2008 Nytro RTX Handwarmer issue

[milfpig115]

I have searched the forum and was unable to come up with a solution to this particular problem. Last winter, the hand warmer display on my snowmobile began to continuously cycle while the machine is running. As a result, the hand warmers never get warm and they do not stay at any set level. If the machine is not running, the hand warmers can be set at the desired level. The switch operates for both the bar and thumb warmers properly when the machine is off. Once the snowmobile is started, the hand warmer display may start cycling immediately or after a short period of time. They almost never stay at a particular setting for very long.

I did some forum checking last year and found a post that suggested changing the switch. I purchased a used switch and installed it this past weekend. The same problem is still happening. A switch that is stuck makes sense with the exception of it not occurring when the snowmobile is not running. Last weekend's ride at -15 was mighty cold. Any ideas?

 

[poor farmer/logger]

A short in the signal wire from the switch possibly. I'd start by checking all the wiring from the switch and then go from there. ECM controls the hand warmers ultimately so if nothing is out of the ordinary. I'd start to lean towards a problem with it. Do both the hand and thumb warmers cut out and change? Also check to make sure your power supply to the switch is constant.

 

[grizztracks]

The switch provides a ground pulse to the ECU so there is no power at the switch. You most likely have a short in the control wire and when the engine is running the vibration causes it to be interminitly come in contact with a ground source. There are two common rub arears in the harness that could cause this. One is under the steering post were the harness passes under the support bracket and the other is behind the primary clutch. The harness rubs on a dimple on the left front motor mount.

 

[milfpig115]

Thank you for the replies. When I removed the old switch, the wiring was inside of the factory protective flex tubing and an inspection of the wires themselves did not show any chaffing areas. I will conduct a further check of the wiring but this information makes sense as they work with the engine off and no vibration. As far as power to both sides, I did not have a way to check other than to take it for a short ride after changing the switch and both sides were somewhat warm. I will take more tools the next time I head up and dive into this deeper.