What lights will work with the Can-bus system? How do I know?

[Wingerdinger]

I have a 2016 RT-S and would like to add some lighting.
I bought an LED lighted license plate frame with brake and running lights, and when I connected it to my tail lights and existing license plate light, it (eventually) gave me an error code, and disabled the cruise control immediately.
Does anyone know how a person can connect lighting without affecting the Can-bus system? Perhaps relays added?
Or how a person can tell if an accessory is 'Can-bus safe'?

 

[BertRemington]

It's not a CANBUS issue it's a brake lights issue. Do a search for "diode".

 

[Wingerdinger]

It's not a CANBUS issue it's a brake lights issue. Do a search for "diode".

I'm not at all sure how it could be a brake lights issue since the error code shows up while driving with no brakes on for miles.
I have done a little research and will be adding a relay/fuse box to handle the accessories.

 

[KX5062]

Whenever adding any LED lighting, you have to first make sure it's listed as CANBUS compatible. You can also add a diode onto the wire to equalize the electrical draw. CANBUS systems are pretty complex and sensitive to electrical loads.

 

[GDoc]

Hi guys, I have the same 2016 Can-Am Spyder RTS and am having the same problem. They're saying all bikes are coming with the CANBUS system. BRP gives about a 1-inch accessory wire in the Frunk, what the #$%&×÷#$%& is wrong with them. This is what my 2016 Spyder has. Why could they add a 6-inch wire. They have no common sense. Don't get me wrong, I love my Spyder! The last 2 weeks of July I rode my Spyder from Tennessee to Maine and back. Ran great!

Yes, I'm having the same problem. So what diode do I need to get, name brand, model? I'm thinking most of us out here are not electricians, me included.

I purchased an aftermarket harness for my trailer, not a BRP harness. After hooking everything up, the Spyder and trailer lights all worked great. I was out riding the Spyder with the trailer, practicing backing, when the Spyder just would not go into Reverse. I had also added the Show Chrome Top Trunk LED Brake and Signal lights. While hooking up the Show Chrome light, I found the previous owner had run the wires to the right-5side rear tail-light assembly. The directions said go to the left tail-light assembly. I disconnected both. Problem gone, no error codes. I'm going to order the BRP harness and hope there are no issues.

The Show Chrome Rear lights, I'll look at this later and remove all the wiring on the right tail-light assembly. Not sure if I'm going to order a new trunk lid (I don't want a hole in the lid) or re-attach the wires to the left tail-light assembly.

All these after-market companies that sell this stuff don't tell you to add diodes. They want $$$$$$$! It's all about the $$$$$$$$!

Any suggestions would very much be appreciated. GDoc. GDoc is my Road Name in the Blue Knights International MC.

 

[BertRemington]

I'm not at all sure how it could be a brake lights issue since the error code shows up while driving with no brakes on for miles.
I have done a little research and will be adding a relay/fuse box to handle the accessories.

There is no direct connection between the brake light switch and CANBUS (it's via the ECM). There is no direct connection between the cruise control switch and CANBUS (it's via the left-hand switch). If you do not have a diode blocking a signal from your LED brake light and the brake light switch the ECM will detect a brake signal and cancel cruise control. And I believe if the ECM detects a continuous brake signal while moving it will eventually indicate an error.

Basically install the diode in the brake circuit feeding your add-on lights. If the same LEDs are used for both brake and tail lights (ie tail is dim, brake is bright) you may need a resistor to drain LED leakage voltage.

 

[GDoc]

Bert. Thanks for the info, apologies not getting back sooner. I'm going to purchase the BRP harness for the trailer lights. GDoc

 

[Wingerdinger]

Hi guys, I have the same 2016 Can-Am Spyder RTS and am having the same problem. They're saying all bikes are coming with the CANBUS system. BRP gives about a 1-inch accessory wire in the Frunk, what the #$%&×÷#$%& is wrong with them. This is what my 2016 Spyder has. Why could they add a 6-inch wire. They have no common sense. Don't get me wrong, I love my Spyder! The last 2 weeks of July I rode my Spyder from Tennessee to Maine and back. Ran great!

Yes, I'm having the same problem. So what diode do I need to get, name brand, model? I'm thinking most of us out here are not electricians, me included.

I purchased an aftermarket harness for my trailer, not a BRP harness. After hooking everything up, the Spyder and trailer lights all worked great. I was out riding the Spyder with the trailer, practicing backing, when the Spyder just would not go into Reverse. I had also added the Show Chrome Top Trunk LED Brake and Signal lights. While hooking up the Show Chrome light, I found the previous owner had run the wires to the right-5side rear tail-light assembly. The directions said go to the left tail-light assembly. I disconnected both. Problem gone, no error codes. I'm going to order the BRP harness and hope there are no issues.

The Show Chrome Rear lights, I'll look at this later and remove all the wiring on the right tail-light assembly. Not sure if I'm going to order a new trunk lid (I don't want a hole in the lid) or re-attach the wires to the left tail-light assembly.

All these after-market companies that sell this stuff don't tell you to add diodes. They want $$$$$$$! It's all about the $$$$$$$$!

Any suggestions would very much be appreciated. GDoc. GDoc is my Road Name in the Blue Knights International MC.

GDoc, The Show Chrome (from Big Bike Parts) requires that you drill a hole in the trunk lid in order to install the wire.
Also, the installation requires that you tap into the 5-wire wiring harness on the left side near the taillight, and also the right side turn signal wire.
Here is a link to the instructions from Big Bike Parts:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ll4qRBy4jgpew3uGwU7yUv0SzhootJJV/view
This assembly should be CanBus compatible as is.