Multiple Faults and VSS Message when trying to start - any ideas?

[ISpydrF3S]

Concerning my 2024 Can-Am Spyder F3S, I geared up to take a ride this weekend on one of our first decently cool days here on the Gulfcoast of Florida. Turned the key, cleared the message screen, and nothing. Instead of a start, I got nothing, as if I had a dead battery. A dead battery? How? I just rode this thing a few days ago! I tried to start it again. Why? I don't know. But I did. This time, I got a loud and long beep followed by a red message that screamed "VSS Fault." I've actually seen this message before - a few months ago after getting gas, but not since then, and she started and rode just fine.

As I sat there wondering why, I looked into the menu systems under Faults, and saw two:

• U3001 Module Improper Shutdown;
• P0335 Crankshaft Position Sensor Signal Plausible or Asynchronous

What?!?

I'm also now seeing a fun little icon that looks like the Spyder with squirrely lines behind each tire near the speedo. I looked that one up in the manual, and it's not listed.

All I know is this trike is a mess. I want to use the word "suddenly" but...

Having to get her towed to the shop today, and I'm wondering how long it's going to sit in their dirt yard until the parts come in from Canada.

I'll let the forum know what they say and what they did to fix it.

But if any of you want to guess what it is and share if you too have had the same issues, let me know.

 

[ISpydrF3S]

Latest update, written only a few hours after my original post.

I called the shop about the above problem. They said, 100% it's a battery issue. They suggested I charge the battery. Once the battery is fully charged, the messages should go away, and faults cleared. They also said this is a common issue when the temperatures drop suddenly. It can happen. So, I've attached a battery tender to the battery and it's charging now. I'm new to battery tenders. I've never used them before, so hopefully it will fix the issues. Lastly, they said that I can bring it in for service if the messages aren't cleared or the battery will not charge.

Interestingly, I have a battery tender cable with a label that reads "Optimate Ready" on it. I didn't know what it was. Apparently, it's a way to charge the battery without having to remove all the stuff needed to access the battery. I will most definitely get one of the Optimate battery tenders in case this IS the issue, and it happens again.

More to come...

 

[AndysF3S]

If it is a battery issue. than you should charge it until full with a smaller battery charger, the battery tender may not be able to recharge a discharged battery. Check your battery and see if its a Yuasa or the chinese version? Seeing the VSS flag when attempting to start usually points to a battery that is unable to provide a high enough starting voltage.IMO

 

[Snowbelt Spyder]

The Chinese battery is already failing in the 2024 Spyders. Just replace it and be done with it. Isn’t it a warranty item?

 

[ISpydrF3S]

AndysF3S - I believe you're correct, and so does the service department at the dealership where I bought it. They suggested that if I continue using the battery tender to leave it attached for greater than 4 hours to 8 hours and then try it again, but they believe I need a new battery.

Snowbelt Spyder - is that right? I hadn't heard that, but I'm not surprised TBH. Yes, it is under warranty. Will more than likely have it replaced tomorrow. Thanks for the reply.

 

[AndysF3S]

If the battery is still under warranty you should get it load tested asap, if the dealer will replace the battery they will want to replace it with another Chinese one, I was able to get a Yuasa as a replacement by paying the small difference in cost between the two. FYI

 

[ISpydrF3S]

AndyF3S - I will check into that. Thanks for the tip!

 

[ISpydrF3S]

Latest update! Today (Dec 3rd), as I prepared my 2024 F3S for pickup by the tow truck driver, the parking brake failed, which is another sign that the battery is kaput! This is what I'm told sans experience. The start message also played on a loop, which was amusing ONLY because I was/am convinced the battery is done. Otherwise, I think seeing this would have freaked me out! I took AndyF3S' advice and requested the Yuasa battery VS. the one that came stock only because BRP doesn't warranty batteries past 60-days. If I am going to have to pay $$, I might as well upgrade. I was told, "Good choice!"

Thanks to for commenting.