Problems with Oxford Heaterz Grips

[zeoran]

When I bought my 99 Aspy, it came with heated grips, but they were very worn and the control was located inside the left pocket, which was extremely difficult to get to while riding. I had a relatively brand new set of Oxford Heaterz grips that I had installed on my 2002 ST1100 that I decided to swap out this weekend. The grips were less than easy to put on, but I finally managed. The wiring was simple. On my ST1100, I had run the power cable from the control unit directly to the battery like the instructions stated. But with my Goldwing, I didn't have easy access to the battery, so I simply connected it to the same power cables that the old heaters had been connected to.

Here's the problem: The Oxford control panel has a built-in auto-shutoff if it detects that the voltage on the battery is too low and auto-shuts off the grips. There's a green led that lights up on the control panel to let you know this is engaged. I've never seen it on before because I always turn my grips off manually. But during my ride this morning, the first with the grips installed, the green LED kept coming on intermittently and the grips would never get that warm because they kept auto-shutting off. Now, the only reason it should be doing this is if it's detecting that the voltage is too low. But it shouldn't be detecting that while the bike is running unless my alternator is bad?

How do I resolve this? How do I test to make sure the alternator is working properly? Should I have found a way to run the power cable directly to the battery, as I did with my ST1100?

God bless,

~Mark

[Rambozo]

Sounds like the wiring is not able to deliver enough power. Is the old wiring smaller than what is used on the new grips? Could be too much resistance in old connectors, too. Best bet is to run new wiring of the correct size, right to the battery or with a control relay, if desired. A good voltmeter will let you track down the issue, if you want.

[WingAdmin]

Have you measured your voltage when this is occurring?

[zeoran]

When I did my teardown for the installation of the rear speakers, I went ahead and re-wired it so it goes directly to the battery now. Problem solved. Not sure why it was too much of a draw off the accessory line though.

[1goldwingnut]

Smaller gauge wire and more connections allowed less power to the grips. I hope you put a fuse in the new line near the battery.