Viper electrical problem.

Master of Faster

Master of Faster

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Auburn, MI
Trying to track down an electrical problem in my brother's Viper. When he switches to high beams it shorts out all the lighting on the sled (headlights, taillight, gauges) Somtimes when he's riding it will be intermittent, the lights will flash on and off. I have been looking for rubbed wires, a short to ground, and haven't been able to come up with any. I know for sure that the problem is not in the wiring harness on the hood or any part of the headlights or gauges themselves. It must be in the main harness of the sled as best as I can figure. Open to any suggestions or if someone knows where I can find a wiring diagram for this sled that would be great, thanks! ;)!
 

Have you checked above the left footwell at the cdi box?
I was having similar problems with my srx7. Went through the whole harness, checked it all and re-taped everything. Still the same. I started up my sled that night and saw the sparks coming from above my left foot. Sure enough I had two wires that were going into the cdi shorting out with the left footwell.
mul
 
could also be a bad headlight relay, regulator/rectifier, or even the cdi
 
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Got it. Wiring harness under the motor rubbed through on the mag side rear motor mount and chaffed the yellow wire to the lights. You guys are good ;)!
 
Same Thing Happened To Me Last Year And A Week Ago I Took The Motor Out, And Found Another Possible Future Short , It Would Be Smart To Take The Motor Out And Do The Entire Cable That Goes From The Hood To Motor Mounts,(plastic Automotive Wire Tubing Works Good) . Thats If You Have Any Time Before Winter Comes! Just So Its Doesn't Cause Any Trouble During The Short Riding Season.

Cheers
Jp
 
Things like this are why we've got the sleds in now. With 5 sleds to keep going all year the little things can gang up on you, better to take care of em early.
 
Luckily on this sled the damage was pretty minor so we didn't even have to pull the motor. Just pulled the wiring up after removing the silencer and pipe and taped everything up good then covered with wire loom. Even if you pull the motor its still a pretty easy job, but a good thing to do or at least check out before the riding season gets here.
 
Unplug, and untie the harness from the hood and front chassis ahead of the engine, tie a string to the end (to pull it back in place), and pull it out from behind the engine. You can then inspect and repair as needed. You can add some protection (cable guard, or tape) to any areas that look like they are wearing. Then you can pull the string to bring it back under the engine, and plug it back in and refasten it. No need to pull the engine.
 
actually on the 1998 srx there are clips underneath the motor and it would be safer for the wires to be placed in the factory wire clips so they wont rub against the underside of the motor , even with the wire loom, (just my thoughts), . This would be the best and trouble free installation(even if it takes longer), better now then in the winter, but not sure if the viper has these clips like the 1998 srx??? anyways which ever way u choose is your choice!

JP
 
they all have the clips but it does not stop the harness from rubbing on the engine.
 
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