Experienced a DESS error for the first time at Spyderfest? Please read this!

[BRPcare]

Hey everyone,

We've been doing some further diagnostics on some of the intermittent DESS issues that have been reported. The way the DESS system works is that a signal is detected by the DESS module antenna (in the ignition switch) from the key. However, if there is another Spyder (or even another chipped vehicle) key from a different unit within arm's length to the ignition, it is possible that the module picks up that signal instead of the working key's signal, and decides that the signal is not the right one.

This happens often with no error codes or other symptoms and can appear to be an issue identical to a DESS module failure, however the system is operating as intended. If you see this error, please ensure there are no other Spyder or chipped keys within arm's length to the ignition switch on your vehicle, and wait a few minutes before trying again. If the problem occurs far away from other keys (eg while you are the only Spyder at a gas station), then it is much more likely to be an issue.

Hope this helps,

Steve

[Derk]

BRP,
I keep my spare key to my 2014 RT-SE6 in the glove box below the ignition, is this a problem? I'm starting to get a DESS error with Spyder in my garage.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Hey everyone,

We've been doing some further diagnostics on some of the intermittent DESS issues that have been reported. The way the DESS system works is that a signal is detected by the DESS module antenna (in the ignition switch) from the key. However, if there is another Spyder (or even another chipped vehicle) key from a different unit within arm's length to the ignition, it is possible that the module picks up that signal instead of the working key's signal, and decides that the signal is not the right one.

This happens often with no error codes or other symptoms and can appear to be an issue identical to a DESS module failure, however the system is operating as intended. If you see this error, please ensure there are no other Spyder or chipped keys within arm's length to the ignition switch on your vehicle, and wait a few minutes before trying again. If the problem occurs far away from other keys (eg while you are the only Spyder at a gas station), then it is much more likely to be an issue.

Hope this helps,

Steve

...........Yep Steve this was discussed with a BRP tech over the phone yesterday when I called up when I was stranded at a gas station......I only had the one KEY and NO other Spyders at the station....also no other electrical devices to interfere.....Hope this helps...................Mike

[RDW]

Hey everyone,

We've been doing some further diagnostics on some of the intermittent DESS issues that have been reported. The way the DESS system works is that a signal is detected by the DESS module antenna (in the ignition switch) from the key. However, if there is another Spyder (or even another chipped vehicle) key from a different unit within arm's length to the ignition, it is possible that the module picks up that signal instead of the working key's signal, and decides that the signal is not the right one.

This happens often with no error codes or other symptoms and can appear to be an issue identical to a DESS module failure, however the system is operating as intended. If you see this error, please ensure there are no other Spyder or chipped keys within arm's length to the ignition switch on your vehicle, and wait a few minutes before trying again. If the problem occurs far away from other keys (eg while you are the only Spyder at a gas station), then it is much more likely to be an issue.

Hope this helps,

Steve

Well that's just crappy engineering if you ask me. You'd think that you would be able to resolve this issue or reengineer that.

[PrairieSpyder]

So it may not be a good idea for Spyders to flock together? What's the fun in that?

[zuni]

Well that's just crappy engineering if you ask me. You'd think that you would be able to resolve this issue or reengineer that.

I love my Spyders but why is my RT the only one with the problem?? I did get the error once while parked under high tension lines. I moved it to the side of the building and was able to start it. We normally travel with two keys for each Spyder and trade off who is riding which. NEVER have experienced the problem on the F3. I haven't really paid attention but are other than RT models experiencing the problem?

CJ JAX

[Chupaca]

Makes sense....so if you drill a hole in your key and put it on a ring with your car key you could have an issue as well as carrying your car keys with you while ryding the spyder...Would that be more the 14's on up..?? I carry two keys when ryding can this confuse the system..?? I have an RS 2012 and never had an issue but never carry but the two keys when ryding... What about dash mounted remotes..?? Okay enough questions....

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Steve ( BRP Cares ) and Eric one of the BRP Techs really stepped up and went the EXTRA MILE and got my Spyder fixed .....I did help by re-moving the " FRUNK " which takes them awhile to do.............So the part is a 2016 Module # 710004916.....Mike

[Deanna777]

My first spyder was a 2012RTS-SE5 and I never had the D.E.S.S. error or had the ignition Switch replaced.


So why are the 14's & 15's spyders getting the D.E.S.S. Error/ and having the ignition switch replaced?

Deanna

[zuni]

Steve ( BRP Cares ) and Eric one of the BRP Techs really stepped up and went the EXTRA MILE and got my Spyder fixed .....I did help by re-moving the " FRUNK " which takes them awhile to do.............So the part is a 2016 Module # 710004916.....Mike

Safe travels home. REALLY hope that is the final fix. I need to call service and get mine scheduled.

CJ JAX

[larryd]

Hey everyone,

We've been doing some further diagnostics on some of the intermittent DESS issues that have been reported. The way the DESS system works is that a signal is detected by the DESS module antenna (in the ignition switch) from the key. However, if there is another Spyder (or even another chipped vehicle) key from a different unit within arm's length to the ignition, it is possible that the module picks up that signal instead of the working key's signal, and decides that the signal is not the right one.

This happens often with no error codes or other symptoms and can appear to be an issue identical to a DESS module failure, however the system is operating as intended. If you see this error, please ensure there are no other Spyder or chipped keys within arm's length to the ignition switch on your vehicle, and wait a few minutes before trying again. If the problem occurs far away from other keys (eg while you are the only Spyder at a gas station), then it is much more likely to be an issue.

Hope this helps,

Steve

I find it ironic that I can drive my 2014 F150 that has a chipped key with my 2006 Honda Ridgeline chipped key and my Spyder chipped key in my pocket without a problem...

I also find it ironic that I can drive my 2006 Honda Ridgeline that has a chipped key with my F150 chipped key and my Spyder chipped key in my pocket without a problem...

In both the above situations the other carried keys are closer than a arms length distance to the ignition switch...

IF BRPCARE, CARED, THEY WOULD TURN THIS FLAWED SYSTEM OFF UNTIL A PROPER SOLUTION/FIX IS AVAILABLE...

This is my forth go around with this DESS failure issue...And every the bike is down for another three weeks during the prime riding season...

You have one of the finest touring bikes on the road and BRP is allowing this one major over engineered flaw the darken it reputation...

TURN IT OFF OR FIX IT!!!!

larryd

[PaladinLV]

Thank you Steve for the info.

However, it is IMPOSSIBLE for two Spyders to be parked such that their ignitions are an ARMS LENGTH within each other UNLESS BRP is using King Kong as the standard for an arm's length!

AJ

Hey everyone,

We've been doing some further diagnostics on some of the intermittent DESS issues that have been reported. The way the DESS system works is that a signal is detected by the DESS module antenna (in the ignition switch) from the key. However, if there is another Spyder (or even another chipped vehicle) key from a different unit within arm's length to the ignition, it is possible that the module picks up that signal instead of the working key's signal, and decides that the signal is not the right one.

This happens often with no error codes or other symptoms and can appear to be an issue identical to a DESS module failure, however the system is operating as intended. If you see this error, please ensure there are no other Spyder or chipped keys within arm's length to the ignition switch on your vehicle, and wait a few minutes before trying again. If the problem occurs far away from other keys (eg while you are the only Spyder at a gas station), then it is much more likely to be an issue.

Hope this helps,

Steve

[Cruzr Joe]

Steve

Thanks for the info. The more info we have the better prepared we are to solve these issues on our own.

This is similar to a hotel telling you to keep your room key away from a magnet, or don't use a microwave if you have a pacemaker, Makes Sense.



Cruzr Joe

[bruiser]

Carrying two keys that go with the same Spyder should not cause an issue. Both keys have the same coded chip.

Like any other "active RFID" system, it has its faults.

[pitzerwm]

In light of the fact that BRP denied there was any heat issues in the 2013s, until the government forced them to correct, any "suggestions" about or "blame the victim" on BRP's part is IMO a waste of our time.

Obviously, the codes thrown don't tell enough about the problem to do anymore than replace the module. Since the part numbers are changing, was the module/s actually changed and the defect actually found or is it just throw things at it until they sell the bike or the warranty runs out?

With some dealers being told to replace one item and other dealers told to replace something else, says to me that BRP are still guessing.

How hard could this problem be? No issues until 2014, every car made today has a chip in the key and you don't read recall notices on cars.

Everyone wants bigger and better but IMO somethings when working should be left alone.

[MikeT]

So it may not be a good idea for Spyders to flock together? What's the fun in that?

What is BRP going to say @next year's 10th Anniversary event when there will be a gazillion Spyders parked close together??????????

[Bob Denman]

What is BRP going to say @next year's 10th Anniversary event when there will be a gazillion Spyders parked close together??????????

[mstngken]

Hey Steve how about BRP giving the customer the choice and be able to shut this flawed DESS system off.

[waytootall67]

My wife's 2014 st just had this happen 115km from home $531 tow!