Working thru the little things on my 82 FXR, I am puzzled by my neutral light switch. The light doesn't go on in neutral, but does when the wire is grounded to the transmission. I checked the switch for continuity and found it has about 780 ohms internal resistance. I sprayed contact cleaner inside and twisted the plunger but no change. Is this normal or do I need a new switch? If normal, why doesn't the light go on?

 

My first thought was I wonder if someone applied sealant on the threads. Otherwise I would think there should be very little resistance

 

need a new switch, should be 0 ohms

 

I thought so too, but it was the same with the switch in my hand, measuring from the plunger inside to the terminal outside the switch

It'll be here Friday, the day before the show!

 

I went to start the bike yesterday and the battery wouldn't hold it's charge. I swapped it with the lithium battery from my chopper and the neutral light worked!

 

the new switch ?

 

nope, same old one! It is not as bright as the oil light, so new switch is probably a good idea.