Frozen relays

[wildmann]

I had the problem with the frozen fuel pump relay a couple of weeks ago in the u.p. with temps about -20. Has anyone tried to relocate these so they are easier to get at? I couldn't get my fingers in behind the battery to reach them so I had to mess around removing the battery and bracket to get to them. Once warmed up the sled fired right up. Just wondering how much of a pain it would be to relocate them to make it easy?

 

[Tbyrd]

Something I have done to cure this problem is to put a bolt in the lower plastic pannel back on the underside edge by the tunnel. There is nothing to keep the snow from pulling it down and going in down by relays and melting and creating steam. Mine got so bad it permanantly form bent the plastic to an open position. Look at the lower plastic under sled at the very back corner beside the track, there is enough room in the tunnel caseing to drill and tap for a bolt to hold pannel up. I have had no problems since I did this with pump relay and I ride in -20 all the time.

 

[wildmann]

Thanks, I'll take a look at that.

 

[iwant1]

Would this opening in the panel allow enough snow/slush in to freeze the starter?

 

[rhino_live]

its your starter relay. they've been back ordered from yamaha...lots of people around here are having the same issue. if starting your machine is an absolute must, you can actually jump start the machine off the two leads running into the starter relay assembly. hold teh key in the start possition and jump the leads with a screw driver or wrench.

 

[cannondale27]

I dont know.Seems to be two issues.Some its the relay which is behind ecu others its the starter solenoid which is mounted by battery.

 

[rhino_live]

still back order for both...i need to change both of mine but that's not going to stop me from starting my sled. anyways here in canada you could be waiting 2-3 weeks before yami actually sends these out to you. i went to 5 different dealers and 2 different parts stores, they all gave me the same speel about everyone having problems with these things. and they all gave me the same yamaha back order story. 33.95 for the part.

part number for the starter relay assembly is:
3EL-81940-20-00

 

[RoyalBlue]

I always use dry gas and have never had a problem knock on wood , what we doing riding at -20 thats like work , good luck.

You gotta watch that gas in the Yooper, sometimes it smells like a Perch.

 

[iwant1]

OK i know how to cross the selenoid but when mine acted up it would click at the selenoid, you could feel it with your fingers when the key was turned? After warming the machine(it was -30) it fired right up. Would this be the relay or selenoid?

 

[cannondale27]

Solenoid.If it clicks it should be making contact just like when you put screwdriver across the two terminals.That click is the internal screwdriver making contact.If no click its the relay.

 

[wildmann]

Mine was definetly the fuel pump relay, the starter turned over, but I couldn't hear that little humming noise when the ignition is turned on before you turn the key to the start position, I heard of guys using a hair dryer to warm them up, unfortunately I had no hair dryer and no source of electricity. However, after I took the battery bracket off so I could get to the relays and got it going, my wife, who doesn't have a mechanical bone in her body suggested those hand warmer packs. Maybe try that next time. Still wondering about moving them so I can get at them just in case. Any thoughts would be appreciated, or does yami have a fix for this I'm unaware of.

 

[Phrazer]

I had the same issue as wildmann. It started fine in -16C but the -20 seems to be the magic number for it to freeze.

I am going to replace the fuel pump relay and then spray WD 40 on them to help keep the water out.

Instead of moving them, i was wondering if covering them may be better. I assume its not the cold, but moisture freezing in them and preventing a contact.