Hand Warmer Diagnostics; Hand Warmer Resistance Checks - Polaris 340 LX 2007 Service Manual

Hand Warmer Diagnostics

There are two types of hand warmer element pads used
on Polaris snowmobiles. One version is used on steel/
painted handlebars and touring model rear passenger
grab bars, while the other is used on aluminum (Pro Taper)
handlebars. The difference between the two hand warmer
element pads is in the resistance values. A lower
resistance element pad is used on aluminum bars
because aluminum dissipates heat faster than steel.
A common misconception with Polaris hand warmer
elements is the higher resistance circuit is the high
temperature element. In reality, the hand warmer circuit
with the least amount of resistance will flow more current,
and thus create more heat. This is an important fact that
must be taken into consideration when performing
resistance checks on a set of hand warmers.
For example, if a customer has a concern that the left hand
warmer appears to be cooler than the right, the technician
should compare the resistance readings of each pad to the
specifications, and then between the left and right pads. If
the resistance of the left pad is significantly higher than
that of the right, more current will flow to the right side.
While more common reasons for this can be attributed to
how the customer holds the bar in their hands (fingers on
brake lever and not wrapped around grip, etc.), there may
be instances where comparing the left and right hand
warmer resistance values may resolve the customer's
concern.
Another issue is when one or both of the element circuits
shorts to the handlebar itself. This can occur either
because the pad was improperly installed, solder breaks,
or if the grip moves on the bar.

Hand Warmer Resistance Checks

NOTE: Hand warmer pads do not feature a high
temperature circuit. On snowmobiles featuring a left-
hand control, high temperature is achieved by
supplying power to both the low and medium circuits.
On snowmobiles featuring console-mount controls,
the medium circuit is the high temperature circuit.
CIRCUIT (Wire Color)
STEEL HANDLEBARS
LOW (BLUE) to GROUND
(BROWN)
MEDIUM (BLUE/RED) to
GROUND (BROWN)
LOW or MEDIUM to CHASSIS
(SHORT)
ALUMINUM HANDLEBARS
LOW (BLUE) TO GROUND
(BROWN)
MEDIUM (BLUE/RED) to
GROUND (BROWN)
LOW or MEDIUM to CHASSIS
(SHORT)
STEEL HANDLEBARS
ALUMINUM HANDLEBARS
9923396 - 2007-2012 EDGE/Widetrak LX Service Manual
©2011 Polaris Sales Inc.
Battery and Electrical Systems
RESISTANCE @ ROOM
TEMP. (68 F / 20 C)
20.5 +/-10%
13 +/-10%
O.L. (OPEN CIRCUIT)
10 +/-10%
5 +/-10%
O.L. (OPEN CIRCUIT)
10
10.19