Electrical gremlins
Thread Starter
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Stage II
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
Electrical gremlins
New to posting here, but been lurking for quite some time. You guys have been a ton of help without even knowing it!
I own a 1993 FLHS that has about 108k on the frame, but only 10k on the engine. Up until last night, all was good except the turn signals (right wouldn't cancel and left stayed on solid). I pulled out the Clymer manual and followed the instructions for diagnosing the problem. Cleaned the contacts (they were green) with spray cleaner and dabbed in some dielectric grease. Remounted the module and *tada* turn signals work again.
Here's the rub. Stood the bike up and signals quit completely. Running lights stayed on front and rear as well as the tail light. Then the real fun started. Lost the headlight. Double checked that I hadn't bumped something and then the spots wouldn't work. No brake light off of either lever, and no start. It will turn over, but will not catch.
I now have the entire nacel pulled apart and have checked and traced every wire and ground I can find. I have made sure each plug is clean and all grounds have been cleaned.
Replaced the starter relay as it was looking pretty cruddy at the contacts. Battery is 100%. Still have all dash lights (except high beam), horn, running lights, and start button.
On putting the bike hot, the front running lights are a bit dim. As soon as I hit the start switch, they get bright and stay bright.
None of these systems seem to have anything in common other than the red #3 plug in the dash. I have checked this plug with a test light and have power (with the bike hot) to only the running lights.
The main ignition switch took a crap a couple months ago and has been completely removed from the electrical system. A covered safety switch has been installed as a replacement and has worked flawlessly.
I am stumped. HELP!!!
I own a 1993 FLHS that has about 108k on the frame, but only 10k on the engine. Up until last night, all was good except the turn signals (right wouldn't cancel and left stayed on solid). I pulled out the Clymer manual and followed the instructions for diagnosing the problem. Cleaned the contacts (they were green) with spray cleaner and dabbed in some dielectric grease. Remounted the module and *tada* turn signals work again.
Here's the rub. Stood the bike up and signals quit completely. Running lights stayed on front and rear as well as the tail light. Then the real fun started. Lost the headlight. Double checked that I hadn't bumped something and then the spots wouldn't work. No brake light off of either lever, and no start. It will turn over, but will not catch.
I now have the entire nacel pulled apart and have checked and traced every wire and ground I can find. I have made sure each plug is clean and all grounds have been cleaned.
Replaced the starter relay as it was looking pretty cruddy at the contacts. Battery is 100%. Still have all dash lights (except high beam), horn, running lights, and start button.
On putting the bike hot, the front running lights are a bit dim. As soon as I hit the start switch, they get bright and stay bright.
None of these systems seem to have anything in common other than the red #3 plug in the dash. I have checked this plug with a test light and have power (with the bike hot) to only the running lights.
The main ignition switch took a crap a couple months ago and has been completely removed from the electrical system. A covered safety switch has been installed as a replacement and has worked flawlessly.
I am stumped. HELP!!!
Last edited by Murphy's Law; Jul 27, 2011 at 12:40 PM.
Thread Starter
|
Stage II
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
Note to self-When working on an 19 year old motorcycle, DO NOT start unplugging stuff to make sure the plugs are clean and not corroded. 4 plugs out of 4 now have dead shorts in them under the dash and headlight assembly. I now have 3 of 4 rewired and amazingly stuff is working now...
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