Electrical woes

Discussion in '5th Generation 1998-2001' started by Seriesman, Jun 25, 2021.

  1. Seriesman

    Seriesman New Member

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    driving along yesterday and the lh indicator light on the dash lights up. then notice the indicators wont work with headlights on! just checked it all again in the garage and notice i have one bright headlight and the other is dim.
    bike looks like its winking at me lol.
    i'm guessing its an earthing fault. looks like i wont be going riding this weekend !
     
  2. KarlR

    KarlR New Member

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    I agree. Sounds like a bad ground (earth) connection in the front of the bike.
     
  3. raYzerman

    raYzerman Member

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    Check the chassis ground on the right side of the frame and the infamous orange ground spider left side, taped into the main harness near the R/R.
     
  4. vfrgiving

    vfrgiving New Member

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    Before you start tearing off bodywork, try something very simple. Turn the bike on to energize your headlights. On the one that's dim, reach down and forward of the handlebars and push in+wiggle on the black connector the bulb is plugged into and see if it suddenly gets brighter as you play with the connector.

    You can also pull the affected bulb, inspect the condition of the filaments. Swap in a new one or move the unaffected bulb over to that side and see what happens.
     
  5. Seriesman

    Seriesman New Member

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    Too late bodywork is off lol. Changed bulbs no difference still same fault. Flasher unit is squealing at times as well. Huge taped area on left hand frame rail loom looks like some nasty repairs going on there. will cut it open and check it as well as all the earth points.
     
  6. Seriesman

    Seriesman New Member

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    That appears to be it fixed. Cleaned all connectors and applied dielectric grease. Checked and cleaned the earths cut and repaired a few dodgy wires. All good now.
    Unfortunately since the bodywork was off I've removed the rusty downpipes to replace with a black widow system, and as the down pipes are off I've decided to replace the rear shock . Just hope the good weather holds I'm desperate to get out now lol.
     
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  7. VFRIRL2

    VFRIRL2 New Member

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    Well did you get her sorted out ok and back on the road?
     
  8. Seriesman

    Seriesman New Member

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    Yes all went smoothly and bike back on road.
     
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  9. skimad4x4

    skimad4x4 "Official" VFRWorld Greeter

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    Good to hear - at one point you seem to be heading down the rabbit hole - fixing one thing but spotting something else whilst at it - which can become a never ending chore. The old if it is not broken leave it alone is a good maxim - so go ride your VFR whilst you still have some decent weather.
     
  10. Seriesman

    Seriesman New Member

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    Yes it was looking like i'd get lost in jobs to do!
    All winter work now as trying to get some miles in before the weather changes.
     
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