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Help! Stranded in Alabama with frozen ignition.

C

Cyclist922

New member
I checked into a hotel last night here in Daphne Alabama. I'm riding my 2014 Spyder on a tour of both coast. This is day 13 of a 27 day ride.

This morning my ignition is frozen. I can insert either of my keys but neither will turn. I tried WD40 with no luck. No sign of damage to the lock, and the cover was still in place this morning so I don't think it was tampered with.

Here are my questions:

1. Dealer recommendations in Mobile area?
2. Is there a way to manually disengage the parking brake so I can get the bike on a tow truck?
3. Any other quick remedies I could try?

Thanks
Rod
 
Question

Cyclist922 said:
I checked into a hotel last night here in Daphne Alabama. I'm riding my 2014 Spyder on a tour of both coast. This is day 13 of a 27 day ride.

This morning my ignition is frozen. I can insert either of my keys but neither will turn. I tried WD40 with no luck. No sign of damage to the lock, and the cover was still in place this morning so I don't think it was tampered with.

Here are my questions:

1. Dealer recommendations in Mobile area?
2. Is there a way to manually disengage the parking brake so I can get the bike on a tow truck?
3. Any other quick remedies I could try?

Thanks
Rod
Click to expand...

Did you lock your steering? If so, it maybe jamming the lock mechanism....IF you did lock your steering, pull your handlebars one direction (or the other) to help the lock loosen so you can turn the key.

My thoughts - good luck and be safe! :thumbup:
 
Is the Spyder completely locked, i.e., handlebars turned hard left or right. If so trying applying pressure farther into hard over position as you attempt to turn key.
 
Did you lock your handlebars? I am new to the spyder, but on my gold wing this could be the cause. If so try turning the bars toward the locked position. Just a guess. Good luck. I will pray for you. Poppy1144
 
Good advice. It feels like the handlebar is locked but no, they are pointed straight ahead. I've tried turning hard left and right with no luck.
 
Cyclist922 said:
I checked into a hotel last night here in Daphne Alabama. I'm riding my 2014 Spyder on a tour of both coast. This is day 13 of a 27 day ride.

2. Is there a way to manually disengage the parking brake so I can get the bike on a tow truck?
Click to expand...

The only way I know of safely trying to disengage the parking brake would be to completely back off the brake cable adjustment nut. You will need a 12 mm open end wrench. The nut is just forward of the brake cable support. Turn the nut toward the front of the Spyder as far as it will go and you should get enough slack in the cable to remove it from the support but I am not certain of this. The nut will turn hard as you start but should become easier as you create slack in the cable. Be certain the cable housing doesn't turn with the nut. Since you're going to a dealer they can readjust after solving your key problem.
 
You can disengage the brake by pulling the pin at the rear caliper. You have a DESS failure. The security sensor does not recognize you keys. Sensor must be replaced.
 
Curious..!!

could you have the wrong keys..?? most commonly it is a chip communication failure but it would seem you have stuck tumblers. Releasing the cable and having the bars free will let you load her up. Do you normally lock the bars..?? Could be the bars were forced snaping the locking pin and damaging the ignition. If they were intending on rolling it away park brake would be the stopper..hopefully just a bad switch warranty work and you'll be on your way...let us know..:thumbup:
 
YOUR ISSUE

bruiser said:
You can disengage the brake by pulling the pin at the rear caliper. You have a DESS failure. The security sensor does not recognize you keys. Sensor must be replaced.
Click to expand...

Due to more frequent problems with the D.E.S.S. , I agree with Bruiser and think this may be the cause.........however some of the very early production Spyder Rt's had Ignition switch problems ........how old it your's ???????....................and have you ever had the " KEY " symbol flash on the instrument screen ????........................good luck.......I think the Dealer should provide the TOW on this ............Mike :pray::pray::pray::pray:
 
BLUEKNIGHT911 said:
Due to more frequent problems with the D.E.S.S. , I agree with Bruiser and think this may be the cause.........however some of the very early production Spyder Rt's had Ignition switch problems ........how old it your's ???????....................and have you ever had the " KEY " symbol flash on the instrument screen ????........................good luck.......I think the Dealer should provide the TOW on this ............Mike :pray::pray::pray::pray:
Click to expand...

He is not going to get a key symbol on the screen when the ignition switch can't be turned on!!!!!!!
 
Mike,
I'm pretty sure that the TSB was dealing with a mechanical issue with the switch. the "KEY" error (I think!) would seem to be more a case of the computer and the key not speaking quite the same language...

One probably has very little, to do with the other.
 
Thanks all. The truck is in the way. I'll have it towed to Halls. My key tag number is 1760. Not sure if that number was in the service bulletin. I've never had a DESS error. The bike was delivered in February of 2014 so it's relatively early in the production run.
 
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