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Headlight short (help)

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Old Jul 1, 2013 | 11:40 PM
  #1  
chester047's Avatar
chester047
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From: White Oak,PA
Exclamation Headlight short (help)

Hello all,
I developed a problem with my 2007 Ultra and was looking for some direction. I have a dead short in the headlight circuit somewhere, hoping someone has had or is familiar with a common problem area. All is fine until the handlebars are turned all the way to the right.

Looked for obvious pinch points, pulled the fairing, ignition/switch housing, left hand side switch housing. Can't find any bare wire that is causing an issue.
Any ideas?

Thanks in advance, Rob
 
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Old Jul 2, 2013 | 05:29 AM
  #2  
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Assegai
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From: Wenatchee, WA
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A wiring diagram would be useful. A short can be difficult due to the fact you're blowing fuses as soon as power is applied.

A Volt-Ohmeter (VOM) might be useful. What you want to do is identify the fuse that supplies the voltage. Then with the VOM (set to low scale resistence x1) and with the fuse removed, measure across the load end of the fuse holder to ground. Try to recreate the short condition - the VOM will indicate a dead short. When the condition is recreated disconnect the handlebar connectors until the short disappears - hopefully at this point you've identified the circuit. Now, using the VOM, probe each connector pin for a fault. Again, hopefully at this point you've identified the run with the short.
 
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Old Jul 2, 2013 | 10:36 AM
  #3  
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chester047
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From: White Oak,PA
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Originally Posted by Assegai
A wiring diagram would be useful. A short can be difficult due to the fact you're blowing fuses as soon as power is applied.

A Volt-Ohmeter (VOM) might be useful. What you want to do is identify the fuse that supplies the voltage. Then with the VOM (set to low scale resistence x1) and with the fuse removed, measure across the load end of the fuse holder to ground. Try to recreate the short condition - the VOM will indicate a dead short. When the condition is recreated disconnect the handlebar connectors until the short disappears - hopefully at this point you've identified the circuit. Now, using the VOM, probe each connector pin for a fault. Again, hopefully at this point you've identified the run with the short.
Solved!
Assegai great advice with the VOM, mine has an audible tone when grounded, with your tip I was able to reproduce the short and track down the short to a harness grounded on the cooling fins of the radio.

A great piece of advice, many thanks!
Rob
 
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Old Jul 2, 2013 | 10:38 AM
  #4  
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lasvegasrick
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From: las vegas nevada
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check the wires running across the verical faring mounts,thats where mine had a short when you turned the bars,thats where my wires rubed and shorted
 
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Old Jul 2, 2013 | 11:12 AM
  #5  
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HDSAE60
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From: Broken Bow Oklahoma
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a test light works good too if you can get it place of the fuse. remove the bulb turn on the power and the test light will only burn when the short is made. the test light wont carry much current so your harness is protected.
 
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