Viper electrical problem

R

rodny51082

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Nov 28, 2011
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154
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Location
massachusetts
I'm having issues with the electrical on my 03 viper. I was out riding and noticed that my heated grips had stopped working. As it started to get dark I then noticed that my head lights were very dim but when I hit the brake the lights get brighter, also when I switch from low to hi beam my tach resets. I have recently inspected the wiring under the motor with no problems found. Any ideas where to start?
 

I had the same problem with 2004 viper it was the chassy ground should be around the power valave actuator.
 
X2 - check for good ground connections, if they are fine start testing components starting with the stator. Did you actually pull the harness from under the engine, or just inspect in place? Where it rubs is hard to check without removing it. Just tie a string to it so you can pull it back easily.
 
I have actually pulled it right out of the chassis when I had the motor out didn't see any problems and
Reinstalled with wire loom. How many and where are the grounds located?
 
I have also noticed that if I have the grips off the brake doesn't seem to affect the brightness of the lights although they will get brighter with increased rpm. Haven't had a chance to check grounds yet tho.
 
I just finally fixed the same exact problem with mine. I replaced the harness like everyone said and it did nothing. I finally got my hands on a used stator and swapped that.....poof. Magically the problem was gone. Definitely check connections by I thought it was easier changing the stator than that harness.
 
I have the pull start off the motor and it looks like the stator is very rusty. Could this be the problem and possibly just a cleaning with steel wool fix the issue?
 
I doubt that is the issue. I would recommend to clean it up anyway but the problem is probably in the coils of the stator itself and not the flywheel. You'll need a puller to get it off. I bought a 20 dollar one at auto zone for balancers on an auto but then found out that the 3 arm puller I already had would reach around to the back of the flywheel just fine and made it so I didn't have to remove the pawl and bolt the new puller on.
 
rusty flywheels cause lots of problems, no spark, weak spark and yes, electrical output low. The first causes are from the outside of the flywheel being rusty and the pick up coil cant get a good signal off the magnets. The second issue is from the ends of the stator being rusted and not getting a good signal from the internal magnets of the flywheel.

checking the harness is always the first step as thats where 80% of the problems always are at, so its NOT a waste of time to pull the harness and check and place it in wire look and reinstall, if its not rubbed thru yet, it will be in the future on every viper!

Its BAD advice to pull that flywheel off with a 3 jaw puller, I know grimmy did his, but I would not suggest you follow that, ( no offense intended grimmy but not everyone can be that lucky)its very easy to ruin the flywheel and crack the internal magnets,not too mention easy to snag the stator edge if the ends of the puller jaws overlaps the flywheel much and then youll be replacing the stator for sure.

use the harmonic balancer puller to remove the flywheel. ((Note: be sure to not thread in the puller bolts too far or it will damage the stator, you just need enough the thickness of the flywheel.))

Check the ends of the stator, you can use a stainless wire brush or fine sandpaper on them and clean them up, then blow it out with brake clean and compressed air, test output . Its an easy fix if thats what the problem is. Electrical is never fun.
 
No offense taken mrviper700......it was such a pain for me to get the harness out and back in place compared to dealing with the stator, besides the cost diff, cleaning up the stator department would've been my first choice looking back. I'm also think that as any connections are taken apart, a bit of dielectric grease in the connections would be a good idea to help keep moisture out.

Is there anything such as silicone spray that could be sprayed on he outside of the flywheel to prevent that outter rust off from between the flywheel and pickup?
 
Cleaned the stator free of rust and nothing changed. So i took a chance and purchased a new stator for $260.00. It took about an hour or so to replace. Started right up and no more electrical problems. Tach does not reset, brake has no effect on lights, heated grips work. Stator seems to have been the issue in this case.
 
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