What just happened? Two weeks old: Engine shut down, VSS Error.

[Graderman]

Out and about on a slow Sunday morning having a look around Stanley Park when the engine just died and a VSS Error showed on the screen. I turned the key off and the VSS cleared as the screen shut down. Turned the ignition back on and the dash lit instantly to the gauge screen showing 2nd gear... Yes, I had set the parking brake... I pushed the starter and of course, nothing. Toggled the ignition several times letting the entire shut down sequence complete between tries. Each time the screen showed 2nd gear engaged - there was no resistance of any kind when pushing it with the park brake off.
I then undid the positive battery terminal to do a complete reset of the system. When I turned the key back on it was still stuck in 2nd gear but I tried the starter anyway... it did a slow, hesitant turn over and then started with the VSS code showing up again - it did clear right away - and the transmission went to neutral. I rode home without a hitch and tried to restart a couple of times with the same hesitant turn over and VSS code which clears itself.

When I disconnected the battery to reset the system earlier, I noticed metal shavings just below the terminal. When I screwed the positive wire down the screw wouldn't tighten... it was stripped but did hold enough connection to turn the starter. I bought the Spyder new two weeks ago and I have a hunch that the battery was installed incorrectly or at least the terminal was cross threaded upon installation. I think it may be a case of poor connection to the battery that is not giving full power on the start up sequence that is throwing the code. As for why the engine shut off in the first place is a mystery to me.

 

[ned64]

Take the battery and charge it good. Then have it load tested see if the battery holds up. Get new screws - bolts and put in the end of the cable.If it all shows good then and starts fine you should be all right. If it is the cheap china battery in it Id replace it with a Yusa battery..

 

[Br549rick]

your dealer should fix all that for you....free of course....if the battery is haiju brand ask dealer to replace it with a yuasa..... be insistent if need be....good luck

 

[JB62]

new batteries are junk, changed mine with in a week

 

[Graderman]

Thanks for backing up my suspicions. I'll be at the dealer in time for opening on Tuesday morning.

 

[greer]

I'd be very interested to hear the details on your factory battery, Graderman. The bean counters behind the decision to equip the bikes with off-brand junk batteries need to be shown the door, they've done nothing but generate ill will and harm the brand. Seldom a day goes by that we don't hear of an issue popping up. Good luck, and keep us posted please.

Sarah

 

[Graderman]

I'd be very interested to hear the details on your factory battery, Graderman. The bean counters behind the decision to equip the bikes with off-brand junk batteries need to be shown the door, they've done nothing but generate ill will and harm the brand. Seldom a day goes by that we don't hear of an issue popping up. Good luck, and keep us posted please.

Sarah

I agree 100% Sarah! BMW is the same. They wanted to charge me ~ $400.00 CDN for a new battery that "would be covered under warranty". I bought a Yuasa with far better specs for just over 1/4 of the price.