190. Haven't had the DESS signal of death in years and feel confident to take my :spyder2: anywhere.
Lew L

 

[PaladinLV]

Lew
The problem with the 2014 & a few 2015s, dealt with signal saturation.
BRP was never able to pin-point the problem.
Some of those that had their Module replaced with the updated version (2015) still had problems and in most cases replacing the ignition cylinder corrected it.
Some people like me were fortunate enough to have the dealer replace both at the same time.
Yet some never experienced the problem at all and some just needed the module. I cannot remember anyone just having the cylinder replaced.
One definitive fact was once the problem appears, it typical goes down hill by becoming more frequent and more difficult to clear.
By 2016, it seems the problem all but disappeared.
I have always recommended anyone with a 2014 TRY to get both units replaced as THAT solution is the only one that always seemed to work.
My problems started at about 5500 miles and was replaced 3 months later. So from @ 8000 to until today no problem, but still hold my breath every time I turn the key.

AJ

 

[trikermutha]

DESS Bulletin

 

[billybovine]

Does this antenna hookup to anyting? Because I'm having problems and I lefted it up and the whole thing came off plus antenna wire so what does it connect to.

Post pictures of the DESS antenna wire ends. Depending on what they look like. Pulled out of the connector, chewed by rodents. Maybe they can be reconnected or you can order a new DESS antenna.

 

[PaladinLV]

Kind of like closing the gate after all the horse got out!

AJM

 

[trikermutha]

The DESS antenna mounts to the top of the ignition switch and runs down to the DESS module and plugs in to it.

 

[Jheck]

Hi all,

I have a 2014 RTS with 4,900 miles and the darn DESS code came up. I was stranded for approx. 20 minutes. I pulled the key out and walked away and then came back to bike and it started. I called dealer today and they initially said they could not do anything unless the code was present. I said that doesn't make sense. They then asked me to continue riding it until the error happens again, then take a picture of the error code. Well someone posted a pic of the error code so I took a picture from this site and I will be dropping off my machine today to get it fixed showing them the pictures. Unbelievable !!!! This is a huge problem and it seems no one cares to much about it. Plus they are telling me its 3-5 days to even get a new module in. There goes another week of no riding.

Bumblebee

I’ve got a 2014 RTS also. Had the DESS system problem at about 5 or 6,000 mile the dealer replaced the Module and no problems since. Nearing 24000 miles. The extended warranty has just run out so I’m going to find someone with a buds system that can just shut it off.
Someone offered to do that a couple years ago, but I was reluctant to do it with the warranty still in effect. Didn’t want to give them any excuse not to cover me if I needed it.
If anyone is capable of doing this near the central New York area, I’ll pay ya what you need.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

I’ve got a 2014 RTS also. Had the DESS system problem at about 5 or 6,000 mile the dealer replaced the Module and no problems since. Nearing 24000 miles. The extended warranty has just run out so I’m going to find someone with a buds system that can just shut it off.
Someone offered to do that a couple years ago, but I was reluctant to do it with the warranty still in effect. Didn’t want to give them any excuse not to cover me if I needed it.
If anyone is capable of doing this near the central New York area, I’ll pay ya what you need.

a couple of years ago a Forum member - Joel The Biker - did mine ...... PM Him and see if you can work something out ..... it took less than 10 minutes .... I think He is located east of Binghamton NY ..... good lucfk .... Mike :thumbup:

 

[Trbayth]

a couple of years ago a Forum member - Joel The Biker - did mine ...... PM Him and see if you can work something out ..... it took less than 10 minutes .... I think He is located east of Binghamton NY ..... good lucfk .... Mike :thumbup:

Joel did mine too on my ST. Good guy and it literally takes just a couple of minutes.

 

[larryd]

Joel also did mine several years ago on our way to Americade in a rest area parking lot along the road...GREAT GUY... Good luck...

 

[Jheck]

I’ve sent a PM to Joel but as of yet have not received an answer. I’ll give it a couple weeks.

 

[jcthorne]

I would be happy to help with your DESS but my shop is in Houston and I am in Durango at the moment.

 

[Deanna777]

It is my understanding that 2014 and later that reprogramming was not required, after changing out the DESS, since the key code was stored in the ECM. So your tech should never had to reprogram.

In 2015 I had the D.E.S.S module replaced twice( I also started a very long thread about the issues that I had with the D.E.S.S ), and the second time the dealership reprogrammed the keys, and replaced the rear trunk lock.

I have a 2014 RTS-SE6.


Deanna