So in the process of my regulator-rectifier failing recently, my heated grips have also stopped working (though I haven't ridden yet with the new R/R and new battery installed-I'm also doing other work at the moment).
But I do have an electrical theory question. Pardon me for not knowing all my electrical theory....
The heated grip switch is a hi-off-low, with three pins: one pin for Hi, one pin for Low, and the center pin to +12v. The ground is a common ground from both hand grips (internal Polly Heater brand). Together the grips draw only 3A so I am using the front running light +12v as the source and ground to frame. (Front running lights are LED so I do not see this as a problem).
Testing, with the key on and switch in any position, I confirm 12-13 volts from center pin to ground.
What should I see when I test from either the hi or the low pin to ground? Shouldn't I see 12-13 volts as well? I currently don't see any (wait for it....) current. LOL.
Thanks for help. I look forward to these working when I get the bike up and running again soon after annual maintenance :0)
Hop Along
Hop Along,
Yes, the other contacts should be 12 V; one in the high position and the other in low and no voltage when off. If possible make the measurement with the heater connected. A corroded contact can measure OK with just a voltmeter, but have too much resistance to power the heater. Measuring it this way will also drop the voltage on the center contact if the problem is a bad connection between it and the battery.
If you can get a new switch, by all means replace it. If the bad one can be opened, you may be able to clean the contacts with a pencil eraser and some spray contact cleaner if you have it. Something like Radio Shack Model: 6400148. Be careful opening the switch, inside there is always a spring that wants to be an astronaut.
Rick Frankenberger
Thanks Rick.
Testing confirmed the switch was dead both ways. A new cheap switch from AutoZone and all is good, though I don't like the cheap plastic switch. I'll be ordering in the same metal one, it's sealed better and has lasted me, oh, 130,000 miles or so 8-)
What is odd is that the original switch was super clean on the inside, practically brand new. It is well designed and made, easy to disassemble without launching the spring like an astronaut as you say (though that could be a new competition at MOOTMaG !!)
Awkward to reassemble because the copper rocker kept sticking to the little bit of spring grease and then falling sideways during reassembly.
The only reason I can imagine at this point that the switch failed, is that the nylon plunger thingy that pushes the rocker back and forth is too worn and the spring too short to continue pushing it to make contact. If that isn't the reason, I'm lost. I am completely and utterly unable to get continuity between contacts once it is reassembled.
Rick if you're bored (...heh...) I'd be happy to send it to you for your expert evaluation :lol:
Hop Along
Hoppy,
You have made the critical discovery -- it is dysfunctional. Toss it, and move on...
I've passed it on to the Stage Electrician I work with, he is going to pass it on to his students to distract them from finals week. I've offered a dollar and a hug to anyone who makes it work. Sometimes I feel like such a mean person... I know exactly which students will spend an frustrating hour playing with it!
Hop Along
Countless times I have spent hours "fixing" a $2.00 part. The bad thing is that I was proud of myself for succeeding.
Sorry, but the prospect of a hug is just not that appealing to me.
Rick
Scott- life has finally slowed down enough, need any help?- I still need to replace front fork oil and re-weld the chain guard. When is a good time?
Brad
Brad, just about any evening this week at or after 5 is good for the chain guard bracket. 5 really would be ideal since I am just getting off work at that time.
This weekend might be good for the fork oil, I am available any time. We can work together. Be warned though... I might ask for assistance wrapping Christmas gifts because I am just a terrible wrapper!!!
By the way, aren't you 'retired'? Shouldn't things have already slowed down a bit !?! :lol:
Hop Along
Yes, I am retired. But, I took one month off, and then took my old job back. Just can't work over 39 hours. (?). Will text or call. maybe you can confirm that the Magna still has chasis issies.
Brad