Passenger handwarmer element replace - '06 Venture

Hi all,

I recently discovered that my left side passenger handwarmer doesn't work while on the high heat setting. The multimeter indicates infinite resistance, meaning a broken element. Has anyone ever replaced one of these before? I assume it would probably be fairly straightforward, except for the foam covering on the bars? That stuff really looks like a nightmare to get off/on without destroying it.

I was at the dealership the other day and had a moment to discuss with the service tech. He suggested blowing compressed air under the handgrip to remove/install. Seems reasonable I guess. And/or maybe some dish soap or something. He also mentioned that the Yamaha replacement element was $239.99!!!!!!!!!!!!! YGBSM!! He said "yeah, I'm not sure if an aftermarket element would work or not, but if it would, they're like 40 bucks". Anybody know? The part number he was looking at was 8DM-2474B-10-00.

It's funny, but I only discovered this problem after I installed the Yamaheater passenger handwarmer booster that Rock offers, LOL. It's probably been broken for years, but I just told the wife that "Yamaha rear warmers don't really work that well". At least she's a good sport and just uses the disposable Lil' Hotties inside her gloves without complaining too much.

Thanks gents,
Moose

OK, after a little research it appears the parts guy I spoke at the dealership with was misinformed on the part number for the rear handwarmer (appears he thought I had a 2 stroke Venture). It look like I need 8GS-2474B-00-00. Still about a hundred bucks, but much better than $240.

Anyone have any tips for replacing the rear handwarmer element?

OK, so I finally got started on this project today, and got the broken heating element removed. It was super easy, and the foam handgrips didn't present a problem at all (I was concerned about ruining them during removal). Took about 10 minutes or less. I just "rolled" the foam back over itself, exposing the element, which was then peeled off.

Now I just need to source a new element and install it, which I also expect to be easy. If not, I'll report back with any issues.

Hope this helps somebody else someday.

Maybe get some RSI high performance heaters. Replace both and follow the instructions for Yamaha heaters. Might even make your wife happy and they're cheaper too!

Thanks for the tip MM, that looks like the way to go - $45 shipped for the pair instead of $106 + shipping for a single OEM. I'll order them up.

Some guys on the other forums have some tips for retaining heat output - namely putting an insulating layer (such as elec tape or cork) between the bar and heat element and filling the bar with expanding foam. Both sound like a reasonable way to go.

Isolating the heating element with cork or heat shrink tubing from the steel will get more heat to the hands. Filling the bars with foam sounds like a good idea but does not seem to yeild any gains.
The RSI's are a good heating element. If you have enough room get the ones for the hooked bars. This will give you a longer heated area.

Thanks for the tip Steiner. I've been debating between the hooked vs. regular - there's plenty of room for either.