Pls Help: Check Transmission

[Donk45]

I just started my spyder and check transmission started scrolling across the screen and the little transmission icon lit up as well. The only thing I really know how to do is check the oil on this thing (it appears to be low).

What do you guys suggest I do? I am at the beach and dont know of a dealer or motorcycle shop around, what oil can I put in? It registers on the dipstick but WAY WAY lower than the top marking.

 

[bjt]

To know if your oil is low, you have to follow the instructions and have the engine at operating temperature. Checking the oil and on a cold engine doesn't give you an accurate reading.

 

[QuadManiac]

Agreed, as long as you see a hint of oil on the dipstick cold, wait till the engine is warm to worry about adding any.

Are you an SE5 or SM5?

 

[BeRight]

Hopefully, someone will respond who knows what this error message really means as potential failures. I would guess that an oil light (low pressure) would be on if one had an oil issue - then again?

Give Talbots a call for their suggestion:410.822.1766

 

[Tom in NM]

Agreed, as long as you see a hint of oil on the dipstick cold, wait till the engine is warm to worry about adding any.

Are you an SE5 or SM5?

To know if your oil is low, you have to follow the instructions and have the engine at operating temperature. Checking the oil and on a cold engine doesn't give you an accurate reading.

:agree::agree::agree::agree::agree:

Don't add oil if the engine is "cold" or just warm - they read low oil when in that condition. Like QuadManiac said, if you see any oil on the dipstick on a cold engine, you are "fine". Adding oil will probably result in too much - speaking from experience.

Tom

 

[Donk45]

could I just pick up some oil at Napa or kmart? suggestions? 5w30?

 

[Donk45]

k I just posted that last message bfore refreshing the page, im on my cell.

i did let it run for a min, the manual suggests 30sec. i also did not see a "check transmission" error in the manual

 

[spyryder]

Chances are it hasn't got anything to do with your oil level since the engine and trans share the same oil. My guess is it's something electronic, such as your gear position sensor. Try shifting up and down through the gears, see if that does anything.

 

[spyryder]

TCM

Looks like you could have a Transmission Control Module problem. (or related part) Engine RPM may be limited, shifting may be rougher than usual, shifting may not work or have restrictions.

 

[BeRight]

could I just pick up some oil at Napa or kmart? suggestions? 5w30?

Per Spyder posting above you do not have an oil level problem - but if you are going to buy oil make sure it is motorcycle oil - no SM on label. There are a few brands that are 10W40 synthetic-check advanced auto/pepboys.

I haven't been able to find a fully synthetic 5W40 motorcycle oil locally in MD, only over internet. Rotella 5W40 synthetic in blue jug at wal-mart used to be great oil, but they changed their formula and it now has SM on label.

 

[Donk45]

okay. I finally got home started it up and no check transmission error. Let it run till two bars and took the dip stick out, looked like it had plenty of oil....wiped it and put it back in to check...barely registered on the stick. Drove it around the block for a few min with the left plastic off and no helmet..sounds really loud but i just figured bc i had no helmet and no fairing. Got home and look at it and saw some smoke...really? Now i see smoke (is this normal and just something i've never seen with the plastic cover on?) no oil drips from me.


So, now im seriously thinking i need oil, but really have no clue. I guess this is a good learning process.

 

[NancysToy]

You should not check oil at two bars, or even just running it to Three. The engine needs to be at full operating temperature. The oil temp rises more slowly than the water temp. Go for a decent ride, go home and remove the side panel. Run the Spyder at least 30 seconds, shut it off and check the level.. It will almost certainly be higher than what you have seen "luke warm." The smoke could be oil from the airbox, or could be a problem. Check thoroughly for oily areas and drips after the Spyder is cold. Also look for burned wires or hoses while you are inspecting things.

 

[Donk45]

Never saw the error message again and the oil seemed to be okay. Just drove home with no problems.