Firefly
Active member
Steering Update.
Got my 6,000 mile checkup and had them troubleshoot my steering binding problem. I didn't get to talk to the tech, but the notes say a code P0636 for DPS says possible loose connection or bad ground. They found a loose main chassis ground under the seat that they think could have been the cause of the intermittent steering problem. I never got a code or failure or anything - not sure how they did. They also state in their tech notes that the problem could have been caused by ME !
I'll post the entire service record here for all to see. What I would recommend is checking your ground connections under the seat. I rode for 2 hours last night, pretty hard riding, and the steering worked fine. In my mind I kept thinking I felt a lock, but I don't think it really did - just a psychological thing I'll have to get over - always looking for it to bind up now.
A warning about service bills, they add all of the warranty stuff on the bill and then are supposed to show a WARRANTY CREDIT. My original bill for all they did, including the 6,000 service with valve check was around $900.00 - which the guy gave me as the total I owed - then I told him I needed to see the detailed report because that sounds way too high. After looking at the report and doing the Warranty Credits, the 6,000 mile service was $ 563.47 - which was more what I thought it would be.
The valve clearance was fine - not sure I would get it checked at 6,000 if I had to do it all again - maybe wait until 18,000 for first valve check.
All in all - happy to be back on the road - hoping things will keep running well.
Considering the importance of the DPS having power, perhaps redundant wiring in parallel would be a good idea to make sure there is not a failure.
Just check all your wiring and make sure all is secure!
6,000 mile service:
Spark Plugs $ 8.50
Oil Filter $ 17.99
O Ring $ 5.50
Gasket $ 2.50
5W40 BRP Oil $ 65.00
6,000 mile service $ 222.50 (2.5 hours)
Inspect Valves $ 222.50 (2.5 hours)
Tech notes on 6,000 mile service:
I pulled panels and gained access to the motor. I removed the valve covers and inspected the valve clearance. They are in spec. No adjustment needed. I changed oil and filter, adjusted the tire pressures, inspected the drive belt tension, adjusted the parking brake, lubed pivot points, inspected the air filter-OK, checked brake fluids, adjusted coolant level, checked for fault codes, checked all lights and signals and horn, inspected wheel lug torques, inspected tire wear-OK, replaced spark plugs.
Warranty Tech Notes:
Customer complaints: Steering binds after 15-30 minutes, Brakes are squeaking, Check for outstanding bulletins
1. Checked for fault codes. Looks like all could have been caused by customer. Disconnected items while switching key on. I see no codes that will cause the steering problem. I will have to test drive when weather permits. I updated the cluster. No updates available for any other items on this machine (DPS, VCM or ECU).
2. Brake squeal is normal. At customer expense there is a brake pad kit available to help with this issue.
The code P0363 for DPS says possible loose connection or bad ground. I checked all ground fasteners and power plug. I found a loose main chassis ground under the seat. This may have been the cause of the intermittent problem. The code that came up when this power steering unit fails is not present. Also when the DPS fails. Along with the code that says not serviceable, machine will also go into limp mode. (45 mph). I test rode bike for 15 miles. Rechecked for codes. None. All seems ok now.
Warranty bulletin - Parking Brake
I performed parking brake bulletin. .70 hr
Warranty - Shifting Improvement
2008 Can-Am Spyder SM5
Replaced angle rotation sensor .30 hr.
Got my 6,000 mile checkup and had them troubleshoot my steering binding problem. I didn't get to talk to the tech, but the notes say a code P0636 for DPS says possible loose connection or bad ground. They found a loose main chassis ground under the seat that they think could have been the cause of the intermittent steering problem. I never got a code or failure or anything - not sure how they did. They also state in their tech notes that the problem could have been caused by ME !
I'll post the entire service record here for all to see. What I would recommend is checking your ground connections under the seat. I rode for 2 hours last night, pretty hard riding, and the steering worked fine. In my mind I kept thinking I felt a lock, but I don't think it really did - just a psychological thing I'll have to get over - always looking for it to bind up now.
A warning about service bills, they add all of the warranty stuff on the bill and then are supposed to show a WARRANTY CREDIT. My original bill for all they did, including the 6,000 service with valve check was around $900.00 - which the guy gave me as the total I owed - then I told him I needed to see the detailed report because that sounds way too high. After looking at the report and doing the Warranty Credits, the 6,000 mile service was $ 563.47 - which was more what I thought it would be.
The valve clearance was fine - not sure I would get it checked at 6,000 if I had to do it all again - maybe wait until 18,000 for first valve check.
All in all - happy to be back on the road - hoping things will keep running well.
Considering the importance of the DPS having power, perhaps redundant wiring in parallel would be a good idea to make sure there is not a failure.
Just check all your wiring and make sure all is secure!
6,000 mile service:
Spark Plugs $ 8.50
Oil Filter $ 17.99
O Ring $ 5.50
Gasket $ 2.50
5W40 BRP Oil $ 65.00
6,000 mile service $ 222.50 (2.5 hours)
Inspect Valves $ 222.50 (2.5 hours)
Tech notes on 6,000 mile service:
I pulled panels and gained access to the motor. I removed the valve covers and inspected the valve clearance. They are in spec. No adjustment needed. I changed oil and filter, adjusted the tire pressures, inspected the drive belt tension, adjusted the parking brake, lubed pivot points, inspected the air filter-OK, checked brake fluids, adjusted coolant level, checked for fault codes, checked all lights and signals and horn, inspected wheel lug torques, inspected tire wear-OK, replaced spark plugs.
Warranty Tech Notes:
Customer complaints: Steering binds after 15-30 minutes, Brakes are squeaking, Check for outstanding bulletins
1. Checked for fault codes. Looks like all could have been caused by customer. Disconnected items while switching key on. I see no codes that will cause the steering problem. I will have to test drive when weather permits. I updated the cluster. No updates available for any other items on this machine (DPS, VCM or ECU).
2. Brake squeal is normal. At customer expense there is a brake pad kit available to help with this issue.
The code P0363 for DPS says possible loose connection or bad ground. I checked all ground fasteners and power plug. I found a loose main chassis ground under the seat. This may have been the cause of the intermittent problem. The code that came up when this power steering unit fails is not present. Also when the DPS fails. Along with the code that says not serviceable, machine will also go into limp mode. (45 mph). I test rode bike for 15 miles. Rechecked for codes. None. All seems ok now.
Warranty bulletin - Parking Brake
I performed parking brake bulletin. .70 hr
Warranty - Shifting Improvement
2008 Can-Am Spyder SM5
Replaced angle rotation sensor .30 hr.
