Throttle body and sensor issue 2010 RT

[jroberts650]

Guys, I also have the same P1614 code. I bought my Spyder RT 2010 last year with 57000km. I contacted my dealer to bring it in with a P1614 code plus I wanted them to do the 20km inspection. The next day the dealer contacted me saying the P1614 code was due to a cracked spark plug. So they need to change the plugs plus some crack hoses. The dealer also said the mechanics also noticed that my water pump was leaking and the gaskets of the valves cylinder needed to be change. Cost for the inspection + water pump and gaskets $1500.

i picked up my Spyder 2 days later. I left the dealer did 2 km and stop for gas. When I restarted the Spyder the engine light came on again with code P1614, plus I couldn't engage in 1st gear. When I finally was able to engage in 1st gear the motor stalled. When I was able to restart again the engine light didn't come on again. I then proceeded to drive back home 45km away with no issues. When I wanted to take the bike out again after 4 days, the engine light came on again with code P1614. I contacted my dealer, they told me to bring it back in immediately for them to have a look at it. I ask them if there would be charges to look at the problem again. They assured my that i would not be charged. When I got to the dealer, they told my that the mechanic would have another look at it and re-initialize the software. I left the Spyder on site and came back 2 days after to pick it up. The technical adviser told me that they had reinitialize the software and if the code came back the throttle body would need to be replaced and the cost of the part would be $1000. They then presented me with an invoice of $89.00 for the réinitialisation of the software ( when they told me originally it would be free). I ask to speak to the service manager to explain my case. He told me that would need to speak to the mechanic who had worked on my unit ( he was out at lunch) and that he would call me back in the afternoon to discuss the $89 charge. I then started my unit and guess what the code P1614 came back again, I still was in the dealer parking lot !!

I walk back in the dealership , the mechanics took my unit in and explained to me that this was a known issue with the 2010 RT and that they would open a case with BRP and see if they would replace the Throttle body.

This pass Monday I got a call from the dealer to tell that my case was rejected by BRP because of the mileage I had on my 2010 RT. The dealer told me that I would need need to pay for the throttle body and labour from my own pocket

i explained to the dealer that after charging me $1500 for all sorts of parts they replaced which had nothing to do with the original issue code 1614 which was why I brought my Spyder in and that nodoby had taken the time to explain the throttle body issues which they were very well aware and until I had to return to dealership, I was expecting much more from them as far as customer service. My Spyder is still parked at the dealership by the way.

This is morning I sent an official letter to BRP complaining about the situation and mentioning what had happen with this particular dealer , plus I also sent an official letter to the dealership telling them that an official complaint regarding their service was sent to BRP.

i receive a email from BRP in the late afternoon mentioning that someone would be contacting me on Wednesday may 17th.

i will keep you posted with the outcome of my complaint to BRP.

PS, let me know if you think that there is other avenues that I should explore with BRP.

DenisC

I don't know why they performed any of that work because about 98% of the time a P1614 code is the throttle body. It's the throttle position sensor not knowing how much throttle you're asking for. and the only way to replace the sensor, if i'm correct, is to replace the whole TB unit.

You had other issues with the water pump and all so that needed to be taken care of but none of that maintenance had anything to do with the P1614. Not even the spark plugs.

My advise would be to go back to the dealer and have the service manager call BRP with you there in his office so all 3 of you could talk this issue and explain you're concerns with the safety concerns of this problem. Because believe me, it will shut off in the middle of the road leaving you vunerable to a life threatening problem. Mine did it 3 times and i wasn't taking no or any other remedies for an answer. My request was for a TB replacement as soon as I walked in and was even adamant about getting the BBB involved if needed.

 

[DenisC]

Throttle body and sensor issues

I don't know why they performed any of that work because about 98% of the time a P1614 code is the throttle body. It's the throttle position sensor not knowing how much throttle you're asking for. and the only way to replace the sensor, if i'm correct, is to replace the whole TB unit.

You had other issues with the water pump and all so that needed to be taken care of but none of that maintenance had anything to do with the P1614. Not even the spark plugs.

My advise would be to go back to the dealer and have the service manager call BRP with you there in his office so all 3 of you could talk this issue and explain you're concerns with the safety concerns of this problem. Because believe me, it will shut off in the middle of the road leaving you vunerable to a life threatening problem. Mine did it 3 times and i wasn't taking no or any other remedies for an answer. My request was for a TB replacement as soon as I walked in and was even adamant about getting the BBB involved if needed.

Thanks for your advise jrobert, I am waiting until 13:00 to hear from BRP, if I have not heard from them by then or my dealer, I will go at the dealer site and persue the discussion. I will throw in the safety issue and see how they react.
i will keep everyone inform. DenisC

 

[BigGuy66]

Heard from BRP about this issue:

[TABLE="width: 0"]
[TR]
[TD]

[/TD]
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[TR]
[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Information has been added to your case:
"Todd This unit is too far out from emissions warranty for BRP to offer any assistance in this repair. Thanks, Corey"
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

The bike IS 7 years old. I didn't expect any help. I appreciate my dealer contacting them. At least we tried. BTW - I never had an issue while ryding. It was only when I tried to start it. So, Todd has the part ordered and I hope to get it back soon. The weather here in northern Indiana has been A+ for ryding and I'm missing it!!
Jim

 

[DenisC]

Heard from BRP about this issue:

[TABLE="width: 0"]
[TR]
[TD]

[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Information has been added to your case:
"Todd This unit is too far out from emissions warranty for BRP to offer any assistance in this repair. Thanks, Corey"[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

The bike IS 7 years old. I didn't expect any help. I appreciate my dealer contacting them. At least we tried. BTW - I never had an issue while ryding. It was only when I tried to start it. So, Todd has the part ordered and I hope to get it back soon. The weather here in northern Indiana has been A+ for ryding and I'm missing it!!
Jim

Spoke to BRP today and they will not assist in any way with repair cost. They are totally referring me my dealer.
Spoke to my dealer who is contacting them for a second time and will raise the issue once more.

it looks that a will have to break my piggy bank and pay for it myself. I am trying to negotiate with my dealer to give me a break either on the parts cost or labour cost. Simply frustrating that my dealer didn't advice me of the throttle body issues upon my first visit. I am not arguing that the water pump or valve gaskets didn't need to be replace I know that with 62000km on the Spyder some wear and tear parts will need replacement, I am simply frustrated that my dealer couldn't be up front with me from the get go.

 

[DenisC]

Spoke to BRP today and they will not assist in any way with repair cost. They are totally referring me my dealer.
Spoke to my dealer who is contacting them for a second time and will raise the issue once more.

it looks that a will have to break my piggy bank and pay for it myself. I am trying to negotiate with my dealer to give me a break either on the parts cost or labour cost. Simply frustrating that my dealer didn't advice me of the throttle body issues upon my first visit. I am not arguing that the water pump or valve gaskets didn't need to be replace I know that with 62000km on the Spyder some wear and tear parts will need replacement, I am simply frustrated that my dealer couldn't be up front with me from the get go.

Guys, FYI, my dealer called a 2nd time BRP, to push the issue again mentioning it could be a safety issues if the throttle body error code would come up again while I was driving it and BRP still are denying the responsibility of replacing the assy. Always coming back that the unit is way pass the warranty and the km is too advance at 61800km.

I am bitting the bullet for this repair. The dealer is giving me a break on the labour cost to install the throttle body assy. They have reduce their labour cost $ 89.00/her to $50.00 , they will charge me 2hre of labour plus the part $1065.00. So I am picking up my Spyder tomorrow around 6:00, needless to say it better just hummmm on my way home.

Thank you all for your great feedback and support on this issue.

DenisC

 

[jroberts650]

Guys, FYI, my dealer called a 2nd time BRP, to push the issue again mentioning it could be a safety issues if the throttle body error code would come up again while I was driving it and BRP still are denying the responsibility of replacing the assy. Always coming back that the unit is way pass the warranty and the km is too advance at 61800km.

I am bitting the bullet for this repair. The dealer is giving me a break on the labour cost to install the throttle body assy. They have reduce their labour cost $ 89.00/her to $50.00 , they will charge me 2hre of labour plus the part $1065.00. So I am picking up my Spyder tomorrow around 6:00, needless to say it better just hummmm on my way home.

Thank you all for your great feedback and support on this issue.

DenisC

Sorry you had no luck on getting BRP to help with the part. At least your dealer was nice enough to help with the labor rate. Plus I think I was charged 4 hrs labor so you're getting a good break from them. You better take some doughnuts in when picking up, lol. But seriously, BRP knows this was a problem with these units and they should stand by replacing them to keep customers happy. My unit was 6yrs old and has 25,000 miles on it when mine happened.

Hopefully you won't have any other problems after the repair. Good Luck

 

[DenisC]

Sorry you had no luck on getting BRP to help with the part. At least your dealer was nice enough to help with the labor rate. Plus I think I was charged 4 hrs labor so you're getting a good break from them. You better take some doughnuts in when picking up, lol. But seriously, BRP knows this was a problem with these units and they should stand by replacing them to keep customers happy. My unit was 6yrs old and has 25,000 miles on it when mine happened.

Hopefully you won't have any other problems after the repair. Good Luck

Just to add that i pick up my unit on Friday and it simply road great on the way home.
That everyone for your great input with this issue.

DenisC

 

[Bob Denman]

:clap: Glad to hear that you're "Back on three"! :riding: :thumbup:

 

[BigGuy66]

Got the throttle body replaced....

...and just picked up my bike from the dealer. I was pleasantly surprised by the bill. I had found the complete kit following BRP links - it was $823. and change retail (Includes items 1 through 13!) I didn't buy it, I was just curious about the cost. From my dealer the cost was $848.75. Ok by me - Fair price. 4.25 hours of labor at $80 per hr = $340 dollars. So I only had to spend $1274.91. I was expecting to spend about $200-300 more than that. The bike runs like a champ. Now if the weather will cooperate, we will RYDE!!!
Jim

 

[ncll]

2011 RT Limited throttle body

At 7700 miles the throttle body was replaced under warranty. Do to a non riding injury the bike was not used for two years other than a few trips around town to keep everything lubed and battery up. Now at 8700 miles the throttle body needs replacement. Now extended warranty is expired. Checking with our SRA chapter there has been 15 throttle body replacements on 2010 and 2011 models. BIG Problem. My quote was $1200. Waiting to hear from BRP.

 

[Bandera]

My bike is in the shop getting it Throttle Body replaced for the second time. First time was circa 2 years ago at the 3wheeler rally in Deadwood SD. The cost at that time was circa $1200. It is in the shop att and the cost will be circa $1350. Paying extra to get the part overnighted plus labor is a bit more in San Antonio. Heading out to Red Rock Rally Next Wednesday, I get my bike back on Tuesday if all goes well.

Regards,

Michael

 

[Upcoaster]

I have a 2010 RT SM5 that I just picked up in October with 2700 miles on it. The odometer now reads just over 8,000 miles. During those 5,300 miles I've had a half-dozen or so instances of the 4500 RPM "cap" after I start her up no matter how far I twist the throttle. It's becoming a more and more frequent as time progresses. The last two times it happened, I had the presence of mind to check for a code and alas, the dreaded P1614 code appears. Yup. Failing throttle body. :cus:

The bike is sitting at Motosport Hillsboro (Hillsboro, Oregon) right now and the service manager there has so far been empathetic and easy to work with. He has opened a case with BRP and requested GoodWill assistance with this issue. It'll be 24-48 hours before I hear back from BRP via the shop. I'll let y'all know how it turns out.

The more I read (on this and other Spyder forums) about the rampancy of this issue (especially being that it's super common to have multiple TB failures on the same bike) this feels like it should have been a full-on Recall.

Has anyone considered a class action suit regarding this?

 

[Upcoaster]

The dealer got back to me today saying that my request for goodwill assistance from BRP was rejected due to the bike being so far out of warranty. Not an unexpected reply.
Again, given the ubiquity of this issue one would think this would be an all out re-call. The reply from BRP further went on to say, "Regular cleaning will help prevent premature failure of the throttle actuating motor."

I've never owned ANY vehicle EVER where the throttle body failed once let alone have someone tell me that cleaning is a part of regular maintenance. It still seems like this is an ongoing weak link in the design of this engine that still has probably never properly been fixed. As it has been with others, I have this sense that it's just a matter of time before I'll need to have this same failure again. I'm sure I'll just get told that I didn't have it cleaned regularly enough so it's my fault that the TB self-destructed.

I love this bike when it's running but this experience has definitely sour'd my outlook on owning a Spyder.