Another Heated Grip Problem

[tramp]

partly right stumps

make shure the probs are in the correct position on the meter [choice of 3] and 12v correct amperage chosen.

Shack have a search on the net under " how to use a multimeter" worked for me , and basically your only channeling the current through the meter which is fused to get a reading. Try it out on a battery from a tourch etc once you get the hand of these things they are great for all sorts things.

But you cant tell when the "sunday roast is done"

[Austin]

I have had problems like this with my Oxford grips over the years. Its either been the switch gone or bad connections. This is what I have learned....

The oxford grips with the LED switch won't switch on unless there is enough voltage inbound, so it doesn't sound like that is your problem. Sounds more like the outbound current
(a) isn't getting out the switch (replace the switch), (this would be my odds on favourite as the cause - I am on my 4th switch now)
(b) isn't getting past the connectors (clean/repair them)
(c) the grips are knackered (replace them)

To check (a) get you multi meter and shove the probes into each of the terminals of the connector at the end of the wires from the switch. There are 2 of these wires,one for each grip, so you need to check each one. Switch on the grips to the 100% (red led) and you should have 12v or more. If not swap the probes round in the connector. Still no current, then replace the switch (or try and borrow one to try first)

If (a) is OK you need to confirm the connections are good. Either need to get more creative with the probes, or dismantle the 2 pin plugs. So, reconnect the grips up and if you look at the connector between switch and each grip on the grip side you should be able to push a probe in to touch the grip side of the connector. Same voltage as before? If yes then its the grips themselves. If not, ie significantly less or no voltage then you need to clean the connectors: you can try dousing with WD40, or better you can pull them apart.

If you look inside the 2 pin connectors, one side will be a small round female connector, the other a small bullet. They will be mucky with verdigris, salt and road muck and possibly stretched/compressed so the connection is poor. These connectors are held into the plastic connector with 2 small barbs which can be released by pushing a small screw driver or other small pointy thing into the back of the connector, wiggle it round the back of the connector to flatten the barbs and gently pull the wire. It should come loose and at least on of the barbs will be flattened. Now give the metal parts a good rub with emery, sandpaper or what ever you have as well opening up the male ends and compressing the female ends slightly. Finally open up the barbs again and gently push back in to the plastic connector - it doesn't matter which way round as long its a pair of female and and pair of male ends into each side.

Still not working? Repeat the voltage checks but it is probably the grips or a break in the wire to the grips.

Good luck, they are ace when they work.

[shack]

crumbs guys, thanks for all the info, I may need to read them all a few times and slowly digest.
I had a little fiddle first thing this morning (I work pm and eve's) and I've found that they little led is really bright and the grips heat up when the clutch is dipped! but can't see how any stress is being applied to any of the wires (sometimes I had to pull the clutch in and lift the lever a little to keep the light on strong) so not sure what/ how or why but quietly optimistic

The power is being taken from the fuse box, but the solder job doesn't look the greatest, any thing I could bodge to strengthen the connection (without access to ready power or indeed and solder! I guess I could use one of those jet lighters to remelt the solder and hope it gloops in a fuller connection, or is that tempting fate
Cheers again.

[StumpyFingers]

crumbs guys, thanks for all the info, I may need to read them all a few times and slowly digest.
I had a little fiddle first thing this morning (I work pm and eve's) and I've found that they little led is really bright and the grips heat up when the clutch is dipped! but can't see how any stress is being applied to any of the wires (sometimes I had to pull the clutch in and lift the lever a little to keep the light on strong) so not sure what/ how or why but quietly optimistic

The power is being taken from the fuse box, but the solder job doesn't look the greatest, any thing I could bodge to strengthen the connection (without access to ready power or indeed and solder! I guess I could use one of those jet lighters to remelt the solder and hope it gloops in a fuller connection, or is that tempting fate
Cheers again.

If it works like that then I would suspect a bad earth.

[africajim]

Yes it will Stumpy, well, mine does! It just shows a minus in the top left(polarity error) !

I'd personally rewire the whole set up, good grief, how long could it take? Worst part is fitting the grips and the switch! Find a good live, make sure you have a good earth, re-wire and if problem persists replace! Simples!

[GSPD750]

Thanks again, a basic q testing the power, power the grips (best I can considering the post) and mulitmeter down both side of the connecters? (we didn't study electronics at my school) I'm not likely to do anything drastic If I probe the wrong bit when it's all turned on (shall I put my wellies on) I'd rather be insulted and get it right than bluff it and get a shock, so any basic mulitimeter hints appreciated.

Not a bad tutorial. It might be worth the 10 min. if your not familiar with a multimeter. Checking DC volts is around the 6 min mark.

http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/Kz..._US&fs=1&rel=0

[africajim]

Ha ha! Better to get insulated than insulted! At least with wellies on you'll not get pluracy!

No, won't matter if you probe the wrong wire, just be a bad reading!

[shack]

cheers again guys, a job for tomorrow me thinks.
The earth (off the top of my head) is the handlebar retaining bolt, I'll rummage and keep you all informed.

[shack]

repositioned the earth and had no probs since
Thanks as ever.

[Boris]

cheers again guys, a job for tomorrow me thinks.
The earth (off the top of my head) is the handlebar retaining bolt, I'll rummage and keep you all informed.

repositioned the earth and had no probs since
Thanks as ever.

I'm not surprised. The bars themselves are rarely earthed and often the only route to earth is through the grease filled bearings and the clutch and choke cables.