Heated Grips Problem

zustation · 03-01-2010, 11:45 AM

Anyone have any tips on troubleshooting a problem with heated grips? Problem is that the left grip is dead - heat output got worse and worse and finally stopped working at all.

Is this generally a problem with the grip itself, or are there usually other wiring related problems on these bikes that I should look at?

I've found a couple of useful forum threads when I searched, but to be honest I'm pretty green when it comes to understanding/troubleshooting electrical problems.

Thanks!

Meeni · Meeni's Garage

First you should check that the 4a fuse for grips is in good shape

You have two big electrical boxes under each sides of the fairing panels. Remove the side panels, open the boxes. The heated grip plug is a black t-shaped cord plug close to the rear part of the box. Unplug it, and watch for corroded plugs. If
they are not shinny looking, use a metal brush to clean them. Make sure the connectors make good contact (you might want to pressure the female connector a bit to narrow the plug and ensure good contact). Plug back, if it works you win

If not, unplug again. Use a multimeter on the wires to measure the resistance of the heated grip element. It should show in the 5-25 ohms range. If it's infinite it is broken, if it's close to zero it is shortened. In both case you'll have to change it. I don't think the stock grip can be repaired (I don't have this, so take it with a grain of salt).

I don't see any other obvious condition that would provoque that.

zustation · 03-02-2010, 01:20 PM

Thanks so much Meeni, that's a huge help. I didn't think to check the fuse, I assumed that both grips would be on the same fuse and the right grip is fine - but I'll double check.

Connectors look clean, shiny, and well connected. I'll check the resistance next.

I've seen some mention of a connector under the gas tank somewhere - is that something I should be looking for too?

jclark · jclark's Garage

[QUOTE
I've seen some mention of a connector under the gas tank somewhere - is that something I should be looking for too?[/QUOTE]

Yep. The wires are very tiny and can break easily also. They are not cheap to replace ( BWM brand anyway ).

zustation · 03-03-2010, 06:54 PM

Infinite resistance. Guess I'm buying new grips :-(
Thanks again for the tips.

zustation · 03-04-2010, 10:30 AM

Always looking to save a buck, anyone know if I could replace the left grip element with one of these, and just cable it to the same connector that the stock grip plugs into? Any issues with having one stock grip, and one aftermarket running off the stock system?

Heated Grip Kit

Meeni · Meeni's Garage

I installed something similar. It works very well, but is not made to be plugged in the stock heater system. You have only one live wire on the stock system, while this system requires 2 different entry point. You could look at ATV systems that usually have only one (very strong) heat setting, and therefore should match the wiring.

Always make sure the total output of the grip is less than 3A full load. You might also want to install the same heating kit on both hands, as otherwise one hand might be significantly warmer that the other.