Cold weather riding becomes unbearable when your heated grips stop functioning. Several factors can cause your Harley Davidson heated grips to malfunction, creating both safety and comfort concerns that need immediate attention.
The most common causes of Harley heated grips not working include blown fuses, loose wiring connections, faulty grip elements, defective switches, or poor ground connections. The P&A (Parts & Accessories) fuse controls most heated grip systems and should be checked first when troubleshooting.
Fuse Problems And Power Issues
Several electrical factors can cause your Harley heated grips to stop functioning completely. Understanding these power-related issues becomes the foundation for effective troubleshooting and repair.
The P&A fuse serves as the primary power source for your heated grip system. This 15-amp fuse, located in the main fuse box under your left side cover, controls power distribution to accessory items including heated grips. When this fuse blows, your grips receive no power whatsoever.
However, fuse problems extend beyond simple blown components. Corrosion around fuse contacts creates intermittent power delivery that can cause erratic grip behavior. Moisture infiltration into the fuse box compounds these issues, leading to ongoing electrical problems that worsen over time.
Additionally, loose fuse connections affect power delivery in ways that can be difficult to diagnose. A fuse that appears properly seated may actually have poor contact, resulting in insufficient voltage reaching your heated grips. This voltage drop prevents the heating elements from reaching proper operating temperatures.
“Start by checking the 15-amp fuse in the main fuse box, which powers the heated grips. Also inspect the smaller 3-amp P&A fuse, as it controls the switch operation.”
JustAnswer Tech
Furthermore, inline fuses specific to heated grips can fail independently of main fuses. These smaller fuses, typically located near the battery, protect the heated grip circuit from overcurrent conditions. When these fail, they create complete system shutdown while leaving other accessories functional.
Finally, battery voltage issues affect heated grip performance significantly. Weak batteries cannot supply adequate current for proper heating element operation, resulting in grips that feel warm but never reach full heat output.
Wiring Connection Failures
Moving from power supply issues to distribution problems, wiring connection failures represent another significant cause of heated grip malfunctions. These connection problems often develop gradually, making diagnosis challenging for riders.
Connector corrosion affects the plugs that connect heated grips to the motorcycle’s electrical system. The purple and black connector behind the fairing frequently develops white or green corrosion buildup that prevents proper electrical contact. This corrosion creates high resistance connections that reduce heating efficiency.
Building upon corrosion issues, vibration causes wire connections to loosen over time. The constant movement and road vibration can work connections loose, creating intermittent contact that results in grips that work sometimes but fail at other times. These intermittent failures often occur when you need heat most.
Moreover, damaged wiring inside the handlebars creates invisible problems that can be frustrating to locate. The throttle side wiring is particularly vulnerable because it must flex with steering input. Repeated flexing can cause internal wire breaks that maintain continuity for testing but fail under load.
“Ensure that clutch side wiring didn’t get nicked when installing as those are not sleeved in thick plastic like the throttle side.”
Road Glide Forum Member
Temperature cycling also affects wire connections by causing expansion and contraction. These thermal cycles can loosen connections that were properly tightened initially, leading to failures that seem to occur randomly with weather changes.
Consequently, aftermarket modifications can disrupt factory wiring integrity. Installing new handlebars or accessories often requires extending heated grip wires, creating additional connection points where failures can develop over time.
Switch And Control Problems
Transitioning from wiring issues to user interface problems, switch and control failures create another category of heated grip malfunctions. These issues affect your ability to operate the heating system even when power and wiring remain intact.
Control knob failures prevent proper temperature adjustment on your heated grips. The rotating switch mechanism can become contaminated with dirt or moisture, causing it to stick in one position or fail to make proper electrical contact. When this happens, your grips may work only on one temperature setting or not at all.
Expanding on mechanical switch problems, the internal contacts within heated grip switches can wear out over time. These contacts carry significant current when operating the heating elements, and repeated use causes them to pit and corrode. Worn contacts create resistance that reduces heating effectiveness.
Temperature sensor malfunctions also affect heated grip operation in modern systems. Some Harley models use temperature-sensing circuits that automatically adjust heat output based on ambient conditions. When these sensors fail, the system may not provide adequate heat or may overheat the grips.
“The rotating knob for my heated hand grips seems to be frozen in the off position. They are standard heated grips, installed by the dealer.”
Harley Davidson Forums Member
Switch housing damage from impacts or maintenance work can disrupt the entire control system. The delicate internal mechanisms require proper alignment to function correctly, and housing damage can prevent switches from operating properly.
Additionally, aftermarket switch replacements may not provide the same functionality as original equipment. Compatibility issues between different switch types can result in reduced heat output or complete system failure.
Grip Element Deterioration
Beyond control system issues, the heating elements within the grips themselves can fail in various ways. These internal component failures often require complete grip replacement rather than simple repairs.
Heating element burnout occurs when the resistive wires inside the grips develop breaks or shorts. These elements consist of thin resistance wire embedded in the grip material, and they can fail due to overheating, physical damage, or manufacturing defects. When elements burn out, affected areas of the grip stop producing heat entirely.
Building upon electrical element problems, mechanical damage to grip interiors can disrupt heating element placement. Impacts from crashes or aggressive grip installation can shift or break the internal wiring, creating dead spots where no heat is generated.
Water infiltration into grip assemblies accelerates element degradation significantly. Moisture enters through damaged seals or connection points, causing corrosion that destroys the heating elements from inside. This type of damage often spreads progressively, starting with reduced heat output and ending in complete failure.
“I was able to diagnose mine as being a faulty right hand grip, as the pins that plug into the twist grip sensor had been worn away and shortened.”
Reddit User
Manufacturing defects in heating elements can cause premature failures that aren’t related to user error or maintenance issues. These defects may not become apparent until the grips have been in service for months or years, making warranty claims difficult.
Moreover, age-related degradation affects all heating elements eventually. The constant heating and cooling cycles cause material fatigue that reduces element efficiency over time, resulting in grips that take longer to warm up and don’t reach previous temperature levels.
Ground Connection Issues
Continuing from internal grip problems to external electrical issues, ground connection failures create another common cause of heated grip malfunctions. Proper grounding is essential for heated grip operation, yet ground problems often go undiagnosed.
Tank grounding problems affect heated grip circuits because many systems use the fuel tank as a ground reference point. Poor connections between the tank and frame create high resistance paths that prevent proper current flow. This resistance reduces heating effectiveness and can cause complete system failure.
Expanding on grounding fundamentals, corrosion at ground connection points creates the same high resistance problems seen in other electrical connections. Ground connections are particularly susceptible to corrosion because they’re often located in areas exposed to road salt and moisture.
Frame grounding issues develop over time as mounting hardware loosens or corrodes. The frame serves as the primary ground path for most electrical systems, and poor frame connections affect multiple circuits simultaneously. When frame grounds deteriorate, heated grips may work intermittently or provide reduced heat output.
“The simple fix was to tighten the ground wire after ensuring good metal to metal contact. I would bet that a loose/poor-contact ground is why yours suddenly stopped working.”
V-Rod Forum Member
Paint and corrosion between metal surfaces can insulate ground connections even when hardware appears tight. These invisible barriers prevent proper electrical contact, creating mysterious failures that can be difficult to diagnose without proper testing equipment.
Consequently, aftermarket electrical accessories can overload ground circuits beyond their design capacity. Adding multiple accessories to the same ground point increases current flow that can cause connections to heat up and fail over time.
Diagnostic Testing Steps
Proper diagnosis saves time and money when dealing with heated grip failures. A systematic approach helps identify root causes quickly while preventing unnecessary parts replacement.
Initial power checks:
- Verify ignition switch operation and accessory power
- Test P&A fuse continuity with multimeter
- Check battery voltage under load conditions
- Inspect main fuse box for corrosion or damage
- Confirm heated grip switch illumination
Connection testing procedures:
- Locate heated grip connectors behind fairing
- Disconnect connectors and inspect for corrosion
- Test continuity between connector pins
- Check voltage at grip connections with ignition on
- Verify proper ground connection resistance
Moving through systematic testing, grip element evaluation requires specific procedures to isolate internal failures. Remove the electrical connections and measure resistance across the heating elements. Normal resistance values typically range between 3-8 ohms depending on grip design.
Temperature testing with an infrared thermometer helps identify uneven heating patterns that indicate partial element failure. Healthy grips should heat uniformly across their surface, while failing elements create cold spots or areas that heat slowly.
Finally, load testing under actual operating conditions reveals intermittent problems that static testing might miss. Connect the grips and operate them through complete heating cycles while monitoring voltage and current draw to identify developing issues.
Repair And Replacement Guide
Repairing heated grip problems requires methodical work and proper tools. Following correct procedures ensures lasting repairs while preventing damage to expensive components.
Safety preparation steps:
- Disconnect battery negative terminal completely
- Allow grips to cool if recently operated
- Secure motorcycle on level surface with adequate lighting
- Gather necessary tools and replacement parts
- Review service manual procedures for your model
Fuse replacement procedures:
- Locate P&A fuse in main fuse box
- Remove fuse using proper fuse puller tool
- Inspect fuse visually and test with multimeter
- Clean fuse contacts with electrical contact cleaner
- Install new fuse and verify secure connection
Grip replacement process:
- Remove switch housing to access grip connections
- Disconnect electrical connectors carefully
- Remove old grips using grip removal tools
- Install new grips with proper adhesive application
- Reconnect electrical connections securely
Professional installation becomes necessary for complex wiring problems or when specialized tools are required. Heated grip replacement on throttle-by-wire systems requires dealer programming to ensure proper operation.
Quality replacement parts ensure reliable long-term operation. Harley Davidson OEM heated grips provide guaranteed compatibility, while aftermarket alternatives offer cost savings with varying quality levels.
Replacement Costs And Options
Understanding replacement costs helps budget for repairs and choose appropriate solutions. Prices vary significantly based on grip style, installation complexity, and whether you choose OEM or aftermarket components.
Parts pricing breakdown:
- OEM Harley heated grips: $190-$340
- Quality aftermarket grips: $75-$150
- Professional installation: $100-$300
- Electrical troubleshooting: $85-$150 per hour
Popular replacement options:
- Kahuna Heated Grips: $199-$249
- Empire Heated Grips: $339
- Tactical Heated Grips: $189
- Avon Heated Grips: $75-$85
“They charged me $200 for installation (2 hours Shop time) So I now have almost $400 grips!”
Pan America Forum Member
Labor costs vary considerably between dealers and independent shops. Some installations require ECM programming that only dealers can perform, while simpler systems can be installed by qualified independent mechanics.
Consider grip warranties when making replacement decisions. OEM grips typically include comprehensive warranties, while aftermarket options may have limited coverage that affects long-term value calculations.
DIY installation saves labor costs but requires proper tools and technical knowledge. Throttle-by-wire systems present additional complexity that may require professional assistance regardless of your mechanical skills.
Video Credit: Motorcycle Ryder / YouTube
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my heated grips work intermittently?
Intermittent heated grip operation typically indicates loose electrical connections or corroded contacts that create inconsistent power delivery. Temperature changes cause metal expansion and contraction that can temporarily restore contact in loose connections, making the grips work sporadically.
Vibration from riding can also cause loose connections to make and break contact randomly. The constant movement works connections progressively looser until they fail completely. Check all electrical connections for tightness and clean any corrosion to restore reliable operation.
How long do Harley heated grips typically last?
Harley heated grips typically last 5-8 years under normal usage conditions, though this varies significantly based on riding habits and maintenance practices. Frequent use in extreme temperatures can reduce lifespan, while occasional use may extend it considerably.
Proper maintenance including keeping connections clean and dry significantly extends heated grip life. Avoiding maximum heat settings except when necessary also helps preserve the heating elements. Quality aftermarket grips may have shorter lifespans than OEM components, but cost differences often offset replacement frequency.
Can I install heated grips on any Harley model?
Most Harley models can accommodate heated grips with proper installation procedures and electrical modifications. However, newer models with complex electronic systems may require dealer programming or specific grip types designed for those systems.
Throttle-by-wire models present additional challenges because the grips integrate with electronic throttle sensors. These systems typically require OEM or specifically designed aftermarket grips that maintain sensor compatibility. Consult your dealer for model-specific requirements before purchasing replacement grips.
What’s the difference between low and high heat settings?
Low heat settings typically operate heating elements at reduced power levels to provide gentle warming without excessive battery drain. High settings deliver maximum power for rapid heating in extremely cold conditions, but they consume significantly more electrical current.
Most riders find low settings adequate for temperatures above 40°F, while high settings become necessary for colder conditions. Using appropriate settings for conditions helps extend battery life and prevents overheating that can damage grip materials or cause discomfort during extended use.
Should I choose OEM or aftermarket heated grips?
OEM heated grips provide guaranteed compatibility and comprehensive warranty coverage but cost significantly more than aftermarket alternatives. They’re designed specifically for your motorcycle’s electrical system and integrate seamlessly with existing controls.
Aftermarket grips offer cost savings and sometimes additional features like multiple heat settings or improved ergonomics. However, they may require additional wiring modifications and typically have shorter warranties. Consider your budget, technical skills, and long-term reliability needs when making this decision.
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