[Oldephart]

To all RT owners (and maybe would-be RT owners).

I've learned that in addition to my RTS having a serious electrical problem, there are at least 5 others. The dealer has been given no curative solution by BRP. My machine has been in the shop for approaching 14 days.
I want to know if there are more and what your dealer and BRP are doing about it and your customer satisfaction.

Simple Details: Within an hour of delivery, my machine had lost tail lights, brake lights, back up lights and all turn signals. Strangely, the situation temporarily corrected itself until one day, the cruise would not work and it went into limp mode...not a safe situation if you're on a high speed road...which I was not at the time but it certainly screwed up travel plans. Lights were lost again at this time as well. This is an issue which renders the machine completely un-roadworthy, not to say a poor tourer.

If you have any similar experience, please let me know. I'm NOT a 'happy camper' to have traded my RS for this $28,000 unit. BRP has not responded the way they should.

[Marc]

Oldephart, on 26 April 2010 - 05:12 PM, said:

To all RT owners (and maybe would-be RT owners).

I've learned that in addition to my RTS having a serious electrical problem, there are at least 5 others. The dealer has been given no curative solution by BRP. My machine has been in the shop for approaching 14 days.
I want to know if there are more and what your dealer and BRP are doing about it and your customer satisfaction.

Simple Details: Within an hour of delivery, my machine had lost tail lights, brake lights, back up lights and all turn signals. Strangely, the situation temporarily corrected itself until one day, the cruise would not work and it went into limp mode...not a safe situation if you're on a high speed road...which I was not at the time but it certainly screwed up travel plans. Lights were lost again at this time as well. This is an issue which renders the machine completely un-roadworthy, not to say a poor tourer.

If you have any similar experience, please let me know. I'm NOT a 'happy camper' to have traded my RS for this $28,000 unit. BRP has not responded the way they should.

Sorry to hear that. How has BRP responded so far?

[Oldephart]

Marc, on 26 April 2010 - 05:24 PM, said:

Sorry to hear that. How has BRP responded so far?

No response to me though I know the dealer has been in contact with the dealer. I understand BRP has no idea what's wrong. That's a little scary since they still can't even find the source.
I feel BRP should have a communication plan with/for the customer in a situation like this. This is not just a 'paint scratch' we're talking about.
Do you have an RTS or an RT?

[Oldephart]

Good news....'Orbit Blue' is back to full steam. The mechanic worked very hard on his own (and with input from BRP) and in the end, located the problem.
I don't know for sure if it's in other RTs or RTSs or not but I'm sure that if any of you guys have this kind of electrical fault occur, BRP should be able to help your mechanic very quickly. Who knows, they may even post a bulletin on it.
Bottom line for me is, all is good again. Time to get on the road.

[Triker]

Oldephart, on 28 April 2010 - 07:25 AM, said:

Good news....'Orbit Blue' is back to full steam. The mechanic worked very hard on his own (and with input from BRP) and in the end, located the problem.
I don't know for sure if it's in other RTs or RTSs or not but I'm sure that if any of you guys have this kind of electrical fault occur, BRP should be able to help your mechanic very quickly. Who knows, they may even post a bulletin on it.
Bottom line for me is, all is good again. Time to get on the road.

So, what was the problem? It helps us RT owners if we know some of the things that happen and the cure for it. Although I haven't had much luck trying to get my service writers to listen to me it's always nice to know.

Thanks
Dwight

[Oldephart]

Triker, on 28 April 2010 - 07:45 AM, said:

So, what was the problem? It helps us RT owners if we know some of the things that happen and the cure for it. Although I haven't had much luck trying to get my service writers to listen to me it's always nice to know.

Thanks
Dwight

Good morning Dwight,
I'm 'pasting' my original explanation just below, if that helps. As for the remedy, I believe it was a poorly seated connector somewhere along the wiring harness. The mechanic was not specific.

Simple Details: Within an hour of delivery, my machine had lost tail lights, brake lights, back up lights and all turn signals. Strangely, the situation temporarily corrected itself until one day (a few days later), the cruise would not work and it went into limp mode...not a safe situation if you're on a high speed road...which I was not at the time but it certainly screwed up travel plans. Lights were lost again at this time as well. This is an issue which renders the machine completely un-roadworthy, not to say a poor tourer.

Have a good day!

[Arthur---Mexico City]

From Arthur---Mexico City, about customer satisfaction

I have had similar problems with my 2008 SE5 that I took delivery of during January 2009. First the battery went dead after maybe 100 miles, 2 months of use, and was replaced after much insistance on my part. Then some 6 months later my Spy went into the Limp Mode 4 times. Each time the "mechanic" came to my home to get it going using his BUDS thing. Then I found that the solenoid's armature was incorrectly installed and caused the idle speed to be 4,500 rpm after I had the two throttle cables chanaged to longer ones because the installation of the Helibar kit seemed to tightened the OEM cables. This work was defectively done by the Spyder shop. I corrected the installation at home problem. That's when I found the solenoid's armature problem that I corrected. The "mechanic" couldn't find the idle problem with his BUDS thing so they hauled my Spy away. After 3 weeks it was returned in good condition. Then the Limp Mode appeared again. I made it home and checked the secureness of the 3 relays and checked each fuse. All was well. After that the electric system of my Spy just quit. I checked if the relays were tightly plugged in and they were. Once again the Spy "mechanic" couldn't find the problem and had my Spy hauled away. This time for 4 weeks. They wouldn't return it so I had to go pick it up and the Spy shop was 20 miles out of town on the busiest truck highway you have ever seen. This last episode happened about 2 months ago. My Spy was still under guarantee. When I picked up my Spy I asked what was done to correct the last problem. I was told a relay I had checked was incorrectly reinstalled, a lie. What I found when I checked out the relays, to see if one had been replaced, was that a piece of sponge rubber had been glued to the inside bottom of the cover that goes over the fuses and relays to push the relays down harder into their sockets when the cover is fastened down. To top it off I found that the plastic cover below the windshield and under the trunk lid had been removed and not replaced, stollen. The Can Am office brought in a new replacement from Canada. The Mexico City Spy shop is of very poor quality, poorly equiped, and has one "mechanic" who thinks he's God. Part of my problem is that I personally check all the work done in the Spy shop and by this "mechanic". There seems to have built up a competition or anamossity between the two of us.

If I had to do it all over again I never would have purchased a Spyder.

[upsdoctor]

I had a similar problem yesterday. I washed my RT-S yesterday and was careful not to get too much water into the controls area. I dried the bike and let it sit in the sun for awhile. Later I started the bike and it went directly into limp mode. I drove it down the street and limp mode cleared. I am wondering what will happen if it rains and I am on a long ride??? The dealer looked at it and no codes were stored. This is not good.

[recoonscout]

The Best Dealer Service Ever NOT!!!!!!!!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I will start this from the start of my spyder purchase. I bought the new Silver 2010 RT from a dealer here near Woodbridge Va for those of you from the area Know the dealer. The first thing was when I bought it was told it was the model with the radio on it. When I picked it up, they sent a guy out with me to show me the bike. My ten-year-old daughter knows more than he new about the spyder RT. When he was showing me the bike he let the seat up once he figured out how to and was talking to me about the things under the set the gas tank. I asked him what was the air valve for he said it was to fill the shock and I did not have to worry about it they did it. Notice I said the shock not the air bag. Well that was during the last week of March that I bought it. I rode it two days and then my wife and I got on it for a ride. As we pulled out of the house, we went over a speed bump and the bike rubbed. I new that was not right so I turned around and went back home, read the manual to be sure the weight limit, and found the part about the air bag. I also have them on my truck so I told her I would be back going to fill to the right PSI. I put it up to 60 PSI and all was good I thought. The next morning all air was gone so to the dealer I went. I dropped it of on a Wed they called the next day and told me they ordered the parts and they should be in by the weekend. Three weeks later, I got my bike back after calling and venting to the owner of the dealership that I told of all the problems I was having. The best part is that I had to call them to see what was going on with it they never called me. The day I had enough was the day I called and asked if the part was in and the service guy said yes but I do not know how to bill it. Keep in mind all of this is still under warranty. After calling the owner they had, it fixed in about one hour funny how that works. Got my bike was happy until now. Dropped it of for 600-mile service last Tuesday the 4 of May. Told them need to have the 600 mile service done, check the brakes they are squeaking and the shock in the back was making this loud popping noise when I hit a bump. The service guy said will have ready by Friday so I told him I would be out of town will pick up Monday afternoon good. Well plans changed called him Friday to see if bike was ready he said on the rack now will be done by afternoon so I said good. Well begin in the military this change every second so now I am going out of town so I called him and said I will get it Monday. Showed up today and yes you guessed it not ready only changed the oil so far. Told me sorry SIR will try too get it first thing in the morning. I guess what I am saying is help CAN-AM put some dealers in the area with people who know the bikes and will help with all of the problems that the VA people are having with dealers around here. I will tell all of the VA spyder rider do not go their or you will have the same problems I did. If I have to drive it 200 miles I will never go back their again. Sorry so long had to get it out there.

[TicketBait]

Quote

Oldephart said:

To all RT owners (and maybe would-be RT owners).

I've learned that in addition to my RTS having a serious electrical problem, there are at least 5 others. The dealer has been given no curative solution by BRP. My machine has been in the shop for approaching 14 days.
I want to know if there are more and what your dealer and BRP are doing about it and your customer satisfaction.

Simple Details: Within an hour of delivery, my machine had lost tail lights, brake lights, back up lights and all turn signals. Strangely, the situation temporarily corrected itself until one day, the cruise would not work and it went into limp mode...not a safe situation if you're on a high speed road...which I was not at the time but it certainly screwed up travel plans. Lights were lost again at this time as well. This is an issue which renders the machine completely un-roadworthy, not to say a poor tourer.

If you have any similar experience, please let me know. I'm NOT a 'happy camper' to have traded my RS for this $28,000 unit. BRP has not responded the way they should.

Oldephart, on 28 April 2010 - 07:25 AM, said:

Good news....'Orbit Blue' is back to full steam. The mechanic worked very hard on his own (and with input from BRP) and in the end, located the problem.
I don't know for sure if it's in other RTs or RTSs or not but I'm sure that if any of you guys have this kind of electrical fault occur, BRP should be able to help your mechanic very quickly. Who knows, they may even post a bulletin on it.
Bottom line for me is, all is good again. Time to get on the road.

JMO, but the original poster should stamp Fixed see post below on his initial original post. Let's see it took all of two days

[SpyderSpouse]

I had a VERY similar problem today when we went to p/u our RT-S #309. Lots of varied error codes that started with the P0504--a code indicating the brake switch was not indicating properly. We had NO rear lights at all and hyperflash on both turn signals. The dealer came out and connected the computer up--that showed, among other things, that the bike 'thought' the brake is on all the time (that's why Cruise control wouldn't work). BRP said take it back to the shop for further diagnostics since fiddling with the brake switch connectors did not work. On the way back it went into limp mode 3 times in 30 miles back to the dealer. In limp mode I lost stability control (not fun), had the engine check lamps on, and had 6 error codes (can't remember them) by the time I made it back to the shop. So with 70ish miles on it, and lots of money into it, I have a broken bike. So far the dealer is doing what they can. I know it's not their fault at all--how they handle it will tell.

I did learn the trick to get a 2010 RT-S SE5 to display the fault codes in the screen though....

http://www.spydertal...t-code-display/

This post has been edited by SpyderSpouse: 12 May 2010 - 11:20 PM

[D YATES]

SpyderSpouse, on 12 May 2010 - 11:17 PM, said:

I had a VERY similar problem today when we went to p/u our RT-S #309. Lots of varied error codes that started with the P0504--a code indicating the brake switch was not indicating properly. We had NO rear lights at all and hyperflash on both turn signals. The dealer came out and connected the computer up--that showed, among other things, that the bike 'thought' the brake is on all the time (that's why Cruise control wouldn't work). BRP said take it back to the shop for further diagnostics since fiddling with the brake switch connectors did not work. On the way back it went into limp mode 3 times in 30 miles back to the dealer. In limp mode I lost stability control (not fun), had the engine check lamps on, and had 6 error codes (can't remember them) by the time I made it back to the shop. So with 70ish miles on it, and lots of money into it, I have a broken bike. So far the dealer is doing what they can. I know it's not their fault at all--how they handle it will tell.

I did learn the trick to get a 2010 RT-S SE5 to display the fault codes in the screen though....

http://www.spydertal...t-code-display/

Doe's BRP ever look at these sites and think to there selfs that the ownners of there product just want to ride, not be lied to about what is wrong and how it will be fixed, and some of the dealers are useless. 6 weeks i lost my rs in that time they adjusted the belt,replace 02 sensors"" 6 weeks for that and in that time it was out side in the weather and looked like crap.

[Nancy'sToy]

D YATES, on 13 May 2010 - 12:30 AM, said:

Does BRP ever look at these sites and think to themselves that the owners of their product just want to ride, not be lied to about what is wrong and how it will be fixed, and some of the dealers are useless. 6 weeks i lost my rs in that time they adjusted the belt,replace 02 sensors"" 6 weeks for that and in that time it was out side in the weather and looked like crap.

BRP does monitor these sites, I assure you. Repairs are the responsibility of the dealer, however. Although there may be delays in obtaining parts, in part caused by the lack of a US Spyder part distribution center, which increases delays for customs inspection, but most delays are caused by three things, in my opinion. The first is inadequate technicians. Although the computer diagnostics and the service manual offer great help, I have found many techs that are tied too closely to the computer, and don't have good, basic troubleshooting techniques and mechanical skills. Many are willing to call BRP for help, but some are not. When they do call for help, it may cause additional delays when the parties that need to talk shop have a difficult time getting together. The BRP techs are pretty busy! If a service writer makes the call, things may be further lost in third-party communications.

The second major hurdle seems to be the BRP warranty procedure. The tech apparently has to get "permission" from BRP for every single attempt to alleviate a problem. I understand that this saves on needless parts replacement, or making the wrong repair, but to have the "mother ship" bless every single repair certainly slows things down. Finally, many dealers do warranty work only if there is no paying work on the docket. My RTS has been in the shop nearly seven weeks now. In order to get the dealer to work on it during their "busy season," I have had to physically go to the dealership. They work on it the next day, and then it sits until I visit again, or BRP leans on them. I suspect many dealers operate the same way.

Being without a recreational vehicle for weeks or months at a time is difficult, and frustrating for the owner. It is not considered to be a major hardship, however. Being without a means of transportion is a different story. Dealers need to realize this, and step up to the plate. BRP can help, with some changes to their system to better accomodate and empower the dealers...and perhaps more technician training. They could even provide different levels of technician certification, so we could select the most qualified dealer, when the chips were down. In the end, only the dealers can make us happy. If anybody needs to monitor these sites, it is them. Then they need to go all out to make things better.

This post has been edited by Nancy'sToy: 13 May 2010 - 07:54 AM

[SpyderSpouse]

+1

It is still early in the process--less than 24 hours. I am trying to be optimistic since yelling at this point will do more harm than good. I agree that communication and tech training/skills are paramount. They are the ones with their hands in your bike, not BRP.

Parts availability is BRPs problem. If customs delays things they should know it from all their other toys and ensure enough come through in each shipment to keep the pipline moving. Keeping customers happy and the bikes on the road, visible and working is priceless PR.

[D YATES]

SpyderSpouse, on 13 May 2010 - 09:48 AM, said:

+1

It is still early in the process--less than 24 hours. I am trying to be optimistic since yelling at this point will do more harm than good. I agree that communication and tech training/skills are paramount. They are the ones with their hands in your bike, not BRP.

Parts availability is BRPs problem. If customs delays things they should know it from all their other toys and ensure enough come through in each shipment to keep the pipline moving. Keeping customers happy and the bikes on the road, visible and working is priceless PR.

PR thats what im trying to say, it's a great thing to have but due to the lack of it there is no other choice but feel like being up a creek without a paddle.
But there is something about the spyder, the joy of riding it and the bugs in the teeth feel is priceless thats why it will always take pride of place it my garage.
ps I must like it im still buying extras for it'

[SpyderSpouse]

#309 is all fixed!!

There was a loose connector and at least 1 loose ground. Over 300 miles since the fix and all is well! I could not ask for better service from the dealer--service--sales were all great. The problem would have happened no matter where the bike was sold from. They handled it with honesty and integrity.

My wife really likes her Spyder. Now is the getting used to it.

[Marc]

SpyderSpouse, on 25 May 2010 - 02:56 PM, said:

#309 is all fixed!!

There was a loose connector and at least 1 loose ground. Over 300 miles since the fix and all is well! I could not ask for better service from the dealer--service--sales were all great. The problem would have happened no matter where the bike was sold from. They handled it with honesty and integrity.

My wife really likes her Spyder. Now is the getting used to it.

Very happy for you

[Rohnny]

Check the cord under rear fender. It may have come in contact with the wheel and been destroyed. This has been the case on some RS's

[Oldephart]

TicketBait, on 11 May 2010 - 01:57 PM, said:

JMO, but the original poster should stamp Fixed see post below on his initial original post. Let's see it took all of two days

What do you mean 'stamp it FIXED?'
Is that a specific function of the forum?
Anyway, I did notify all that the problem was cured...if you check the thread.
I wouldn't want the world or dealer to think the problem still exists.

Have a good day

[BradKaren]

Oldephart, on 26 April 2010 - 05:12 PM, said:

To all RT owners (and maybe would-be RT owners).

I've learned that in addition to my RTS having a serious electrical problem, there are at least 5 others. The dealer has been given no curative solution by BRP. My machine has been in the shop for approaching 14 days.
I want to know if there are more and what your dealer and BRP are doing about it and your customer satisfaction.

Simple Details: Within an hour of delivery, my machine had lost tail lights, brake lights, back up lights and all turn signals. Strangely, the situation temporarily corrected itself until one day, the cruise would not work and it went into limp mode...not a safe situation if you're on a high speed road...which I was not at the time but it certainly screwed up travel plans. Lights were lost again at this time as well. This is an issue which renders the machine completely un-roadworthy, not to say a poor tourer.

If you have any similar experience, please let me know. I'm NOT a 'happy camper' to have traded my RS for this $28,000 unit. BRP has not responded the way they should.

We have a 2008 sport Spyder and are currently looking at 800 dollar repair. Our dealer has no answers for the headlight assemblies melting, except to blame it on electrical. I contacted BRP and where told it was not a manufacturing problem so we are stuck with the bill. Seriously thinling of having Transport Canada look at it to see if the machine is safe to drive. I must say that we are very disapointed in the response from BRP.