Power Steering Fuses

[bjt]

Head west towards Cuba, MO. to meet up with a large and active group of Spyder riders. They're called the Mo gang and if you check the Missouri state board, they have group rides / gatherings quite often. Here's a link to that board....
http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?40-Missouri

 

[Raptor]

I find it interesting that this DPS issue is still going on. I remember when my DPS problems were happening I was out in the woods and the DPS stopped working completely and I got the light and warning scroll. I got so mad that this was happening again that I just let it rip and rode harder than ever before. Not a smart thing to do, but I was just beyond mad at this point. Remember, this was back when I was still charging like some kind ofd crazy person! Well low and behold I had the best run through the twisties I had ever had! At that point I was convinced that I was not going to fix it because I liked it so much better wthout the DPS.

But then the official recall came out and I caved and had the DPS replaced because I wanted to do the right thing. Well, it's never been the same since. Now it's twitchy and nervous feeling etc. I made air pressure adjustments and technique adjustments and improved the situation quite a bit. But I'll never forget that run through the twisties that day when I thought for the first time I had total control of the steering and the track. I wish I could get that back.

Fast forward to present day. The ride I did 2 weeks ago was awful. A major part of that was because the steering was all over the place. On my most recent ride, however, which I posted about, I went into a parking lot and did full lock circles in either direction and then did a series of figure eights. This stabilized the system by a huge amount and during the ride, even in high wind the steering was incredibly improved. Not as good as with no DPS, but it was definitely doable. Somehow by doing this I somehow did some sort of recalibration of the steering sensors and perhaps equalized the the way the steering box applies steering input force.

I dunno, it sure helped my situation, and might be worth a shot for those that have had their DPS replaced but are unhappy with that over-reactive, twitchy feeling. I figure, you don't have anything to lose by trying it, and it's kinda fun to boot! The SMEs can chime in here and tell me if I'm full of baloney or not, but I know what I felt, and it sure helped me out.

 

[gjco]

The last time I had mine out I experienced the steering locking up. It was not that big of a deal seeing that I am a big guy all though a bit of a surprise. All I have had done was the update. I am making plans to take my spyder in while I am on vacation since my shop is has week and half lag time. I hope the replacement power steering unit fixes this. I am very happy with my 08 sm5. Oh well we will see what happens.

 

[Questions]

The Necromancer Of Placitas Calls This Long-Dead Thread From Its Grave!

I don't think you have to pull the rear one---- I remember doing a test early this year and only pulled the front one to disable the DPS.

I'll try again to day as I'm going for a ride ......

Ace Café Rat here again. On Friday my 2008 GS Roadster's DPS malfunction damn near killed by sending me into a lane of oncoming traffic when it suddenly started working again after about 8 minutes of trying to force me to turn right!

So I tried this yesterday, I pulled the front fuse only and all the DPS problems vanished! Unfortunately the SpyderNanny started scolding me with scrolling "Check DPS Unit" across the control screen every five firkin' seconds! I have an appointment today with the Can-Am dealership in ABQ. I am going to ride it with the DPS disabled so that I can arrive there in one piece!

Ace Café Rat

 

[Frig]

I brought my 2008 in for tune up in May of this year and mechanic told me steering wasn't right and some recall replacements (which I had in 2010) were also bad. I knew that it wasn't right since I told them it would go on and off at will. They checked with BRP and I was told too much time had passed. New DPS with labor $1,700. I'm pulling the fuses today.

 

[coz]

BRP Bulls--t

I think that is Bulls--t on the part of brp. The dps units should be covered forever, since they are NOT SERVICEABLE . A failure can easily get you killed. Especially since the failure rate is low.

 

[Questions]

Charging System Failing Causes DPS Problems?

Well, I took "Old Yeller" to a Can-Am dealer in ABQ, NM (nearest city nowhere I live). I had pulled one of the fuses (the one in front) and so with the DPS disabled I arrived safe and sound @ the dealer. They put the fuses back in and test ride it and the frikin' things never acts up. So they plug it into the all-powerful BRP-Computer-Brainiac and it spits out the verdict that the charging system is going out. It'll cost $1400 to fix it. I need a reality check from long-time owners of Spyders....does that sound right to you are am I about to be the victim of an a**-fu**ing? I pulled the battery and tested it when this problem cropped up on Thursday and it was fine, strong and holding a charge.

So here's what I'm gonna do. I'm gonna keep the DPS permanently turned off by pulling both of the fuses associated with it. Since the DPS is supposed to be a huge drain on the electrical system I should (hope) be able to go months or longer before having to shell out $1400 to replace the stator and regulator.

Wadda ya think amigos?

Ace Cafe Rat

 

[DrewNJ]

I didn't read through the entire thread but based on your last post I'd recommend swapping the battery and/or checking the wire connections at the battery. These things get all kinds of pissy when the battery starts going bad.

How'd you like riding with no DPS? I kinda liked it and actually thought it was easier to ride at speed. Low speed takes a bit more though....
Good luck!

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

 

[Questions]

I didn't read through the entire thread but based on your last post I'd recommend swapping the battery and/or checking the wire connections at the battery. These things get all kinds of pissy when the battery starts going bad.

How'd you like riding with no DPS? I kinda liked it and actually thought it was easier to ride at speed. Low speed takes a bit more though....
Good luck!

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

Hey Drew,

Yeah the battery passed its tests with flying colors. The connections were good too...could hardly get them to budge they were so secure. I simply adore driving without DPS. I am a lifelong motorcyclist of almost 50 years and a sidecarist of almost 10 years and so I am not missing the power assist at all, the Spyder feels much more stable and under my control. I'll never turn the DPS back on if I have my way. At low speeds my arms get a workout, which is not a bad thing and exactly what I'm used to from driving a sidecar rig for almost a decade. I'd love to find a way to ditch the entire VSS and ride with skill alone...just like one does on a sidecar rig.

Ace Café Rat