2011 RT Ltd - left controller dead - anyone else had this happen? Any ideas/fixes? What causes it?

[Raxxis]

Hello all, I'm kind of facing a conundrum with my Spyder. It is at the garage at the moment and the repairman doesn't seem to know what to do with my case. The left controller unit doesn't respond to any command. I can't shift into gears, can't use the arrows, light switch, anything. The unit was replaced, but the problem still persists. Did it ever happened to you and if so, we're you able to fix it? Do you know what might cause this situation?

Long story short, I was driving in the city at a regular speed and decided to take the highway for about maybe 10 min. When I took the exit out, I got an transmission orange error message and an orange engine error message successively. No error codes were provided. The Spyder still comes on when I switch the key to "on" and it does start regularly when I push the Start button. Any help for this situation would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Snowbelt Spyder]

Hello all, I'm kind of facing a conundrum with my Spyder. It is at the garage at the moment and the repairman doesn't seem to know what to do with my case. The left controller unit doesn't respond to any command. I can't shift into gears, can't use the arrows, light switch, anything. The unit was replaced, but the problem still persists. Did it ever happened to you and if so, we're you able to fix it? Do you know what might cause this situation?

Long story short, I was driving in the city at a regular speed and decided to take the highway for about maybe 10 min. When I took the exit out, I got an transmission orange error message and an orange engine error message successively. No error codes were provided. The Spyder still comes on when I switch the key to "on" and it does start regularly when I push the Start button. Any help for this situation would be appreciated. Thanks.

Hello, and Welcome to the forum. The Left Hand Multifunction Switch is a CANBUS module. But, on the 2011 RT, not all functions are controlled via the CANBUS. Specifically, the Hi/Lo/Flash for the headlights (engine running for headlights) is a discrete switch not using the CANBUS. Also the Horn button is a discrete switch. All of the other functions such as MODE, SET, Windshield, Blinkers, Shifters, etc, are done via CANBUS commands. So, one thing to do is to determine if this is only CANBUS functions or all functions. There are two harness connectors to the module separating the two functions. You might want to check for harness issues further downstream.

You also might want to check Fuse F1 in the front fuse box.

Regarding fault codes - they don't just appear on your screen when something happens. They have to be in an ACTIVE state, then you have to push on a combination of three buttons for them to appear on the center screen. Unfortunately, those three buttons are on the left hand switch, and I don't know if it'll work right now. But you have to try. Turn on the key, and if possible, get the engine started. That will ensure the faults are active. While powered up (with engine running if possible) simultaneously depress the MODE, SET and TURN SIGNAL CANCEL (turn signal button straight in) buttons. If it works, and if there is a CANBUS communication issue with the left hand switch, you should get a boat load of "U" codes on the center LCD. Then your tech can look them up. Otherwise, you’ll need BUDS to find out what codes are being set.

I trust that your replacement module was the correct one. This is also going to be difficult to track down without BUDS and without a shop manual. Here's a link to a manual. Good Luck.

2010-2011 Can-Am Spyder RT Series Repair and Maintenance Manual Master Collection

New updated full digital version as of 5/2019 High Definition Keyword Searchable Factory OEM Manual - 1260 Pages Covers the entire 2010-2011 CanAm Spyder RT / RTS / Ltd. series (all versions) Contains over 450 pages of extra content never included in the book including: The full BRP 804 page...

brpmanuals.com