11 Common Can-Am Spyder Problems (Solutions Guide)

The Can-Am Spyder is a three-wheeled recreational cruiser offering a unique, open-air riding experience.

Like any vehicle, Spyder’s are prone to developing problems that need to be addressed.

This article offers solutions to some of the most common Can-Am Spyder problems.

1. Can-Am Spyder Won’t Start

There are several possible culprits behind a Can-am Spyder that won’t start, such as a dead battery, a faulty starter, a bad ignition switch, or a clogged fuel filter.

Don’t take our word for it–here are some quotes from real-life Spyder riders who described a situation where their Spyder wouldn’t start:

– “I just got my new Spyder 08 silver with 1100 miles on it. Everything is cool……..However, sometimes the Spyder won’t start…I push the button on the dash and try to start the bike… No click, no, nothing…the dash panel resets. I reset it a few more times. Bike won’t start….after a while, the bike starts?”

– “I have a 2016 Spyder RT SE6; when I go to start it, I press the starter button, and everything goes dead after going through the steps….”

To troubleshoot and fix a Can-Am with starting problem, follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Check the battery voltage with a multimeter. If it is below 12.6 volts, charge the battery or replace it if it is old or damaged.
  • Step 2: Check the starter relay and the starter motor for any signs of corrosion, loose connections, or damage. If they are faulty, replace them with new parts, following the steps and specs in the Can-Am service manual.
  • Step 3: Check the ignition switch and the key fob for any problems. Make sure the key fob is within range and has a good battery. If the ignition switch is worn out or broken, replace it with a new one.
  • Step 4: Check the fuel filter and pump for any clogs or leaks. If the fuel filter is dirty or clogged, replace it with a new one. If the fuel pump is not working correctly, test it with a pressure gauge and replace it if necessary.

2. Can-Am Spyder Cranks But Won’t Start

The most common reasons a Can-Am Spyder cranks but won’t start are a faulty fuel pump, fouled spark plugs, or a clogged air filter. If your Spyder won’t turn over, the first step is to check your fuel pressure, airflow, and the condition and cable connection of your spark plugs.

-“I heard the click of what I thought was the starter solenoid, but I did not believe it. The starter was not turned on during this time. My suspicion is that I accidentally touched the emergency stop button and didn’t realize it.”

– “The Spyder will not start, and the starter will not start; instead, it just clicks and then stops. [I’ll check] If the battery isn’t alive, it could be due to a loose main battery cable.”

If your Can-Am Spyder clicks but won’t turn over, try these troubleshooting steps to get you back on the road asap:

  • Step 1: Check the battery voltage and connections. Ensure the battery is fully charged and the cables are tight and clean.
  • Step 2: Check the starter solenoid and relay. Swap them with another relay in the fuse box to see if the problem disappears.
  • Step 3: Check the spark plugs and wires. Make sure they are not damaged or disconnected.
  • Step 4: Check the emergency stop button and the M switch. Make sure they are not pressed in or stuck.

3. Can-Am Spyder Won’t Go Into Reverse

If your Can-Am Spyder won’t go into reverse, ensure you’re pressing the reverse button while shifting the paddle shifter. Another possibility is that the Spyder is overheating, and the reverse button is not working correctly. Finally, if the reverse gear is faulty or damaged, your Spyder won’t reverse.

Here’s how to troubleshoot a Can-A Spyder that won’t go into reverse:

  • Ensure you have your foot on the brake pedal during the reversal process.
  • Make sure you press the reverse button while shifting the paddle shifter.
  • Ensure the parking brake and the eco mode button are off.
  • Check the oil level and the transmission fluid level.
  • Inspect the fuses and relays for the reverse gear.
  • Consult a dealer if the problem persists or if you notice any damage or noise in the reverse gear.

Related: 8 Most Common Can-Am Spyder Problems (Explained)

4. Can-Am Spyder Won’t Go Into Neutral

If your Can-Am Spyder doesn’t go into neutral, ensure you’re shifting gently enough so the gear doesn’t skip over neutral. Possible reasons include the gear position sensor (GPS) being faulty or out of adjustment, or low or dirty transmission fluid.

Here’s a bullet point list of troubleshooting steps to solve the Can-Am Spyder’s neutral finder problem:

  • Step 1: Make sure the engine is running and the wheels are straight.
  • Step 2: Try to shift gently into neutral by tapping lightly on the shifter.
  • Step 3: Check the oil and transmission fluid levels and conditions.
  • Step 4: Inspect the gear position sensor (GPS) and the shifter mechanism for any damage or misalignment.
  • Step 5: Consult a dealer or a mechanic if the problem persists or if you notice any noise or resistance in the shifter.

5. Can-Am Spyder Won’t Shift

If your Can-Am Spyder won’t shift, the most common culprits are low or dirty transmission fluid, which can affect the hydraulic pressure and the shifting mechanism.

Another possibility is that the gear position sensor (GPS) or the shifter arm is faulty or misaligned, which can cause the display to show an error code or flash the N and R indicator lights.

Finally, the Spyder won’t go into neutral if it’s in reverse when you turn on the key, which prevents it from shifting into neutral until you start the engine.

Here is a step-by-step troubleshooting list on how to fix a Can-Am Spyder that won’t change gears:

  • Step 1: Check the oil level and the transmission fluid level. Make sure they are not low or contaminated.
  • Step 2: Check the gear position sensor (GPS) and the shifter arm. Make sure they are not faulty or misaligned. If the GPS is bad, the display will show “E” in gear position, and the “R” and “N” lights will flash alternately.
  • Step 3: Check the starter solenoid and starter relay. Make sure they are not damaged or disconnected. If they are not working, the Spyder won’t turn over.
  • Step 4: Check the reverse button and the paddle shifter. Make sure they are not stuck or broken. To go into reverse, you need to press and hold the reverse button while shifting the negative downshift paddle.
  • Step 5: Consult a dealer or a mechanic if the problem persists or if you notice any noise or resistance in the transmission.

6. Can-Am Spyder Trunk Won’t Open

Some of the most common reasons a Can-Am Spyder trunk won’t open are that the cable or the latch is stuck or corroded and needs lubrication or that the trunk latch pin was adjusted too short, preventing the key from turning.

Other possibilities are that the trunk lid is jammed by something inside and needs to be pushed down while turning the key, or the key cylinder is faulty or damaged and needs to be replaced.

Here is a step-by-step troubleshooting list on how to fix a Spyder Trunk that Won’t open:

  • Step 1: Try pushing down on the trunk lid while turning the key. This may help if the cover is jammed by something inside.
  • Step 2: Remove the left access panel and locate the cable that connects to the latch. Pull down on the cable until the latch opens.
  • Step 3: Spray silicone or WD40 on the latch and the latch post. Work them several times to lubricate them and prevent them from sticking.
  • Step 4: Check the key cylinder and the trunk latch pin. Make sure they are not faulty or damaged. Replace them if necessary.

7. Can-Am Spyder Horn Not Working

Some of the most common reasons why a Can-Am Spyder horn not working include loose or disconnected horn wire connections, a blown horn fuse, a faulty horn relay, a jammed or broken horn switch, or the horn itself is damaged or corroded.

Here is a step-by-step troubleshooting list on how to fix a Can-am Spyder horn that Won’t Work:

  • Step 1: Locate the horn behind the black plastic grille below the mirror on the left side.
  • Step 2: Check the horn wire connections and make sure they are tight and clean.
  • Step 3: Inspect the horn fuse and the horn relay in the fuse box. Swap them with another fuse or relay of the same rating and see if the problem goes away.
  • Step 4: Check the horn switch and make sure it is not stuck or broken. Spray some contact cleaner on it and work it several times to loosen it up.
  • Step 5: Examine the horn itself and ensure it is not damaged or corroded. Test it with a multimeter or a jumper wire to see if it produces any sound.

Related: Can-Am Spyder: 11 Questions Answered (For Beginners)

8. Can-Am Spyder Speedometer Not Working

Some of the most common reasons why a Can-Am Spyder speedometer is not working include the speed sensor on the gearbox is dirty or faulty and needing to be cleaned or replaced, or the speedometer fuse or relay is blown or defective and needs to be swapped (with another one of the same rating).

Other potential culprits are the speedometer wire connections loose or disconnected and need to be tightened or reconnected, or the speedometer itself is damaged or malfunctioning and needs to be repaired or replaced.

Here is a step-by-step troubleshooting list on how to fix a faulty speedometer on a Can-Am Spyder:

  • Step 1: Locate the speed sensor on the gearbox. It is a small black cylinder with a wire attached to it.
  • Step 2: Remove the speed sensor by unscrewing and pulling it out. Be careful not to damage the O-ring that seals it.
  • Step 3: Clean the speed sensor with a rag or a brush. Check for any dirt or debris on the tip or inside the hole.
  • Step 4: Reinstall the speed sensor and ensure it is tight and secure. Reconnect the wire if necessary.
  • Step 5: Check the speedometer fuse and relay in the fuse box. Swap them with another fuse or relay of the same rating and see if the problem goes away.
  • Step 6: Check the speedometer wire connections and make sure they are tight and clean. Trace them from the speed sensor to the gauge and look for any breaks or cuts.
  • Step 7: Check the speedometer itself and ensure it is not damaged or malfunctioning. Test it with a multimeter or a diagnostic tool to see if it shows any readings or errors.

9. Can-Am Spyder Parking Brake Not Working

Common reasons a Can-Am Spyder’s parking brake stops working include stretched or broken parking brake cable, loose or worn parking brake lever, faulty or misaligned parking brake switch, or a seized or damaged brake caliper.

Here is a step-by-step troubleshooting list for a Can-am Spyder with Parking Brake Failure:

  • Step 1: Locate the parking brake cable under the seat. It is a thick black cable that runs from the lever to the caliper on the rear wheel.
  • Step 2: Adjust the parking brake cable by loosening the lock nut and turning the adjuster nut until there is some tension on the cable. Tighten the lock nut and check if the parking brake holds better.
  • Step 3: Replace the parking brake cable if it is stretched or broken. Disconnect it from the lever and the caliper and install a new one in reverse order.
  • Step 4: Tighten or replace the parking brake lever if it is loose or worn out. Remove the cover on the handlebar and check for any play or damage on the lever. Tighten the bolts or screws that hold it in place or replace it with a new one if necessary.

10. Can-Am Spyder Fuel Gauge Not Working

Some of the most common reasons a can-Am Spyder’s fuel gauge stops working are a faulty or jammed fuel sender unit, blown or defective fuel gauge relay or fuse, loose or disconnected fuel gauge wires, or a damaged or faulty fuel gauge that needs to be replaced.

  • Step 1: Locate the fuel sender unit in the tank. It is a small metal rod with a float attached to it that moves up and down with the fuel level.
  • Step 2: Remove the fuel sender unit by disconnecting the wire connector and unscrewing the retaining ring. Be careful not to damage the O-ring that seals it.
  • Step 3: Check the fuel sender unit for any dirt or debris that may prevent it from moving freely. Clean it with a rag or a brush if necessary.
  • Step 4: Replace the fuel sender unit if it is faulty or damaged. Install a new one in reverse order and ensure it is tight and secure.
  • Step 5: Check the fuel gauge fuse and relay in the fuse box. Swap them with another fuse or relay of the same rating and see if the problem goes away.
  • Step 6: Check the fuel gauge wire connections and make sure they are tight and clean. Trace them from the sender unit to the gauge and look for breaks or cuts.
  • Step 7: Check the fuel gauge itself and make sure it is not damaged or malfunctioning. Test it with a multimeter or a diagnostic tool to see if it shows any readings or errors.

11. Can-Am Spyder Stuck In Gear

The most common reasons a Can-Am Spyder gets stuck in gear and won’t shift are low or contaminated hydraulic clutch fluid, a leaking or faulty master/slave cylinder, or a bent, loose, or broken shift linkage or actuator.

If your Can-Am Spyder is stuck in gear and won’t shift or change gears, try this:

  • Step 1: Test the gear position sensor on the left side of the transmission with a multimeter.
  • Step 2: Adjust or tighten the gear shift lever on the left side of the engine.
  • Step 3: Test the gear shift motor on the right side of the transmission with a multimeter.
  • Step 4: Test the gear shift solenoid on the right side of the transmission with a multimeter.
  • Step 5: Check and bleed the clutch system on the right handlebar and the right side of the engine.
  • Step 6: Check and change the transmission fluid on the right side of the engine.

Related: Are Can-Am Spyders Reliable? (8 Important Facts)

Author:

  • Michael Ta Nous

    I've been weaving words into stories since my early scribbling days, and my journey in the world of motorcycles and their communities spans almost two decades. Living with a talented motorcycle mechanic as a roommate, our garage transformed into a vibrant workshop where I absorbed the intricacies of...