I've got an odd occurance that just started showing up.

2005 Ultra with 97K

When I'm getting ready to park and turn my forks to the left, the tach stops working, the right turn signal switch becomes inactive and I noticed this AM the light bulb for the odometer goes out, and I think something else becomes disconnected somewhere as the little engine and key lights in the speedo came on when I straightened it up.

Are all these in a combined harness somewhere that might have worked loose?

 

No, I don't believe those share a connector. But they are all in the faring. Only 7 screws to pull the outer faring. Just get in there and check all the connectors and clean and reseat them. Also check for rubbing/damaged wires.
I was just in my faring and was surprised how many connectors were loose from their holders.

 

Chasing shorts and breaks in wires can really be drudge work, ya just gotta get in there and get it done.

 

Strange things can happen when an electrical gremlin gets loose, some of them may not be logical. As OR suggests take a look inside the fairing. Having done so move the bars to and fro - watch what things move as you do so, they may lead you to the culprit. Check all connectors also for any damage to wires, such as wires rubbing against something they shouldn't be touching. These sorts of problem are often mechanical, in other words down to bad connections or ground, damaged wire(s).

 

The wires in the harnesses that run along the frame can sometimes break within the insulation of each wire, especially at the neck of the frame, from repetitive moving back and forth over the years whenever you turn the forks. These breaks are hard to isolate. Next time it happens maybe try jiggling the harnesses in that area to see if you can get it to connect.

 

I had a similar electrical gremlin on my bike. When I'd turn left, my tail lights would blow a fuse. I took the outer fairing off, replaced the fuse and started turning the forks. I finally saw a small spark in one of the wires and heard the fuse pop.

I'd say start by taking the front fairing off and start looking when wiggling wires around and see if you can recreate the problem. Electrical problems are a PITA.

Good luck.

 

Best answer

 

There is a ground wire from the main harness that "Y's" off the steering, forks, possible this is breaking because of movement or the connection is loose.

 

Yes this.


The harness is about 1" in diameter; if you don't find anything rubbing under the fairing (not likely since the problem is intermittent?), this is where I would look. You will have to strip back the loom (you can always re-wrap the wires when done) to be able to get to the wires (several); once the wires are accessible run them between your fingers (like pinching) one at a time and you will most likely find some that the wire has broken inside the insulation (you will know them if you have them) since it will feel as if nothing is under the insulation, but the insulation is still in tact. Don't ask how I know.....good luck and patience will help.

 

Yep, this too; this one usually breaks right at the sta-kon connector when it goes, but it may also work itself loose too.