F3T 2016 will not shift into gear

[SpyderRyder21]

Hey Everyone, I am a recent purchaser of my spyder used and from a private sale. I need some technical help. My spyder will not shift from neutral to first. I can shift to reverse fine but when I press the shifter to go back to first it goes to neutral and then flashes an E. It seems to be pretty high learning curve to ride in reverse so can I get some can am love. It did shift into gear after a few tries with the shifter and I rode it home with no problem but I put it in reverse to back it in its spot and that's where it sits. Please help. I have mechanical skills but it seems that everywhere I look for help I keep getting send it to the dealer. Thank you.

 

[EdMat]

I assume you are pressing the brake when you try and shift into first. Not sure why it's designed so you can go into reverse from neutral without pressing the brake but you can't shift into first without it.

 

[canamjhb]

I assume you are pressing the brake when you try and shift into first. Not sure why it's designed so you can go into reverse from neutral without pressing the brake but you can't shift into first without it.

Hope it is as simple as pressing on the brake. A few years ago I was touring with 2 other bikes. Stopped for fuel somewhere in Utah. The other bikes were ready to go and waiting on me. I couldn't get my Spyder to go. Hollered to my buddies that I was stuck when one of them suggested I try pressing on the brake. Embarrassingly I joined them. Brain farts happen..... Jim

 

[SpyderRyder21]

I assume you are pressing the brake when you try and shift into first. Not sure why it's designed so you can go into reverse from neutral without pressing the brake but you can't shift into first without it.

Thanks. Yes I had my foot on the brake. I sure do wish it was that simple. It will not shift to first when I press the shift lever.

 

[Snowbelt Spyder]

Hello. Most of the time, even on a Can Am ATV, that when E pops up on the gear position display, and it won’t shift, that this is indicating a fault with the gear box position sensor, the GBPS. Your manual states that, if this is the case, that you should see your N and R indicator lights, up on your display, flashing. So, try to recreate the problem and see if you have that.

With these low voltage sensors, it never hurts to first unplug the harness connector and clean the pins and sockets. The ATV riders are always getting these things wet and that cures it. A little dialectic grease and put it back together. I don’t have a picture handy, but Google it and you’ll find a million pictures of it.

If it needs replaced, it’s something that folks have done themselves. Per the shop manual, a new one needs to be reset with the ECM and relearn the gears. But, many folks have had it work ok out of the box. Your call. Good luck.

 

[SpyderRyder21]

Thanks I do believe I had that thought process. I will definitely try that and see if it works.

 

[SpyderRyder21]

Hey Everyone, a little embarrassing problem. After a whole lot of trouble shooting and removal of covers, I finally found the issue. The reverse actuator lever was not screwed on all the way. It would not engage back into first gear. When I saw that bolt loose, I just about cried. Well I tightened it down and now I'm back on the road. Be blessed and keep on riding.

 

[Piratezz]

Amazing, how such a small thing can cause so much discomfort... but thanks for sharing the solution, enjoy the ryde

 

[SpyderRyder21]

You are spot on about the discomfort. Ryde always.

 

[ARtraveler]

Hey Everyone, a little embarrassing problem. After a whole lot of trouble shooting and removal of covers, I finally found the issue. The reverse actuator lever was not screwed on all the way. It would not engage back into first gear. When I saw that bolt loose, I just about cried. Well I tightened it down and now I'm back on the road. Be blessed and keep on riding.

A very good catch. The good side, the bolt had not come off and fell into the road void somewhere back "there." That did happen to me one time on the 2014. :bowdown: