I Just Got A DESS ERROR CODE What Now?

[jcthorne]

Possibly in your situation the antenna fouled from moisture. But overall, the failures have happened when dry, wet, away from power lines, near powerlines, cell phones nearby, cell phones far away.

The latest PN listed have been utilized on the 2016 and 2017 series with minimal reports of failures. The earlier 2014 and 2015 machines came with many variations and the module has seen 6 revisions since the initial release in 14.

Many years ago I researched purchasing the aftermarket BUDS license and items needed to disable DESS. At this point in time, BRP seems to have the issue well resolved from 2016 and after. The 2014 and 2015 machines under warranty should likely be upgraded to the most current module and switch if a DESS failure is displayed. Out of warranty, the module is about $125, but the switch is expensive. In those cases turning it off may be a less expensive alternative.

The one downside to disabling DESS I learned as I was shopping for BUDS, is a joy ride theft is much easier. Granted, the pros will grab a Spyder by sliding it on a flat bed. If a would be joy rider happened to pick the one Of the few Spyders with a disabled DESS, if the key can be turned, it can be started. Luckily those in the know assume all the Spyders have a working DESS, so joy rides are seldom read about.

Without
a key, it cannot be unlocked or started. DESS or not. Yes locks can be picked. DESS can be disabled easier than picking the lock and without a valid key present.

The trouble with DESS is it only causes problems for legitimate owners and does not deter theft. Any thief good enough to pick the lock can disable DESS as well. It offers no additional protection. BRP purchased commercial software for the system and left the keys in the open. This is nothing like OEM systems from Ford, GM etc. All of which are locked down without valid keys, even with software. No valid key requires replacement and reprogramming of a new security module along with new keys.

Lock your bike, including the steering column when you leave it. That is as good as it gets.

 

[PMK]

Without
a key, it cannot be unlocked or started. DESS or not. Yes locks can be picked. DESS can be disabled easier than picking the lock and without a valid key present.

The trouble with DESS is it only causes problems for legitimate owners and does not deter theft. Any thief good enough to pick the lock can disable DESS as well. It offers no additional protection. BRP purchased commercial software for the system and left the keys in the open. This is nothing like OEM systems from Ford, GM etc. All of which are locked down without valid keys, even with software. No valid key requires replacement and reprogramming of a new security module along with new keys.

Lock your bike, including the steering column when you leave it. That is as good as it gets.

JC, I have a very good understanding of DESS, how it works and how to disable it. Once disabled, a long screwdriver and hammer will turn the Spyders lock assembly.

Yes, a smart theif would be able to pop the frunk and disable DESS, then use the screwdriver, but those guys find it more relaxing to work in a warehouse after the Spyder is delivered on a flatbed.

 

[PMK]

Was
not debating the need for approval. My point was passive vs active participant in the repair process. A GOOD tech diagnoses the problem and presents the situation along with recommended repair to BRP for approval. A parts changer presents BRP with the error code and awaits instructions. Which would you rather have working on your bike?

Having been on both sides of this fixing corporate jets. Simply we get paid on Friday...Sometimes the best techs are at the mercy of the system.

 

[JLMaurer58]

2014 Rt D.E.S.S. Error

As I'm typing this my Spyder is in the shop dealer replaced the DESS modular - After they replaced the modular all was well - After a couple of days they went to move my bike and the DESS error code came back. Now after a week of trying to get the error code back can't get the code to come back.

After reading some of the statements from above - Is there anyone closer then Texas that can disable the DESS modular? I live in Michigan.

I don't have a warm and fuzzy about taking my Spyder for any kind of trip and getting stranded


2014 RT - D.E.S.S Error Code - Modular replace - Want to disable Modular


Any help would be appreciated

 

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

What makes this paritcular warranty better than another, how much does it cost, is there a link to the warranty, and lastly, is there a mileage or years limitation to the warranty?

I think you said you have no warranty coverage right now, correct? If so, the BEST warranty isn't available. You have to buy it before the current warranty expires. Your best bet will be to search for third party program and hope for the best. Cost :dontknow:

BEST will be honored by all Spyder dealers. That's the strongest value of it.

 

[PMK]

As I'm typing this my Spyder is in the shop dealer replaced the DESS modular - After they replaced the modular all was well - After a couple of days they went to move my bike and the DESS error code came back. Now after a week of trying to get the error code back can't get the code to come back.

After reading some of the statements from above - Is there anyone closer then Texas that can disable the DESS modular? I live in Michigan.

I don't have a warm and fuzzy about taking my Spyder for any kind of trip and getting stranded


2014 RT - D.E.S.S Error Code - Modular replace - Want to disable Modular


Any help would be appreciated

Changing the module alone is crossed fingers fix, probably authorized by BRP. Originally, but this takes longer and costs more, Can Am had dealers replacing the module and the ignition switch assembly, plus the trunk and trailer lock.

if the dealer saw it, get them on changing the rest of the parts.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

FIXING THE JOY RIDING ISSUE

Possibly in your situation the antenna fouled from moisture. But overall, the failures have happened when dry, wet, away from power lines, near powerlines, cell phones nearby, cell phones far away.

The latest PN listed have been utilized on the 2016 and 2017 series with minimal reports of failures. The earlier 2014 and 2015 machines came with many variations and the module has seen 6 revisions since the initial release in 14.

Many years ago I researched purchasing the aftermarket BUDS license and items needed to disable DESS. At this point in time, BRP seems to have the issue well resolved from 2016 and after. The 2014 and 2015 machines under warranty should likely be upgraded to the most current module and switch if a DESS failure is displayed. Out of warranty, the module is about $125, but the switch is expensive. In those cases turning it off may be a less expensive alternative.

The one downside to disabling DESS I learned as I was shopping for BUDS, is a joy ride theft is much easier. Granted, the pros will grab a Spyder by sliding it on a flat bed. If a would be joy rider happened to pick the one Of the few Spyders with a disabled DESS, if the key can be turned, it can be started. Luckily those in the know assume all the Spyders have a working DESS, so joy rides are seldom read about.

Paul I agree with all that you say ........ But the JOY RIDING can very easily be stopped by adding a switch in any of the Ignition wires OR in the POWER wire. Once any electrical path is OPEN the Spyder can not be started ................. Mike

 

[PMK]

Paul I agree with all that you say ........ But the JOY RIDING can very easily be stopped by adding a switch in any of the Ignition wires OR in the POWER wire. Once any electrical path is OPEN the Spyder can not be started ................. Mike

Mike, long before others even researched disabling the DESS I was seriously looking into purchasing an aftermarket BUDS setup and spent some time talking with the company that sells them.

At that time, DESS was a serious semi common problem. Disabling DESS appealed to me then. For various reasons, I decided against setting up to do Spyder work, except on my own and maybe for friends.

Fast forward several years to the current time. Yes, DESS can be disabled. Can Am has done well to solve the issues, although their timeline to get there was very LLOOOOOONNNGGGGG.

In this modern era, with F3s having rapid boot up of the computer, and no doubt electronics being improved each year, I suspect and anticipate that BRP will go to an improved BUDS setup. Buds is many years into its generation 2 design. I have no proof yet, just a hunch. With it the likelihood to read and evaluate more parameters is obvious. If this does happen, and the next generation of BUDS see a disabled DESS, it may read that as a major fault or stolen vehicle.

Currently it is not there yet.

If DESS can be repaired under warranty, then it should be. If DESS can not be repaired under warranty, then disabling may be a good option.

If I was suffering a DESS failure outside of warranty, I would replace the module first on my own. If the fault remains, then evaluating further makes sense. I do realize there are reports here of module only changes with continued failures, but those have been long term and ongoing so should fall into a warranty situation.

Adding a vehicle immobilizer is super easy, switch in the fuel pump wire. No large gauge wires to tamper with, no contending with three ignition coils feed wires. Simple and easy.

 

[jcthorne]

If, If, If. Fear mongering.

Sorry, I would rather ride than let a bike sit at the dealer for weeks on end hoping for a fix and then hoping it does not shut the bike down while a thousand miles from home. I KNOW my bike will not DESS error on me.

IF, the disabled DESS ever becomes an issue, you do realize its just as easy to turn it back on? System does not even forget the previously learned keys. And new ones can be programmed. Been there and done that just to find out.

BRP created a mess for the owners and is making it worse by dragging their feet in fixing. And on a system that I still maintain does very little to actually increase any real security.

Any new BUDS system would be new on both the bike end and the software end. IE new model year with different hardware. Could happen and likely will. Other OEMs have been through this. It makes it more difficult to service the older models as the newer software, while supposed to be backwards compatible, seldom truly is. I work with a Ford dealer on this very issue dealing with PATS systems on 2 generation old electronics in trucks. Current software is slow and buggy as hell on the older systems. Sometimes bricking the old processors that are not available new as replacements. Sticky wicket.

But its all neither here nor there at the moment. 2017 bikes use the same systems as 2008 with some updates, including DESS, along the way. BUDS has been updated many times throughout but its still the same basic system. The licence you pay for includes the product updates during the life of the licence.

 

[dgrenzi]

Dess error

Does anyone know of a dealer or repair shop that can TURN OFF DESS for me?

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Does anyone know of a dealer or repair shop that can TURN OFF DESS for me?

A member here " Joel The Biker " turned mine off .... I believe He lives near Binghamton NY .... PM Him and make an offer .... good luck .... Mike :thumbup:.... PS, I see you have a V-twin. I don't remember reading that your model had the DESS issue .....

 

[Deanna777]

Does anyone know of a dealer or repair shop that can TURN OFF DESS for me?

The dealerships or any repair shops can not TURN OFF the DESS for you. Send a PM to Joel the Biker on this site.

Deanna

 

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

Mike' right. What year Spyder do you have? If it's before 2014 the DESS is quite different system and cannot be turned off.

 

[skip]

if you can get a dealer to disable the DESS , it can be done with the BUDS

 

[bigbadbrucie]

if you can get a dealer to disable the DESS , it can be done with the BUDS

I don’t know what it’s like in the U.S., but here in Canada the megatech licence IS NOT available for the dealers. My dealer showed me where that is stated, so I assume that if a dealer really wanted it, he would have to pay for it himself. What I don’t know is if BRP found out that he had indeed purchased the megatech licence would they (drop him like a hot potato).