Relays not working in severe cold weather?

[Irv]

Been reading about some issues here and at freedomsledder about sleds that won't start due to frozen/cold relays.

Just curious if anyone knows if it is simply the cold weather that is causing this or knows if it is possibly the electrical connections etc that are getting damp or wet?

Also, with my 08 Vector, does anyone know exactly where these or more specifically, the one that seems to cause the most trouble is located?
I have heard the left side near the secondary but I have no idea how big these are or what they even look like?

 

[Yamaha4ever]

Irv,
The relays are mounted behind the secondary pulley/just above the left foot well. They are hidden by a plastic guard. They are similar in size as a lego block or two put together.
My 2010 Vector has had starting issues twice. Dealer stated it was the relay which runs the fuel pump system for efi. All I did was put hand on relay to warm up and the sled started.

 

[smalltownpower]

from constant heat cycles they get condensation inside them and freeze in the cold weather. couple minutes with your hand on it, or in your pocket and it will work. they came out with an updated one and relay holder

 

[grizztracks]

Irv,
The relays are mounted behind the secondary pulley/just above the left foot well. They are hidden by a plastic guard. They are similar in size as a lego block or two put together.
My 2010 Vector has had starting issues twice. Dealer stated it was the relay which runs the fuel pump system for efi. All I did was put hand on relay to warm up and the sled started.

All the sleds I've worked on have the relays and fuse box located on the right side. Did Yamaha move them when they went to the FI engine in the Vector?

 

[smalltownpower]

yea, our 2010's are above the left side foot well behind the secondary. and the phazers are behind the ecu, and are really hard to get at.

 

[monte1214]

- You shouldn't have any issues Irv...with that sled not leaving the garage it'll never get cold!!

- JK buddy! ( I couldn't resist)

 

[Irv]

Irv,
The relays are mounted behind the secondary pulley/just above the left foot well. They are hidden by a plastic guard. They are similar in size as a lego block or two put together.
My 2010 Vector has had starting issues twice. Dealer stated it was the relay which runs the fuel pump system for efi. All I did was put hand on relay to warm up and the sled started.

All the sleds I've worked on have the relays and fuse box located on the right side. Did Yamaha move them when they went to the FI engine in the Vector?

Thanks for the tips and help guys, I didn't get around to looking for mine so at this point I have no idea if they are on the left or right side? (08 Vector carbed)

Also, with reading this, I can assume that dielectric grease on the connections will not help with this issue?

Thanks again

 

[actionjack]

You cannot get to the parts that are freezing. There are sealed (I think)

 

[Irv]

You cannot get to the parts that are freezing. There are sealed (I think)

That's what it sounds like to me too.

Thanks

 

[grizztracks]

I've thought about attempting to coat new relays in plasti-dip to see if it would help. I've done it on ATV's when adding relays for accessories and it's worked well.

 

[blue er]

well irv Like I posted elsewhere, i wrapped my relays in rubber tape, though the dip grzz has there would certainly work as well, havn't had an issue in 10000 km of riding, I have found that these relays freeze from short trips and shutting them off wet (that i have seen).
now on your carbed vec pretty sure you don't have an electric fuel pump at ;east my 05 vec didn't in that case you don't need to worry.
locations of the mini-relays is above your left foot toe hold, starter relay is on the right side beside battery under air box, fuse box is above reverse lever.

 

[Irv]

well irv Like I posted elsewhere, i wrapped my relays in rubber tape, though the dip grzz has there would certainly work as well, havn't had an issue in 10000 km of riding, I have found that these relays freeze from short trips and shutting them off wet (that i have seen).
now on your carbed vec pretty sure you don't have an electric fuel pump at ;east my 05 vec didn't in that case you don't need to worry. locations of the mini-relays is above your left foot toe hold, starter relay is on the right side beside battery under air box, fuse box is above reverse lever.

Didn't think so either but wasn't 100% sure.

In your opinion, is there anything similar that can happen to my Vec or any other issues I should be aware of?

Just out of curiousity, when you say wrap with plastic tape, are you meaning electrical tape or something different?

Thanks for the help

 

[blue er]

well irv Like I posted elsewhere, i wrapped my relays in rubber tape, though the dip grzz has there would certainly work as well, havn't had an issue in 10000 km of riding, I have found that these relays freeze from short trips and shutting them off wet (that i have seen).
now on your carbed vec pretty sure you don't have an electric fuel pump at ;east my 05 vec didn't in that case you don't need to worry. locations of the mini-relays is above your left foot toe hold, starter relay is on the right side beside battery under air box, fuse box is above reverse lever.

Didn't think so either but wasn't 100% sure.

In your opinion, is there anything similar that can happen to my Vec or any other issues I should be aware of?

Just out of curiousity, when you say wrap with plastic tape, are you meaning electrical tape or something different?

Thanks for the help

the starter relay can fail, usually you get lots of warning, takes several attemps going to crank before the starter motor engages indicates the starter relay is on the way out.
the rubber tape is used mostly by the cable industry, it is natural rubber tape that when you wrap something it gives very good watertight seal as it keeps contracting on it's self

 

[darv]

the relays are not that expensive i would order a spare and take one with you.

 

[CaptCaper]

On both my Attak and RS Vector I spray the relays with lot's of WD40. Also the fuse panel and all electrial connections. Never had an issue. Learned this from years on the ocean with marine engines,outboards,light switches,etc. WD is one heck of a product.