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Weird Voltage Reading

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Old Dec 11, 2024 | 07:45 PM
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Default Weird Voltage Reading

‘91 FLHTC with pretty new S&S 111 EVO

Anyway, removed Wolo horn, installed OEM (Drag Specialties) horn. Removed the horn relay that the Wolo required. New horn won’t sound. Hooked direct to battery and it works fine. Green wire from horn switch, connects power from ACC CB to horn. Black wire from horn routes up to connect with Fuel Sender (fuel sender works fine) and on to ground with the Stop Light Relay. Circuit test results: 1) Continuity good in GND 2) horn wires test OL then good continuity when hone sw engaged 3) here’s the weird one…testing horn wires for DC voltage, Ig switch ON, voltage starts slowly climbing way past 50…a BS number…but when I engage horn switch DC volts immediately go to battery voltage…BUT, the horn won’t sound

Something must have happened to stop the Wolo from sounding, as the horn relay tested good. I’m thinking the original wires from horn switch may have a split somewhere and rewiring will fix.

what would cause the weird voltage reading in 3) above?
 
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Old Dec 12, 2024 | 03:11 PM
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The only accurate way to read voltage in a circuit is when the component is under load.

Connect the wires to the horn, then read the voltage at the green wire with the button pressed, what is it?

Make sure the meter is reading DC volts...
 

Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Dec 12, 2024 at 04:03 PM.
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Old Dec 14, 2024 | 10:05 AM
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Originally Posted by Dan89FLSTC
The only accurate way to read voltage in a circuit is when the component is under load.

Connect the wires to the horn, then read the voltage at the green wire with the button pressed, what is it?

Make sure the meter is reading DC volts...
Hi Dan, been awhile. I boned-up on the Voltage Drop procedure and found the horn circuit has 9V drop. Verified that by probing at the horn under load and got 3.2 volts. No wonder the darn thing wouldn’t sound. Actually made a video of it since it really illustrates the condition and procedure. I’m sure guys will pick it apart here and there but here it is

 
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Old Dec 14, 2024 | 01:35 PM
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Now go to the connector for the left-hand switches.

Unplug the connector, clean and inspect for damage or corrosion, make sure no sockets or pins are pushed out of the connector halves, connect the connector halves back together.

Horn button pressed.

In the connector for the Left-Hand Switches:

Read voltage at Black wire.

Read voltage at Orange wire.

This will tell you the voltage drop at the switch
 
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Old Dec 15, 2024 | 01:45 PM
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Hey Dan

All numbers here are under load

After good spray and blow on connectors 1, 3 and horn switch, I’m getting 5.6V to horn vs. 3.2V. V drops and gross voltages are:
Horn switch 0.6V drop (black vs orange at #1 connector) however, total volts at each are 7.7 and 7.1
Horn switch from battery V drop 5.0 orange, 5.6 black
Here’s the two biggies: Connector 3, green wire to horn, V drop off charts and connector 1 to 3, beige/black V drop off charts
Btw, new V drop from battery to horn is 6.7 vs the 9 before cleaning.
Guess I’m looking at swapping a couple wires between connector 1 thru 3 and to the horn (at a minimum)

wiring diagram for your convenience


 
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Old Dec 15, 2024 | 10:08 PM
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Can you just tell us the voltages as asked for in my previous post?

No need to complicate this.

That looks like a Clymers wiring diagram.

Here is a link to a genuine HD wiring diagram.

HD wiring diagram 1991
 

Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Dec 15, 2024 at 10:10 PM.
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Old Dec 16, 2024 | 05:47 AM
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total volts are 7.7 and 7.1 at the handlebar connector (#1)
 

Last edited by FXD2003Rider; Dec 18, 2024 at 06:51 AM. Reason: deleted unreadable color code
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Old Dec 16, 2024 | 07:10 AM
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This is the last time I will ask.

Voltage at wires in the connector for L/H switches, horn button pressed.

Voltage at Black wire___.

Voltage at Green wire___.
 
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Old Dec 16, 2024 | 02:14 PM
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Those jumper wires you’re using are next to worthless. They are too small and typically have very poor connections to the clips. Try direct readings with the voltmeter leads and ditching those jumpers.
Answer Dans questions and you’ll be closer to resolving the issue. Don’t make it so complicated.
 
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Old Dec 29, 2024 | 10:18 PM
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Hey all going to terminate this thread. Ive done more load drop tests than I want to type and people want to read. I’ve ID’d major culprits and are replacing several 34 year old wires, terminals and some Namz with Deutsch connectors. Good winter project, and I’ll have a freshened up power delivery and accessory system, etc. just as I fixed the start/charging system when I put in the new S&S 111. All good (double starter relay setup is kicking a$$ still)

Later
 
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