Code 3 Stinger Problem

348

Member
Feb 16, 2013
1,014
Idaho
I have a pair of Code 3 Stingers. One works as it should but the other only oscillates from side to side. The motor which controls the up and down portion of the light doesn’t appear to be working. As I compare the two lights to each other, everything appears to be wired correctly. I am assuming the problem is with the motor. Is there anything else I can try? Is it possible to repair the motor if that is the problem and if so is there anyone I can send it to? Thanks for any help.
 
May 21, 2010
1,258
Minnesota
I just looked mine over. The firsr thing I would check is if it is grounded properly. Ming grounds through the housing (suspect they all do). The assembly that the up/down motor is on slides over and screws to another piece (giving it ground). Have you verrified the ground?
 
Jun 18, 2013
3,709
PA
what @Jennifer Rose Towing said. Visually inspect the wiring, make sure everything is connected and there are no loose connections causing intermittent functionality.
 

348

Member
Feb 16, 2013
1,014
Idaho
I separated the top mounted (up / down) motor from the assembly and put direct power to it and grounded the metal housing and still got nothing.
 

lotsofbars

Member
Jul 20, 2010
1,999
NYC, New York
Do you have pictures of the one that isn't working? Also, if you're unable to locate a replacement motor after you've exhausted all your options, @Skulldigger does an excellent job restoring them.
 
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348

Member
Feb 16, 2013
1,014
Idaho
Here are pictures of the problem one. It appears to be wired the same as the one that works properly. Maybe I’m missing something.
 

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May 21, 2010
1,258
Minnesota
That one has had some work done with some not so good soldering. When the motor is removed, does it do anything if you power the terminals directly on the back of the motor? (Use the terminal, not the body for ground during this test). Have you pulled the motor and see if you can spin the shaft? Otherwise the brushes could be worn/fried requiring repair/replacement.
 

348

Member
Feb 16, 2013
1,014
Idaho
So I pulled the motor out of the housing. The shat will spin but it’s pretty stiff. It doesn’t spin freely. As I look at the motor, I’m not sure how to put power directly to motor to test it. I assume the positive would go to where the wire connects with the motor. I’m not sure where to put the negative connection since there appears to be a wire connecting both terminals at the back of the motor and the second terminal also connects to the metal housing surrounding the motor.
 

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May 21, 2010
1,258
Minnesota
The 2 terminals sticking out the back go to the motor brushes to power the motor. With the motor out like that you can hook power to one and ground to the other and it should spin. Swapping the power wires will get it to spin the opposite direction. When hooked up in the bar it should be as shown in my pic. You wont need to hook up a ground when installed in the bar because that terminal is grounded to the shell of the motor. The shell will be grounded through the screws that hold it in place. If you power it as described above and it works, then it is not grounding properly for some reason (looks like the ground connection was redone). If it does not work with power directly to those terminals coming out the back as described above then there's an internal issue with the motor. It would need repair or probably easier to just get a replacement. The thing that connects the two terminals is just a resistor. It will work with or without it but it helps cut back on radio/electrical noise.
 

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348

Member
Feb 16, 2013
1,014
Idaho
I followed your instructions and put power to both terminals. I even reversed them and could not get the motor to turn. I’m guessing that means I need a new motor. Does anyone know where I would begin to look for one of these motors? I remember someone saying member @Skulldigger may be able to help. Thanks for all the help so far and any help on locating a replacement motor.
 

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