2014 Viper NOT Charging, Input Appreciated

[74Nitro]

Just the Facts
2014 Viper LTX SE 700 Miles ALL Stock Owned it since new
Latest Flash
No Backfire
No starting problems

ALL tests were done as per the Yamaha Service Manual and also compared against my Sidewinder.

Checked Stator output = seems fine and matches my sidewinder for output
Checked Ohm readings = seems fine and matches my sidewinder exactly
Checked battery voltage at battery when running (as the service manual calls for) and it only puts out 12.4-12.7 volts max at any RPM. The sidewinder is consistently in the mid 13's low 14's.
I have not tried the Sidewinder regulator yet as I don't want 2 sleds down incase I can actually go riding somewhere!

So everything points to the voltage regulator a new Yamaha is about $178 Retail and Arctic Cat is $118. I assume its the same.

So my Questions are...?

Is there anything else I should check besides tearing the stator cover off and looking for damage ( I imagine its fine since the voltage and ohms seems fine ) ?

Has anyone ever had a regulator go bad?

I imagine if I buy a new one and that is not the problem I cannot return it?


Has anyone ever replaced it with a Mosfet style regulator? It appears to be a common issue in motorcycles and going to a Mosfet style seems to be better for the same price?

Let me know what you think !

Thanks,
JG

My bud has one of these machines with the same problem. Turned out to be a tooth from one of the starter gears damaged the rotor and stator. It also had all the latest software updates. Regulators rarely fail.

 

[Jamie Gelting]

Well its NOT the regulator, Ugh. I took it off and put it on my sidewinder and it went up to 13.8 volts put it back on the viper and it went was 12.1-12.4 no matter the RPM. The search continues, I will now start removing pieces and parts in hopes it is something external and visible, then to physically inspect the stator. Thanks for everyone's input, I will keep you posted with any findings as I dismantle. I am not sure when I can get to it so it may be a couple days.

JG

 

[cannondale27]

Well its NOT the regulator, Ugh. I took it off and put it on my sidewinder and it went up to 13.8 volts put it back on the viper and it went was 12.1-12.4 no matter the RPM. The search continues, I will now start removing pieces and parts in hopes it is something external and visible, then to physically inspect the stator. Thanks for everyone's input, I will keep you posted with any findings as I dismantle. I am not sure when I can get to it so it may be a couple days.

JG

is 12.1-12.4 your battery voltage also with machine off?

 

[cannondale27]

Is a 30Amp fuse front right of fuse box for Batt.

 

[Jamie Gelting]

is 12.1-12.4 your battery voltage also with machine off?

No running the battery is actually 12.5 or so with the machine off.

 

[cannondale27]

Lights and other little things running would account for the difference. Check that fuse and just look where the voltage ends because nothing is getting to battery.

 

[Jamie Gelting]

Lights and other little things running would account for the difference. Check that fuse and just look where the voltage ends because nothing is getting to battery.

Yes thats my plan. I did check the fuses already they are good. Unless there is one somewhere other than the fuse box.

JG

 

[cannondale27]

Yes thats my plan. I did check the fuses already they are good. Unless there is one somewhere other than the fuse box.

JG

I believe its at battery where voltage from regulator is fed in. I would start there and then move forward. Guys have had sending unit wires break beneath seat so could be there.

 

[Jamie Gelting]

I think I have it figured out.... Stay Tuned I am still finalizing my tests

 

[Jamie Gelting]

Regulator Test Procedure

This is not in the service manual... Unless I missed it, if it would have been it would have been fixed awhile ago. This can apply to almost any Mosfet style regulator which is what we have. I hope this helps anyone in the future. Please watch the video first, its only 3 minutes, then my results will make some sense. ( other than the fact it worked on my Sidewinder for a minute)

Must see Video

My 2014 Viper results

Positive lead on Ground as in the video
Left .504 Middle .001 has continuity Right .504

Positive lead on Positive
Left 0 Middle 0 Right 0

Negative lead on Negative
Left 0 Middle .001 has continuity Right 0

Negative lead on Positive

Left .123 Middle .123 (slight quick beep but stopped) Right .123

Based on these tests it appears the regulator IS Bad

 

[Jamie Gelting]

Stator Test Procedure

Must Watch Video... 2 minutes

My results were all .4 and NONE had continuity

 

[74Nitro]

Stator Test Procedure

Must Watch Video... 2 minutes

My results were all .4 and NONE had continuity

Jamie, have you done an AC test while the machine is running?
Should have between 20-30 ac volts between the wires with machine idling. All three pairs should be the same, or at least very close.

 

[cannondale27]

That is great tutorial! Yup sure looks like yours is shot. Is there a FH number on it?

 

[Jamie Gelting]

Jamie, have you done an AC test while the machine is running?
Should have between 20-30 ac volts between the wires with machine idling. All three pairs should be the same, or at least very close.

Yes I did and I also tested my Sidewinder and they were identical.
Thanks
JG

 

[Jamie Gelting]

That is great tutorial! Yup sure looks like yours is shot. Is there a FH number on it?

Yes, it's the same as in the video.
JG