Check Transmission

[vampyregirl]

Yeah, this oldie, but goodie.

About a week ago, I was riding home from work. Shifted into 5th when I shouldn't have. The bike went back down into 4th (a little bit roughly). About 5-8 minutes later, I got the dreaded check engine light and check transmission scrolling across the screen. I was about a block from home. The next day or so, I put about 3/4 cup of oil in. Took it out for a spin, getting up to 4th--didn't want to wander too far from home just in case.... No codes/issues. We had a lot of rain and fog in the past week, so I haven't been able to ride. Yesterday (Tuesday), I fired it up to go to work. Got up to 2nd gear and got the check engine light and check transmission again. The shifting into 2nd was very smooth---no hesitation or anything. Not trusting it to get onto the expressway, I put it in the garage and took the car to work.

I know I need to check the oil again (just to be sure), but any other suggestions on what to look into?? It's a 2011 RS SE5 with 2600 miles, so realistically, it really shouldn't be the tranny!! Haven't had any other problems (or check engine lights) until last week!!! Except for the brake pedal, which I fixed.....

 

[3whlLefty]

You have to wonder if the computer picked up some code during that quick downshift. Do you leave the key in the ignition while it's parked? I would remove it for a few minutes and see if anything changes. If not, you might try disconnecting the battery for about 10 mins to force the nanny to reset. These are long shots but easy to try. Never overlook the simple solution! Good luck.

 

[vampyregirl]

That's actually what I've been thinking, that the upshift then quick downshift made the poor thing think too much, although the oil was down a little. I never leave the key in it after riding. It would be my luck someone would choose to break into my garage on that day... LOL!! I'll have to wait until after work to see if I can get the error code!! Disconnecting the battery is such a pain, but it's a thought!! I'll try anything (wellllll, within reason) before I give up and take it to the shop. I just took a lower paying job, soooooo......:yikes::yikes::yikes: We don't need no stinkin' high bill!! nojoke

 

[billybovine]

Removing the key is never needed to fix anything. That is just a myth. Just a waste of time and effort. If it makes you feel better then go ahead.
Disconnecting the battery is another bit of shade tree mechanic lore. Again if it makes you feel better to waste your time then go ahead.
You said you added oil. Was it low? You will start having trouble shifting gears when the oil gets a quart or more below the add line. So was the oil level well below the add line?
Sorry you can't shift too fast, too slow to confuse anything. Get a code if you can and that should lead you to the real cause.

 

[Chupaca]

Interesting. ...

Though not something you can do, we see the gear position sensor going bad and giving out messages. If the shifting is working and the message does not go away that may be the problem. Low oil makes the shifting strange but does not send messages or code unless you lose pressure. :dontknow:

 

[Rob Rodriguez]

This happened on my 2012 RS SE5 as well. Dealer had to replace the paddle shifter on the handle bar (under warranty). I rode the bike about 1000 miles while waiting for the work to be done. The error would pop up from time to time but bike ran and operated fine. I would just keep riding it and when it happens again pull the code. I think the paddle shift error is P180 but I can't remember exactly. The Spyder Codes app can tell you.

 

[vampyregirl]

Thank you for the input everyone!! I just take the key out of it out of habit, not to reset it or anything. Other than my little boo-boo of shifting before I should have, I've never had a problem with it running rough or shifting gears. Yes, the oil was a little bit low, but not all that much. I'll have to get the code then. When I put it in the garage yesterday, the check engine light and message were still going, so the code should still be there. I'm just trying to avoid a repair bill if possible....