To Steve (BRPcare) about DESS issues

[RosieriderKY]

issues

Just a vent. I bought my new 2015 RTS-SE6 at the end of August last year to celebrate my 60 birthday with the thoughts this would be mu last ride.
With 60 miles on it I set out the following Monday for work, 90 miles round trip. Never made it home that day due to the shift sensor issue. After several days at dealer it was fixed and I have now put almost 2,000 miles on it. Spent the money to add a decent seat so I could ride it more than an hour. Added other farkles just because I wanted to, looking to add more rear lighting to be safe. I have spent almost $2000 on top of the purchase price to have it so I can enjoy it and I see lots and lots that have spent much more than that.
Now I am afraid every time I go out I will get the dreaded DESS code and get stranded and the wonderful BRP roadside assistance will want me to pay for towing if I am very far away. This is just plain wrong that on a vehicle that cost as much as these darn things do and to have been around 10 years to work out the bugs they keep having this kind of issues. They need to get their s - - - together, put a decent seat on them and fix the issues that just keep on coming!
I also am about ready to sell mine and bit the bullet with what I will loose and write it off as a bad experience. My brother was going to buy a Spyder until mine died with 60 miles on it and now he plans on getting a Wing trike. Smart idea.
Does any one know if the Slingshot is having a bunch of issue like our Spyders are? Maybe it is just time to give it up and get a Miata, for about the same money for an entire car as this 3 wheeler.
Just my 2 cents
randy

 

[pitzerwm]

Slingshots had a bunch of issues the first year, but I understand that they have dealt with them. Most were cosmetic.

 

[Sam Mac]

Ok, I have done a little research. To deactivate the DESS you/someone will need a MegaTech Key for their BUDS system. When you deactivate it, it erases the key codes where ever they are stored. If you want to re-activate the DESS, the keys will need to be reprogrammed into the bike. With software version 3.7.2 this can be done with your keys, no master key needed. (This is what is suppose to happen but hasn't been tested)

I'm still trying to find out about a pin# to over ride a DESS failure.

If I'm reading this correctly it is possible to eliminate the DESS. Please keep us posted on your findings. I think all any off us want is to be able to ride and know that we won't be stuck out someplace with a no start issue. I had an issue with a HD, lost the FOB while riding ( didn't know that the key can fall out of the steering lock) You guessed it, the FOB was on a ring with the key. Pulled into a gas station to gas up and Huston we have a problem. Up side is you can do the over ride and get it going. After that the FOB lived in the glove box. No reason BRP couldn't use a similar design.

 

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

Now I am afraid every time I go out I will get the dreaded DESS code and get stranded and the wonderful BRP roadside assistance will want me to pay for towing if I am very far away.

Every time I get in the car or pickup to drive to coffee or church 30 miles away I run the risk of some idiot crossing the center line and crashing into me! Do I let that stop me? No! This is to say no trip, regardless of what vehicle you use, is guaranteed to not end up with you stranded somewhere. If we let the possibility of a failure keep us home, we'll never enjoy getting out.

Just sayin'. Some of you guys, like Sam Mac, just simply worry too much. If you let the fear of failure hold you back you'll miss out on 99% of life's pleasures.

Hell, your wife could die of a heart attack the next time you go fishing! Are you going to let the fear of coming home to find her dead stop you? I doubt it.

Get real, guys!

 

[MikeT]

no trip, regardless of what vehicle you use, is guaranteed to not end up with you stranded somewhere. If we let the possibility of a failure keep us home, we'll never enjoy getting out.If you let the fear of failure hold you back you'll miss out on 99% of life's pleasures. Get real, guys!

:agree: I've decided to stop reading about the DESS issues because it is easy to get sucked into this abyss. I'm just going to keep on riding. I feel there are more Spyders without the DESS problem than with it.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

MAKING BRP CORPORATE - VERY HAPPY

Every time I get in the car or pickup to drive to coffee or church 30 miles away I run the risk of some idiot crossing the center line and crashing into me! Do I let that stop me? No! This is to say no trip, regardless of what vehicle you use, is guaranteed to not end up with you stranded somewhere. If we let the possibility of a failure keep us home, we'll never enjoy getting out.

Just sayin'. Some of you guys, like Sam Mac, just simply worry too much. If you let the fear of failure hold you back you'll miss out on 99% of life's pleasures.

Hell, your wife could die of a heart attack the next time you go fishing! Are you going to let the fear of coming home to find her dead stop you? I doubt it.

Get real, guys!

The heading says it all really......This is exactly what BRP wants to hear !!!......What they don't want to hear is ......To celebrate their Big Party in 2017 the attendee's shuld go to Farm stores and start buying - TAR & FEATHERS - if you think this is far fetched, I've already located 7 on my route to the PARTY :roflblack::roflblack::roflblack::roflblack::roflblack:..........just a thought ......Mike :2excited:

 

[Deanna777]

BRP SHOULD

BRP needs to "LOOK @ the (Thread " D.E.S.S KEY CODE AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!") FIX THE PROBLEM/ ISSUE!!!!!

Deanna

 

[Sam Mac]

The heading says it all really......This is exactly what BRP wants to hear !!!......What they don't want to hear is ......To celebrate their Big Party in 2017 the attendee's shuld go to Farm stores and start buying - TAR & FEATHERS - if you think this is far fetched, I've already located 7 on my route to the PARTY :roflblack::roflblack::roflblack::roflblack::roflblack:..........just a thought ......Mike :2excited:

Mike send me the bill for the tar and feathers, I'm sure I can afford it. All I want is something that starts when I turn the key but I guess I'm asking for too much.

 

[PMK]

Mike send me the bill for the tar and feathers, I'm sure I can afford it. All I want is something that starts when I turn the key but I guess I'm asking for too much.

There is where the problem is, it doesn't start solely by turning the key, you must also push two buttons first...

 

[PMK]

I agree there is only so much worry before it makes you crazy.

Everyone should still ride, however be aware that a DESS failure is a possibility that may need to be dealt with.

We will still ride, and as I wait for the final, if it ever comes about, DESS cure, I watch for the Honda NeoWing, and simply be aware.

Whether or not BRP / Can Am will or can come up with a fix remains to be seen.

The downside for some owners is the end of a 2 year warranty on some of the 2014 is up soon if the owners did not purchase an extended warranty.

Even worse will be if BRP / Can Am goes with a "planned obsolescence" and starts telling dealers to replace the switch and the DESS module at the customers expense.

BRP / Can Am seriously needs to find a fix and solve this concern with proven results.

 

[Jheck]

I agree there is only so much worry before it makes you crazy.

Everyone should still ride, however be aware that a DESS failure is a possibility that may need to be dealt with.

We will still ride, and as I wait for the final, if it ever comes about, DESS cure, I watch for the Honda NeoWing, and simply be aware.

Whether or not BRP / Can Am will or can come up with a fix remains to be seen.

The downside for some owners is the end of a 2 year warranty on some of the 2014 is up soon if the owners did not purchase an extended warranty.

Even worse will be if BRP / Can Am goes with a "planned obsolescence" and starts telling dealers to replace the switch and the DESS module at the customers expense.

BRP / Can Am seriously needs to find a fix and solve this concern with proven results.

I am also awaiting the Honda Neowing. I will still keep riding my Spyder until than,my extentend warranty is good until 2019, but I don't think I will buy another one. I really love this bike, but BRP's total silence is what really burns my a**. Once they lose the customers confidence, it's down hill from there.

 

[MikeT]

The downside for some owners is the end of a 2 year warranty on some of the 2014 is up soon if the owners did not purchase an extended warranty./QUOTE]
If they want to " hedge their bet", purchasing an extended warranty before their factory warranty expires may give them peace of mind.

 

[PMK]

The downside for some owners is the end of a 2 year warranty on some of the 2014 is up soon if the owners did not purchase an extended warranty./QUOTE]
If they want to " hedge their bet", purchasing an extended warranty before their factory warranty expires may give them peace of mind.

Without any doubt, a fool rolls without an extended warranty on a Spyder it seems.

I would guess the cost of the DESS module, ignition switch and labor would easily justify the cost of the extended warranty.

Sad part for BRP is that the best extended warranty doe not cover poor customer service or a bad dealer.

 

[PMK]

BRP needs to "LOOK @ the (Thread " D.E.S.S KEY CODE AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!") FIX THE PROBLEM/ ISSUE!!!!!

Deanna

I would bet they have and are hiding under a rock because of this topic and the other one.

Spydelrlovers is possibly a small percentage of the actual owners, and while the internet travels fast, once a really PO'd owner that does not visit SL has a failure and does some research, that is the new fuel on the fire and word of mouth that will have Can Am recoil as it goes viral.

When a company like Can Am can not identify what part numbers are likely to fail or a serial number range with a history of problems and make amends to keep customer confidence high, the small stones begin to crumble ultimately the castle falls.

Truly I doubt they have a clue and are simply hoping it goes away and they minimize immediate financial losses. That may be their priority but the big picture should be their goal.

Imagine the smile at BRP corporate if they got superb customer ratings about the vehicles, customer service and dealers. Sorry about that I was having a fantasy dream...

Ironically, I do like the vehicle and the on board systems. I may just buy a DESS module and carry it as a spare, kind of like the mirror clips and parts I always had in the trunk until I swapped out the mirrors.

 

[spyderCodes]

Without any doubt, a fool rolls without an extended warranty on a Spyder it seems.

.

<stepping up to the soap box>
i realize the entire purpose of this thread is complain about DESS module and not
argue the merits extended warranties.

Also it won't be the last time I've been called a fool.
However, I never bet against the house.
The house knows the vehicle/product better than I do.
They are not in business of losing money.
The chance of the cost of my repairs exceeding the price of the policy therefore is small.
And before someone rushes to type a specific instance let me repeat it is a percentages game.
There is a chance I will lose, but a greater chance I will win.
<stepping down from the soapbox>

 

[PMK]

<stepping up to the soap box>
i realize the entire purpose of this thread is complain about DESS module and not
argue the merits extended warranties.

Also it won't be the last time I've been called a fool.
However, I never bet against the house.
The house knows the vehicle/product better than I do.
They are not in business of losing money.
The chance of the cost of my repairs exceeding the price of the policy therefore is small.
And before someone rushes to type a specific instance let me repeat it is a percentages game.
There is a chance I will lose, but a greater chance I will win.
<stepping down from the soapbox>

Agree 99.9%

One item in our arsenal of "stuff" has an extended warranty, nothing else and we have never bought and extended warranty for anything else.

That one item with the extended warranty is the 2014 Can Am Spyder RTs

And I do all my own work so far. Mainly for that one big dollar item...might be a DESS conversion

 

[BRPcare]

Hi everyone,

We've been following this thread closely and I wanted to make sure I got the right information before posting here.
Here are the facts:

• The system works as follows: When the vehicle is started, the DESS module looks for a signal from the key, relayed to it via the antenna (which is just an extension of the module itself). Then, the DESS module lets the ECM know that the proper, authenticated key is present and matches the ECM, and the vehicle can be operated.
• There are different possible causes for a DESS error, and different ways for the error to manifest itself. For the vast majority of cases we've seen, neither the ignition, antenna or ECM needed to be replaced. For folks who did experience a DESS issue, replacing the DESS module itself to the latest part number is the appropriate fix.
• If, somehow, you've had a DESS failure after having the DESS module replaced to the newest part number (that occurred more than once, was not due to interference, etc), it could point to an error in one of the other aforementioned systems. Your dealer can diagnose it for you, look up any error codes and if needed our techs will assist them.
• For obvious reasons, BRP doesn't recommend nor support disabling of the DESS system.

Steve can't answer unless the higher ups give him something to say, and I'm sure he is reading what is posted on SL's, and relaying it on.

Incorrect. If I don't respond right away, it's to make sure I have all the facts straight so that I don't provide any misinformation.

 

[cuznjohn]

Hi everyone,

We've been following this thread closely and I wanted to make sure I got the right information before posting here.
Here are the facts:

• The system works as follows: When the vehicle is started, the DESS module looks for a signal from the key, relayed to it via the antenna (which is just an extension of the module itself). Then, the DESS module lets the ECM know that the proper, authenticated key is present and matches the ECM, and the vehicle can be operated.
• There are different possible causes for a DESS error, and different ways for the error to manifest itself. For the vast majority of cases we've seen, neither the ignition, antenna or ECM needed to be replaced. For folks who did experience a DESS issue, replacing the DESS module itself to the latest part number is the appropriate fix.
• If, somehow, you've had a DESS failure after having the DESS module replaced to the newest part number (that occurred more than once, was not due to interference, etc), it could point to an error in one of the other aforementioned systems. Your dealer can diagnose it for you, look up any error codes and if needed our techs will assist them.
• If your vehicle experienced a failure due to a manufacturer defect which required a tow while under warranty (regular or BEST extended), please check with your dealer or call us to get that sorted out.
• For obvious reasons, BRP doesn't recommend nor support disabling of the DESS system.

Incorrect. If I don't respond right away, it's to make sure I have all the facts straight so that I don't provide any misinformation.

personally i would sign a paper allowing you to disable the dess system so i could ride with the confidence of not getting stuck anywhere. i feel BRP should really think about that

 

[PMK]

Hi everyone,

We've been following this thread closely and I wanted to make sure I got the right information before posting here.
Here are the facts:

• The system works as follows: When the vehicle is started, the DESS module looks for a signal from the key, relayed to it via the antenna (which is just an extension of the module itself). Then, the DESS module lets the ECM know that the proper, authenticated key is present and matches the ECM, and the vehicle can be operated.
• There are different possible causes for a DESS error, and different ways for the error to manifest itself. For the vast majority of cases we've seen, neither the ignition, antenna or ECM needed to be replaced. For folks who did experience a DESS issue, replacing the DESS module itself to the latest part number is the appropriate fix.
• If, somehow, you've had a DESS failure after having the DESS module replaced to the newest part number (that occurred more than once, was not due to interference, etc), it could point to an error in one of the other aforementioned systems. Your dealer can diagnose it for you, look up any error codes and if needed our techs will assist them.
• If your vehicle experienced a failure due to a manufacturer defect which required a tow while under warranty (regular or BEST extended), please check with your dealer or call us to get that sorted out.
• For obvious reasons, BRP doesn't recommend nor support disabling of the DESS system.

Incorrect. If I don't respond right away, it's to make sure I have all the facts straight so that I don't provide any misinformation.

Thank You for the reply.

 

[PMK]

Hi everyone,

We've been following this thread closely and I wanted to make sure I got the right information before posting here.
Here are the facts:

• The system works as follows: When the vehicle is started, the DESS module looks for a signal from the key, relayed to it via the antenna (which is just an extension of the module itself). Then, the DESS module lets the ECM know that the proper, authenticated key is present and matches the ECM, and the vehicle can be operated.
• There are different possible causes for a DESS error, and different ways for the error to manifest itself. For the vast majority of cases we've seen, neither the ignition, antenna or ECM needed to be replaced. For folks who did experience a DESS issue, replacing the DESS module itself to the latest part number is the appropriate fix.
• If, somehow, you've had a DESS failure after having the DESS module replaced to the newest part number (that occurred more than once, was not due to interference, etc), it could point to an error in one of the other aforementioned systems. Your dealer can diagnose it for you, look up any error codes and if needed our techs will assist them.
• If your vehicle experienced a failure due to a manufacturer defect which required a tow while under warranty (regular or BEST extended), please check with your dealer or call us to get that sorted out.
• For obvious reasons, BRP doesn't recommend nor support disabling of the DESS system.

Incorrect. If I don't respond right away, it's to make sure I have all the facts straight so that I don't provide any misinformation.

Steve, is it possible for you to share the latest available part number for the DESS Module for those of us that may simply purchase one and carry a spare.